What do you actually learn about in the CNA class?

[WKredz5]

I want to get a head start on learning, class starts on the 23'rd...

I've been doing Anatomy and Physiology this past week... when the thought came about "What the hell am I gonna learn at CNA besides how to properly behave around patients and how to talk to them"

Thanks

[Thujone]

bed side care procedures such as transferring client from bed to wheel chair, bed baths, measuring vitals, how to place a bed pan correctly, making an occupied bed... etc. It's a pretty fun class, enjoy.

[Thujone]

Also your state probably has a hand book with the skills listed for your state skills test online (w/e state ur in board of nursing site.)

[SentimentalGeek, ADN, RN]

Other than starting to learn infection control and good body mechanics, it's mostly common sense.

[northernguy]

The academic portion of the class is pretty simple, I wouldnt stress out about it. The A&P you learn is VERY basic. If there is anything remotely difficult about the class its simply memorizing all the steps for some of the skills you learn, such as making an occupied bed. They want things done a certain way in a certain order. Some people might have trouble mastering a few of the skills as well. Taking blood pressure seems to be the number one thing people fail on during their state test.

Some people find clinicals stressful, but im not sure if all CNA classes even have them. In my state I think something like 40 hours is mandatory. Clinicals being the portion of the class where you actually perform some of the duties of a CNA on actual patients/residents under supervision of an instructor. This part of the class is probably what best prepares someone for the job. I wouldnt take a CNA class that doesnt include a lot of clinical time.

[SentimentalGeek, ADN, RN]

I wouldnt take a CNA class that doesnt include a lot of clinical time.

I was extremely disappointed to find out the class I'm in no longer does clinicals. Their reasoning is that each facility will have orientation anyway. Lame! I think clinicals in the CNA class would give people a much better idea if it's something they even want to do. That and caring for a real living, breathing person is sooo much different than rolling a mannequin around. Sheesh.