C.P.R. and Y.O.U.
Do you have to have your CPR certification to take the state CNA test? No. CPR (also known as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certification is not required for the CNA test – but there may be questions on the written exam that deal with emergency care. Getting your certification in CPR and First Aid can provide the knowledge that makes these questions easier to answer. However, most employers DO require CPR and First Aid certification...
Testing tip: Respirations and Alcohol Pads
Testing Tip: Respirations are easier to count if you place an alcohol pad on the patient’s abdomen. Why? Your eye is drawn to motion with contrasting colors. Since the alcohol pad packet is often colored differently than the patient’s clothing or sheets, it makes the small motions of breathing much more visible to the observer. This is not a necessary step, and is generally used during learning activities, but there is no rule that...
And your next course should be…
So you have your CNA certification and you want to know what your next step should be. There are so many courses out there, which one is right for you? Should you take an EKG course? Get certified in Phlebotomy? Take a Medication Assistance (commonly called “Med-Tech”) course? Obtain a Home Health Aide certificate? Go back to school for Medical Assistant? Enroll in a nursing program? Well, the simple answer is…where do you want to...
CNA to PCT – Easy as 1-2-3!
You have been roaming the jobs boards and see lots of openings for PCTs in the hospital, but very few CNA jobs listed. So, what exactly is a PCT and how can you get those jobs? The first thing you have to know is that a PCT (which stands for “Patient Care Tech”) is a CNA. Yep, that’s right, you are already halfway there if you already have your CNA certification. A PCT is being used more often in acute care clinical settings...
Side Rail Silliness
Side rails must be used to promote safety. Right? I mean, everyone knows this is true. Ask anyone on the street. We have seen it in movies and on TV. Many nurses will even tell you that side rails are essential and should always be used. The simple fact is that side rails are considered a restraint. “What?” you may ask. Let me explain. When you have a child and you don’t want them running around unattended, where do...