A Certified Nursing Assistant Instructor is an individual who plays a vital role in guiding, directing and assisting Nursing Assistants around their career. CNAs are professionals in the healthcare field and their roles include providing the best quality care to patients at hospitals, nursing homes or other healthcare facilities. They take a 6-12-week training program, pass the certification exam and then qualify to take care of patients.
The great hand behind the success of CNAs is the hand of the CNA Instructor! Certified Nursing Assistant instructors ensure that their students receive the right education and are equipped with the skills required before they start working in the field.
CNA Instructors are basically Registered Nurses (RN) who have experience in caring for patients and elderly individuals and have completed a CNA Instructor certification program. They are aware of the duties and responsibilities of a Certified Nursing Assistant and are able to supervise and guide nursing assistants when providing care to patients.
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How to become a CNA Instructor?
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant instructor, individuals will be required to first attend training at a nursing school. You can of course get free CNA training in some states.
Second, obtain RN licensure.
Third, gain some relevant on-the-job experience.
Step four is to complete the certification course.
Step five requires you to gain employment as a CNA instructor; you can be employed at a university’s medical facility or even at a hospital to assist and guide CNAs.
Lastly, pursue an advanced degree. In order to be able to teach more advanced students, you will be required to advance in your career and take some continuing education courses to update yourself on current nursing knowledge and skills.
Training Program for CNA Instructors
The training program for Certified Nurse Assistant Instructors aims to teach individuals on how to instruct and guide students about nursing essentials. It is a 1-week training course and comprises of various necessary skills including planning out the important things to share with CNAs. These individuals will also learn the skills and techniques of teaching so that the difficult parts are also simplified for students. Most importantly, instructors are trained on how to assess the skills of their students and assist them where necessary.
Upon successful completion of the nursing assistant training program, graduates gain employment at nursing homes, hospitals and other medical facilities to assist in taking care of ill patients or elderly individuals. These CNAs will require training on how to provide care for the patients and therefore, CNA instructors will first have to learn how to care for these patients so that they can teach their students the correct way.
The training course for CNA instructors aims to train potential instructors and prepare them to be able to teach and guide CNAs on how to provide care for patients. On completion of the training course, instructors will be required to take and pass an exam in order to receive their license and qualify to train CNAs. A licensed CNA instructor can be employed at local community colleges, nursing schools and high schools.
Online training course
CNA instructors can even complete the training course online at a flexible and convenient schedule. Students can take the program from the comfort of their home, as long as they have a smartphone, laptop or tablet and a strong internet connection. the program covers various topics including; adult learning principles, teaching and evaluation methods, course planning, communication skills for a multi-cultural student population etc. Individuals will also learn how to prepare students to successfully complete the examination. At the end of the course, instructors will be equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to instruct and guide their students.
The duties and responsibilities of a CNA Instructor
A CNA instructor must teach CNAs according to the course curriculum that will prepare them to pass the certification exam.
Instructors teach students to regularly check on their patients, record any changes and ensure that their patient’s condition is stable.
An instructor provides training on first aid and teaches students how to take and record vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure and pulse rate.
CNA instructors teach their students on how to properly lift weights as they may be required to lift patients, transfer them or move heavy equipment.
Training students on providing the best care for patients and how to assist them with personal hygiene, bathing, feeding etc.
CNA instructors must communicate effectively with their students, staff at clinical training facilities and prospective employers.
Encourage and motivate students to participate, skills development and good patient care.
Job Opportunities for a Certified Nurse Assistant Instructor
CNA Instructors can find jobs in hospitals, medical facilities at colleges, technical schools and universities.
The average salary (as of 2020) for a CNA instructor per year ranges between $41,023 and $72,322.
Certified Nurse Assistant Instructors assist and guide individuals who have just graduated from high school and are interested in building a career in nursing. CNA instructors also assist nurses who wish to advance in their career and seek to expand their skills and knowledge.
CNA instructors usually divide their time between work places for example; 9am-1pm at a college or university and 2pm-6pm at a healthcare facility close by. They spend their day preparing notes, practice tests and lectures for their students. CNA instructors even constantly research and update themselves with current nursing theory. Students look up to instructors as an inspiration and often seek advice from the too!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to be a qualified CNA instructor?
Requirements vary depending on what state you live in, however, most states require individuals to complete a training program, CNA certification, job experience and to be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to guide and assist students.
How are the clinical skills done?
Clinical skills and training is done in an approved lab setting. Once students have completed the theory potion, the training center will set a time for individuals to attend and complete the clinical skills training at the center.
What will I learn in the training course?
- You will learn how to teach the students
- Instructional methods
- Characteristics of the students that you’ll be instructing
- You will learn how to prepare lesson plans and the course curriculum