Becoming a CNA - Indiana

A Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) provides a supplemental services to nursing home staff and home care families. They usually work in a Senior home, residential, hospital, and home-care settings; as well as attending to patients who need help with bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, moving about, eating, and dressing. They also help with medical equipment and taking patient vitals. To become an Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) CNA, click the link to go to the: Home Page Registry. Although, many states follow the same form of training, some require more or less duties, regulations, and rules on becoming certified with the State that you live in. Visit the Home Page of your state to know the requirements to become a CNA in which you live.

1.) Knowing what your responsibilities are as a CNA

CNA stand for Certified Nurse Aide/ Assistant. Being a CNA means being a member of the health care team and nursing staff, working under the Supervision of a Licensed Nurse, an Registered Nurse (RN) and/or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and/ or Supervisor (Usually a medical professional or doctor).

A CNA's Job is hands-on training. You will provide care to patients, residents, clients, and customers. It's a busy job and hours are usually long, as patients and some home care clients do require 24/7 care. Many of your clients and patients will suffer from dementia or Alzheimer's or another related form of dementia. (To Learn more about dementia)
Generally in the realm of non-invasive procedures. Assistance is a big part of your job role, and will consist of bathing, toileting issues, dressing, eating, and oral care (and shaving in some states) which patients can not perform these tasks alone. Also, expect that you will also monitor vital signs, assure patient safety, as well as, assist licensed nurses perform medical duties depending on your state's regulations and rules. Home-care will also included by not limited by to also monitoring diet plan, monitor medications, meal preps, and errands and shopping, and pay bills.
Although not a glamorous career, it is important. You're responsible for assuring patient's are treated with respect and dignity and are the bridge of communication gap between the patient care and the head nurse on staff or supervisor. Important information is transferred from patient to nurse via the CNA.

Requirements by the State of Indiana:

2.) Shadow a CNA for the Day

A CNA is not like other medical professional pursuits. It's highly rewarding work and also very challenging. As a CNA professional, your work will involve mostly hands-on care, the best way to know if you are up to the task would be to witness an Aide in action.

If you are currently still attending high school, they may offer a Shadow a Professional for a Day program or even check with Student Affairs to see if they offer Training Programs as College credit towards becoming a CNA.
Call around to some of the local Nursing homes or hospitals in the area, even if they don't have preexisting programs for shadowing nursing assistants, they might be willing to work with you if you express interest.

3.) Educating yourself on Career Expectations

Although many choose CNA as a long-term career, other use it as a stepping stone into other medical professions. Figure out why you want to be a CNA and whether you hope to advance to other positions.

Compassion is a Key to becoming a CNA, you must have a genuine desire to help people that will fuel your through difficult times. A Nursing home or hospital is a fast-paced environment and will keep you on your toes. Many people who join this field do initially become overwhelmed by the demand of work. However, home care can be a little slower but with more traveling between clients or patients depending your schedule, as most shifts are 2 hours, unless your on mid-nights or over-night stays, and the clients needs
Communication is also another important key as a CNA, you will be providing the most career and be with the clients and patients through the day, even in home care, every client has a care plan that must be followed and update regularly. You are the
CNA's do not make a high pay, especially when compared to licensed nurses salaries. However, on the upside of things, your career is always in high demand. The lack of direct care has been a major issue in facilities and hospitals across the country. Job Security and availability is greater in this career field. Home-care is another one which is growing in a fast-paced opportunity, as more families move toward trying to have care in their loved one's homes. A great place to register is on Care.com, although you have to pay a member fee and background check (this would have to be done
Understand and be knowledgeable on HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act) and applies to health plans, health care clearinghouses, and to any health care provider who transmits health care information in written or electronic form in connection with transactions for which the Secretary of HHS has Standards under HIPPA Laws.
Laws and Regulations for Indiana CNA Programs: To learn more visit... Indiana Requirements