Author: vitawerks

Certified Nursing Assistants are irreplaceable in any healthcare facility. They are entrusted with direct patient care, under the watchful eye of a supervising nurse. From bathing and dressing patients, to carrying them around, to providing emotional support, CNAs carry out basic yet essential healthcare duties. 

Though it is seen as an “entry level position,” the weight of its responsibilities should not be underestimated. It is common for new CNAs to struggle, in the beginning, and that is fine. It can take some time to acclimate yourself to the pressure and workflow of a healthcare setting, even as a “mere” CNA. With the right mindset and the tips listed below, you will thrive in your Nurse Aide role in no time whatsoever. 

Bring spare clothes with you

Healthcare work can get messy. From blood, to medications and more, your clean clothes might end up wet or stained at any moment by biohazardous materials. Bringing clean, dry spare clothes allows you to stay comfortable, if this ever happens. You can leave them in your backpack or your locker room, if your facility provides you with one. 

All this applies to your gloves as well. Your gloves are even more likely to get stained than your clothes, since you will be directly handling wet and/or biohazardous material with them. As long as you bring an extra pair of clean gloves with you, you should be fine.

Reach out to your patients

Direct patient care requires a lot of trust. Bathing, dressing, and personal grooming are sensitive and personal daily routines normally done in private. Moreover, hospitalization can be an intimidating and overwhelming process. It is the job for every CNA (and healthcare professional in general) to foster a welcoming environment for these patients. 

To the best of your capacity, try to forge a real (yet professional) connection with your patients. You can find a common ground by asking about any shared hobbies or interests you may have. Make it clear you are listening to them, and routinely ask them about their status or any concerns they may have. With this, patients will be far more comfortable and willing to provide useful patient information. 

Diligently report patient information 

CNAs are expected to document critical patient information, as they provide care. This allows the healthcare team to gain a better understanding of the patient’s status, and create a care plan tailored to their needs. Understandably, you can expect to write down a lot of patient reports during your time as a CNA. Be thorough with the notes you wire, but make sure you are only documenting relevant patient information. This includes notable medical history, any potential side effects to their medication or treatment plan, and more.

For new nurse aides, it is highly recommended that you download and print out a nursing report template. This lets you save time with the reports, as you only need to fill out the information in a premade form. There are a number of nursing report templates available online, so you just have to find the one that best suits your workplace. You can even ask your fellow CNAs if they have templates they are willing to share. 

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes

You will be spending the bulk of your time on your feet, and moving about. If you are going to wear the same shoes for 12 hours, you might as well find a comfortable pair. There are a number of specialized nurse shoes that are slip resistant, waterproof, and easy to clean. Athletic shoes also work, since they are ready to take on the mileage of nursing work.  There are also clogs that boast the durability and comfort that every HCP needs.

The same applies for scrubs as well. As an HCP, your key concerns should be comfort, durability and stylishness. Of course, you want to make sure that the clothing material is light, and breathable. At the same time, you have to make sure it is durable enough for long shifts and machine wash/drying. Though technically optional, everyone feels better when they look good. You can find a sleek, form fitting set of scrubs that still falls in line with your company’s uniform policy .

Be open to learning

You are at the very beginning of your HCP journey. Even after years of training and education, there are some things you can only learn from firsthand experience. Instead of feeling discouraged by this, embrace the challenge. Take advantage of every opportunity you have, to learn on the job. You can look for a mentor, either with a nurse or another, more tenured CNA. They can provide actionable advice and can even help with training certain skills. If you are ever unsure about something, do not be afraid to ask questions.

Even outside of your shift, you should embrace this mentality. As we know, healthcare is constantly changing, with regards to best practices and technology. Try to find opportunities to attend seminars, conferences, or lectures regarding all the new developments of healthcare. If these are accredited and recognized by your State Nursing Board, these hours can even be counted in your Continuing Education requirements. 

Learn how to work in a team

As the old saying goes, no man is an island. To thrive in healthcare, CNAs need to learn how to work in a team setting. From Licensed Practical Nurses, to doctors, and even fellow CNAs, you will be collaborating with different people from various backgrounds and positions. Do your best to build a rapport with your team members while keeping things professional. This means getting to know them and even sharing lunch, but avoiding needless drama or gossip. 

Do not be afraid to ask for help, when needed. If your hands are full, do not be afraid to ask a fellow CNA for help, in completing your tasks for the day. This cannot be a one way exchange, either. If they or any other team member asks for help, you should be willing to lend a helping hand every now and then. If your workload is truly at capacity, politely turn them down but promise that you will help them some other time. As with all things, it is all about striking a balance.

Nursing is a fast-growing profession. Widespread shortages and turnover have led to steadily increasing demand. An “average” annual employment growth rate of 6% is accompanied by a projected 203,000 new RN openings per year. No doubt, nurses will be highly sought after and well compensated for years to come. The field has gained so much popularity that many have sought to pursue it as a second career. Even individuals in the middle of different career paths have chosen to dip their toes in healthcare. To learn how or why you should pursue nursing as a second career, read on.

How can I become a nurse now? 

You may be asking yourself this question: is it too late for me to become a nurse, Luckily, the answer is a resounding no. Nursing schools have provided a variety of flexible educational opportunities for individuals looking to jumpstart their HCP careers later in life. Although there are more options than ever, you still need to put the work in to get up to speed. 

There are two main routes to becoming a registered nurse: an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The former is quicker and lets you become an RN in two years. For context, a full BSN program takes around 4. The tradeoff is the prestige and extra weight of a BSN. Your additional education and training will make you a more attractive candidate by default. Without fail, healthcare employers will prioritize BSN RNs over ADN RNs.

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can apply for an Accelerated BSN program that only takes 2 years. Just keep in mind that the curriculum is extremely compressed and highly demanding. This is the quickest way to pivot into RN work, from another field. After you graduate, you have to pass a standardized certification exam known as the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This ensures that all certified RNs meet the national requirements for skill, knowledge, and competence before they enter the workforce. 

There are also RN-to-BSN Bridge Programs for ADN RNs who want to improve their education. These only take one to two years to complete, and you can more easily maintain your clinical job while you study. 

How do I pursue education if I have a second job? 

Juggling the work you already have with additional study can be difficult. Accelerated BSN programs in particular can be incredibly challenging. Luckily, the modern-day student has a variety of online options at their fingertips. There are accredited online versions of every RN program type available. It will still be challenging, but the remote setup affords flexibility for working students. 

Depending on where you enroll, you may also find the option to complete course material at your own pace (although this will make it slower to complete your course.) If you have the bandwidth, you can also opt into evening or weekend classes, to better accommodate for your work schedule. Just keep in mind that you still have to fulfill skills tests and clinical rotations in person. 

You also want to look into employment support and tuition reimbursement. Some RN programs can get expensive, and not everyone has the resources to afford them immediately. Academic institutions in particular may offer a certain amount of credits for every hour worked. Just keep in mind that not every workplace offers these services. 

Go out there 

Pursuing nursing as a second career is not an easy business. It takes fortitude, dedication, and diligence to maintain your studies and your previous professional obligations. With enough determination, however, it is not impossible. Provided that you understand what you are getting yourself into, you will eventually get to where you want to be. Nursing is a challenging business, but it is an exciting and constantly evolving field. Moreover, it allows you to affect the lives of others in a direct, meaningful way. It may be a challenge, but no other job compares. 

Certified nursing assistant roles are seen as the perfect “entry-level” position. Compared to other HCP roles, the cost of education and the length of training is nowhere near as dramatic. Many aspiring Registered Nurses have become CNAs to build work experience and earn money while they further their education.

The exact process of becoming a CNA varies, from state to state. Each State Board of Nursing has their own different CNA certification process and set of requirements. To simplify things, this guide will go over how to become a CNA in your state and will point you to official State Board of Nursing resources, for further information.

How to Become a CNA

 Step 1: Acquire educational requirements

While the process of becoming a CNA differs from state to state, there is a general outline that most State Boards of Nursing roughly follow. For instance: across the board, the CNA educational requirement is far less stringent, compared to other HCP roles. You need to possess at least a high school diploma or a General Education Degree (GED).

Step 2: Complete state-approved training

Once you have your requirements, you can apply for your post-secondary CNA education and training program of choice. Your hours will usually be split between classroom lectures, laboratory tests, and clinical rotations. How long your program lasts depends on the state.

You can find these courses in vocational schools, community colleges or even a number of healthcare institutions. You have to be sure that your institution of choice has been approved by the State Board of Nursing. If it is not, then you will not qualify for the certification exam and, by extension, CNA certification itself.

Step 3: Take the competency test

After you graduate from your CNA program, you will usually have to take a state competency test. You have to pass these tests if you want to obtain your certification. Most of these exams will be split between a written portion, an oral portion, and a practical skills test. You want to read up and study well before your exam is scheduled. Refer to your instructors for advice and further review material.

Step 4: Acquire CNA certification

Congratulations! You are now a state-certified nursing assistant. You can now apply for CNA jobs within the state, take up a CNA role with your current employer, or book temporary shifts with VitaWerks. Be sure to keep up to date with your continuing education requirements. Many states also require CNAs to work a minimum amount of clinical hours within their certification period, if they want their licensure to stay active.

What are the state-specific requirements?

As was mentioned earlier, the specific CNA certification process is determined by the State Board of Nursing. From the length of CNA lessons to the set of requirements, you want to learn the certification process of your home state before anything else. For your reference, we have gone over the specific CNA state requirements for these select territories.

California:

At the bare minimum, you must be 16 years old (or older) and have a clear criminal record. From there, you have to complete a program that has been approved by the California State Board of Nursing. This exam will test your knowledge of direct and basic patient care, along with your practical skills.

Connecticut:

In Connecticut, CNAs must first complete a program approved by the Connecticut State Board of Nursing. These training courses are a minimum of 100 hours long and will be carried out in collaboration with a Registered Nurse with at least two years of work experience. At least one of those years must have taken place in a licensed chronic/convalescent nursing home or rest home with a supervision setting.

Applicants must also complete 16 hours in the following fields: Resident’s Independence, Residents Rights, Infection Control, Safety and Emergency Procedures including the Heimlich Maneuver, and Communication/Interpersonal Skills. During your training program, you will learn 25 crucial clinical skills. In the clinical section of the exam, you will be tested on 5 of them, which are selected randomly.

Rhode Island:

RI-based CNAs have to pass a state-approved training program. They have to be at least 100 hours and include at least 20 hours of on-site, hands-on training.

Maine:

In Maine, CNAs are expected to complete 180 hours of training, from a state-approved educational institution. This is the largest hour requirement listed in the article. These hours are split between 70 hours of supervised clinical rotations, 20 hours of laboratory training, and 90 hours of classroom instruction.

Once you have completed your training, you will receive a Certificate of Equivalent Training, proving that you have completed the necessary CNA training. Depending on the certificate, the Registry can determine whether or not you can immediately join the CNA registry, or must take further competency testing. You can only practice if you are listed as “active” in the state’s CNA registry.

New Jersey:

NJ-based CNA applicants must fulfill a state-approved Nurse Aide in Long Term Care Facilities Training program. These classes consist of 90 hours, split between 40 clinical rotation hours and 50 classroom hours. In New Jersey, you can find training in one of the following institutions: a vocational school, community college, or a long-term care facility you are currently employed by.

Once you have completed your training, you must take and pass the Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). Students who have not completed a state-approved nursing program can still take the NATCEP, if they fall within the two exceptions:

 

• They are a graduate nurse, a nurse with a license in a foreign country, or a student with proof that they completed a course that covers the fundamentals of nursing.
• You can submit proof that you have completed a course covering the fundamentals of nursing within 12 months preceding the exam. This includes (but is not limited to):
  • Training as a military nurse aide
  • Proof of completion for the Long-Term Care Module of the Core Curriculum for Unlicensed Assistive Personnel along with the Core Curriculum for Unlicensed Assistive Personnel.
  • Certification as a homemaker-health aide and successful completion of the Long-Term Care Module of the Core Curriculum for Unlicensed Assistive Personnel.

Pennsylvania:

To qualify for PA’s Nurse Aide Test, first-time applicants must complete a state-approved CNA course within 24 months before their application. This list contains the approved training programs, as of July 2023. From there, you can fill out a registration form (with the supervision of your school, a facility member, and/or your employer) to place your name in the Nurse Aide Registry and begin your exam.

The test itself is a mix of 70 multiple-choice questions, 60 oral questions, and 10 reading comprehension questions. You will also be asked to fulfill a skills test, where you will demonstrate 5 randomly selected nurse aide skills.

You may not put much thought into it, but you will be wearing your scrubs throughout your entire 8 to 12-hour shift. You want to make sure you find a set that makes you feel comfortable, all throughout. At the same time, there is a level of professionalism that HCPs are expected to maintain. How the Registered Nurses or Nurse Aides present themselves reflects directly on the company, and your uniform is a key part of this.

On top of comfort and professionalism, you want scrubs that look good on you. It may not seem important, but feeling stylish can be a subtle, but appreciated confidence booster. When you are saving lives, these seemingly meaningless margins can mean the world.  The best HCPs deserve the best work uniforms that marry form and functionality. In this article, we will go over some of the most well-received scrubs brands for 2023.

For Women

Wonderwink

 If you are a female nurse in the market for a form-fitting yet snug set of scrubs, then Wonderwink may be what you are looking for. The scrubs are cut closer to your shape to marry a stylish, flattering look along with comfort. The mix of rayon, polyester and spandex fabrics ensures that HCPs can wear these scrubs throughout the day without worrying about skin irritation or chaffing. We highly recommend the WonderWink Women’s Origins Bravo Scrub Top, which boasts 4.1 stars on Amazon, over 16,000+ reviews at the time of writing. Priced at $18.98, customers have praised these tops for their incredible quality given their price range. If you are looking for an affordable yet quality product, Wonderwink is as good as it gets for female HCPs.

 Cherokee

Easily one of the most acclaimed and renowned brands listed here, you cannot go wrong with Cherokee’s scrubs. Whether you are a man or a woman, they consistently put out high-quality HCP scrubs and products. Their fabric mix maintains a light, breathable feel while boasting enough durability to be washer-friendly. Cherokee’s scrubs are comfortable and easy to wear, without sacrificing the utility, durability, and quality that you want out of your work scrubs. Among their catalog, the Cherokee Women Scrubs Top Workwear Revolution V-Neck WW620 currently holds a 4.6 rating across 29,000+ Amazon user reviews. Depending on your size, the price will range from $23.99 to $27.57. In particular, users love the feel of the thin material, the breadth of plus-size options, and the snug, form-fitting fit.

Grey’s Anatomy

Created by Barco, this line of sleek nursing outfits is more than just a tie-in to the eponymous TV show. With a premium fabric blend of polyester and rayon, the Grey’s Anatomy scrubs are guaranteed to provide a comfortable fit that does not skimp out on style or sleekness, in the slightest. Side vents and princess seaming further increase the sense of lightness and breathability that is valued out of a modern-day set of scrubs. In addition, the material is durable and flexible enough to withstand machine washing and countless HCP shifts. Although certain sets can get pricey, these scrubs are a perfect all-in-one package that any female HCP should consider. BARCO Grey’s Anatomy Women’s Mia Top sits at a 4.6 rating with around 2,300 user reviews and a $28.99. Though some users have noted a ‘smaller than expected” fit, the product is generally beloved for its stylishness, comfortable material, and form-fitting qualities.

 FIGS Scrubs

 If you feel like spending extra on a set of high-quality nursing outfits, then you want to consider FIGs scrubs. Their proprietary FIONx fabric mix ensures comfort, while “Silvadur technology” protects HCPs from bad body odor. The durable material also protects against wrinkles, thanks to its moisture-wicking and four-way stretch quality. Throughout your shift, FIGS scrubs remain dry and durable without sacrificing any breathability or comfort. You still want to follow the washing instructions, unlike some of the other scrubs listed, but the sheer quality more than makes up for this. As the cherry on top, the FIGS Casma Scrub Tops for Women provides a v-neck look for HCPs who want to stay stylish while mixing things up a little. Though the current price of $48.00 is a significant step up, the product’s 4.8 Amazon rating over 2,700+ reviews is a testament to its quality. For some users, the figure fit is not what they expected, but the comfort and quality of the material are acclaimed all throughout.

For Men

 Dickies

 No doubt you are already well aware of Dickies’ for their jeans, work shirts and overalls. On top of all these, the company provides some of the best men’s scrubs currently available in the market. Dickies’ scrubs boast four-way stretching fabric that increases durability without sacrificing any breathability. This makes their scrubs very washing machine friendly, which increases their value further. Uniquely, these outfits also have an athletic aesthetic that resembles workout gear, which allows you to stand out from the crowd without looking too jarring. In particular, we highly recommend the Dickies Dynamix Scrubs for Men. Currently, the price sits at $32.99 while it holds a 4.6 rating on Amazon, across 3,000+ reviews. Along with quality fabric material, the v-neck and athletic cut make this an excellent option for male HCPs who want to mix things up. This is all while maintaining an exceptional level of quality and functionality.

 Dagacci 

Maybe you want to save some money on scrubs. Even on a budget, there are a number of high-quality options available to the working man. Dagacci has built a reputation for good quality HCP outfits sold at a bargain price. Their polyester and cotton blended poplin still provide the comfort and malleability that any HCP wants out of their work outfit. This material also maintains a level of durability that allows it to survive the machine wash fine. The style and v-neck cut also offers a stylish look, regardless of the figure. The Dagacci Scrubs Medical Uniform Men’s Scrub Set boasts all these qualities while being sold at a reasonable $23.99. At a 4.3 Amazon rating with over 5,900+ reviews, you are guaranteed the bang for your buck.

Carhartt

For centuries, Carharrt has built a reputation as one of the best work outfit manufacturers in the entire world. Unsurprisingly, the company also provides some of the best men’s scrubs available on the market, right now. Carhartt’s scrubs boast a subtle but rugged styling and cut. Mel HCPs can finally express their individuality and masculinity in a reasonable, understated way. Its fabric blend of cotton and polyester maintains the perfect durability and flexibility for machine washing while providing HCPs with the comfort and breathability that they deserve. With a strong appearance that preserves form functionality, the Carhartt Men’s Ripstop Utility Scrub Top receives a resounding seal of approval. Its $23.98 price tag is attainable for the working man, while a 4.6 Amazon rating over 3,300+ reviews is a further testament to its quality.

Cherokee

 As was mentioned earlier, Cherokee provides perfect options for both male and female HCPs alike. The blend of durability, stylishness, comfort, and customizability has few equals in the market today. As it is with the women, men have a bevy of options to choose from, on the Cherokee catalog. In particular, we highly recommend the Cherokee Scrubs for Men Workwear Professionals V-Neck Four-Pocket Scrub Top WW695. The price can range between $19.95 to $30.87, depending on the model you choose and your size. Regardless of what you take, you can rest assured that you are purchasing one of the highest-quality scrubs options available in your price range. At 4.6 over 9,700+ reviews at the time of writing, this is easily the best-reviewed item mentioned thus far. Users across the country have raved about its functionality, light-fitting material, and durability in the machine wash.