Continuing CNA Education - The Employers Role

Once someone receives Certified Nursing Assistantmaterial
(CNA) certification, the educational process does not· Subsidize all or part of a college course tuition and
end. Most states require that each CNA complete afees
certain number of hours of additional training each· Provide in-service training at the facility
year in order to renew a certificate. Since the medicalMany educational programs are available today that
facility cannot continue a CNAs employment if theirprovide continuing education to medical personnel.
certification expires, it is in the facilities best interestThe medical facility can contract with a local
to aide employees in obtaining the necessary trainingcommunity college or Allied Health school to provide
and education.ongoing CNA training. Or the facility may pay a
It is the facility that benefits to have their CNAsuniversity instructor to hold seminars in the medical
current on issues of new medical techniques, laws,facility.
equipment, and social issues. Some states will requireDo not forget your own qualified staff! There is a
some of the training be in a particular area whiletreasure trove of knowledge and experience within
other states leave it up to the CNA to decide theyevery facility. Registered nurses, physicians, and
topics they cover while continuing their educationtechnicians can provide accredited certification training
training. Topics include HIV/AIDS infection control,in many cases if they are also faculty at a medical or
medical records requirements, medicationnursing school. The number of hours of certification
administration, and resident rights.training needed depends on the state requirements.
A medical facility can also require that CNAs getThe classes offered to upgrade CNA skills do not
additional training in particular topics specificallyhave to only be offered for certification renewal
relevant to the facility as a condition of continuedpurposes. A medical facility needs the assurance that
employment. Continuing education courses andmedical staff is always technologically and skills
workshops can be offered in-house or made easiercurrent. Thanks to modern research methods, new
to access. There are a number of ways to make thisprocedures and treatments are introduced regularly.
happen.Staying on top of the rapid pace of change is not
· Offer online courses employees can complete onalways easy but offering frequent classes and
their own time and at their convenienceworkshops will help. Ensuring your staff is up to date
· Provide home study courses on DVD or as writtenwill only benefit the facility in the end.