The medical field is constantly changing and evolving and medical professionals are expected to stay current in their respective fields. CNA’s are no different which is why the state board has required each CNA to take a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education each year.
CNA continuing education includes learning about domestic violence, CPR, HIV and AIDS as well as residents rights and learning how to prevent medical errors. Other courses such as hydration and nutrition or special needs and skin care will help cna’s meet their twelve-hour minimum.
CNA’s are also required to keep an accurate record of the amount of hours they have accumulated toward their cna continuing education requirement. An accurate record will help in the event the state board audits them. In-service hours are mandatory if a cna wants to keep their certification for the following year. Disciplinary action can be taken against those who do not comply before the year is finished. CNA’s have the option of completing one hour each month or all twelve at once.
It is important for CNA’s to stay current on the many issues that may affect the patients they work with on a daily basis. Continuing their education will help them perform their duties much more efficiently and competently. CNA’s are on the front lines and see patients much more often than some doctors, which makes learning all they can that much more important.
Some individuals come into medical facilities for multiple reasons and a one-size fit all approach can be potentially harmful to the patient as well as the certified nursing assistant. A domestic violence patient will not necessarily need the same care as an HIV and AIDS infected patient. The level of care may be different for each individual patient.
CNA continuing education programs provides cna’s with new skills to handle different situations that may arise within their field. 60 minutes of a continued education course is equal to one hour towards the twelve-hour minimum to gain renewal each year. Taking the continuing education courses in a timely manner will allow cna’s to submit their time logs in on time. This is especially important if they want to continue working. Without the proper certification they may not be able to come to work until the issues is handled properly.
Each state’s requirements are different so learning which is required by your state will help save time.
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