THE CNA (continued)
For this reason, the Front Range Nurse Aide Training Program encourages anyone to enroll in our unique program who is willing to take the training seriously and to act and operate in a professional manner. Although the training is intense, it is also very fun and fulfilling and most who graduate from the program simply sum it up as "awesome"!
CNAs are key members of medical care teams, regardless of whether the work is in a nursing home, skilled nursing facility, hospice, home-care agency, doctor’s office, clinic or hospital. In fact, the CNAs generally spend more time with the patients or residents than any other member of the medical care teams!
CNA training is heavily regulated by State and Federal laws. Those that pass our course are eligible to apply for an opportunity to take the Colorado Nurse Aide Competency and Evaluation Program Exams (State Boards). Once they pass the State Boards, “certification” is granted by the Colorado State Board of Nursing (BON). This certification not only bestows the "C" in CNA, it also confirms that the person has been technically and professionally trained. Furthermore, it establishes the CNA as the lowest "professional level position" on a medical care team. As a result, CNAs are expected to act and operate in a professional manner as a contributing member of these medical care teams. This is very important because not only are the other members of the medical care teams depending on the CNA to perform certain skills, so are the patients and residents who are depending on the CNA for much of their care.
Acting and operating in a professional manner generally means three things: First, you are acting within the scope-of-services for which you were properly trained and which is defined by the Colorado Nurse Aide Practice Act; second, you operate at all times in a respectful manner, and; third, you are fulfilling the specified duties and expectations that are defined by the job description for the position that you fill.
Because the facility (employer) defines the job description for each member on the medical care team, a CNAs job description can vary from facility to facility. Keep in mind that these job descriptions are often influenced by State regulations and even by insurance restrictions that the employer may carry. Many facilities provide supplemental training that can greatly expand your job description which can result in higher pay. However, taking advantage of supplemental training requires consent from the supervisors. In the real world, consent is usually granted only to those who act and operate in a professional manner.
