Below is an interesting article about those concerns.

Concerns About Paying For Nursing Care Stays
by Mark Bradshaw

Americans are living longer. But along with that comes an increased chance that we will need nursing care in the future. Have you ever researched the cost of this type of care, either in a nursing home or, even, at home? It is not cheap. It can’t deplete savings very fast. That is why it pays to think about this issue in advance.

Long term care insurance (LTCi) is becoming more popular. People can buy it from private companies or get group coveage from their jobs. It covers different types of nursing care that people may need. Plans and prices vary, so you will have to look around to see if one is right for you.

Some are set up so the premiums can be deducted from federal taxes, and these are called tax qualified plans. Others are called non-tax qualified plans. They cannot be deducted.

In a few years, we should be getting more help from the CLASS act of health reform. It provides an optional program that people can choose on a voluntary basis. The new program is still not implemented, so I do not have all of the details. From what I understand, the payments will not be enough to cover the whole cost of nursing care, but it should help some people.

Of course, there are federal health plans today. But Medicare only pays for short nursing needs. Medicaid requies patients to spend most of their money and other assets in order to qualify. These are not perfect solutions either.

Some other alternatives may be considered. There are annuities and insurance policies with provisions for nursing care. There is not one right solution for all people, but it is very important to look into the alternatives in case you need it.

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When compared to campus courses, Red Cross CNA training ranks at the top of the list in terms of both low cost, and high-quality instruction. One benefit that campus courses still excel at is in the area of job placement. Most schools maintain a list of available employers and opportunities, and some have strong relationships with local hospitals, nursing homes, etc.

Depending on where in the country you live, the Red Cross probably has classes somewhere within driving distance. Of course this isn’t the case absolutely everywhere, but chances are better than good that you will find one not terribly far away. If you do live in one of those areas of the country where nothing is very close, then it becomes a moot point.

Cost is increasingly a factor for many people. Wherever you choose to get your Certified Nursing Assistant training and certification, it’s important to take advantage of available student loans. There are also a number of other grants and loans available.

In many cases, if you choose to train at a health-care facility such as a hospital or nursing home, they often will pick up the cost of your training.  Generally, the facility will want a commitment to work there in return for covering your costs. These commitments usually last for one to two years. For those people unable to afford the costs on their own however, this is a wonderful opportunity.

Becoming a CNA is still one of the most rewarding career choices a person can make. As a Nursing Assistant, you are doing something truly worthwhile with yourself, and legitimately making a difference in the lives of your patients, and their families. What makes this an even better career choice is that it is very lucrative, meaning you’ll have a well-paying job that you can feel good about. And just as importantly, CNA’s enjoy a “sellers market” as far as job prospects are concerned. There is an ongoing shortage of trained professionals, and in nearly every part of the country, you will have your choice of many, many job openings and work environments.

Red Cross CNA classes still top the list of training opportunities, however much more importantly than where you get your certification, is that you simply get it somewhere. This is a choice you will never regret, and an investment that will pay you both personal and financial benefits for the rest of your working life.

While the Red Cross CNA classes remain popular, they simply don’t have enough locations or classes to accommodate all those looking to become nurse assistants. This has led to increasing enrollment in online certification programs. Fortunately, there are excellent online alternatives to the Red Cross CNA training, including free CNA training online.

A nursing assistant’s tasks may include bathing and dressing up their patients, helping patients turn in bed to avoid bedsores, conducting a patient’s exerce routine, feeding a patient, changing sheets and cleaning patients rooms. With the CNA’s heavy responsibilities on the job, is taking up an Online Certified Nursing Assistant Program enough to prepare students for the tough job ahead, or is on-campus learning still a better choice?

Advantages

Taking up your classes online gives a lot of benefits for busy students like you. For one, online certified nursing assistant program schedules are extra flexible; they can be taken anytime since the learning process is asynchronous (a student doesn’t have to be online in the same time with a professor’s web cast) and you can take things at your own pace. What’s more beneficial is that a student can actually cut or extend his total training hours depending on how he handles activities, which is good for students aiming to graduate as soon as possible. This feature is only unique to these certain types of programs. Another advantage would be that being online provides an infinite source of information for students on all that medical research their curriculum would require from them.

Disadvantages

Although the benefits of being online seem too great for students, there are also great disadvantages to being a student of an online certified nursing assistant program. For one, direct interaction between the professor and student rarely take place, since online learning follows asynchronous processes. This means that any clarification for lectures might take some time to be resolved. Although online CNA programs promote the use of forums for inquiries, people do not always contribute the right information. Another major flaw in the program is that seventy percent of the students that graduate from it perform less well on the field than students coming from Universities that follow the traditional On-Campus training. Federal nurse aide training regulations require students to have a total of fifty hours of lessons and theories, and a total of a hundred hours on the field training.

In light on all of this, it really just depends on the student on which he thinks he can perform well. Hardworking busybodies should take up online programs like these for the extra flexible schedule, while students who are already used to campus training should stick to it. After all, nothing beats the experiences you get out of being a university student.

As you consider your options for CNA training, be sure to keep in mind the pro’s and con’s. That said, however you get your certificate, you will have achieved a major accomplishment and will be well on your way to one of the most rewarding careers anyone can have!

The level of difficulty is different for the different people, but it can be safely said that this type of training is relatively easy. You will study the most important aspects of medical subjects such as anatomy and physiology. If you were relatively good in biology as school, you will certainly find these disciplines to be relatively easy and even fun. You will also have classes and infection control. These are not necessarily more demanding, but they are definitely not pleasant. Still, you will not find it hard to go through these. Nutrition is also present as a subject. A lot of people will find the classes devoted to healthy dieting easy, interesting and rewarding. Generally, the schooling part of the training is not difficult and the majority of students complete it successfully. Those who go through Red Cross CNA classes will have an easy time of it.

How hard is CNA training in terms of hands-on experience? You will have to affirm and put into practice the skills you acquire in class during the so called clinical activities. This part of the training is not hard either, but you have to be focused and dedicated in order to make the most out of it and get the most beneficial results. Given that the course is relatively short, you will really need to use the practice time to improve your skills and gain as much experience as possible.

In order to do well in your CNA training you need to have an excellent class attendance record. You are allowed to miss no more than 6 hours so you really have to take this course seriously and have effective time management. A lot of people find it hard to be punctual and to attend all classes, but given that the training will be through in no more than 3 months, you can really afford to reduce your outings and even to sleep a bit less.

How hard is CNA training in terms of exams? You need to complete two tests successfully in order to become a certified nursing assistant. You have to pass the skills test first. Then you can be allowed to take the written one. You need 80% or higher on your final exam in order to get the certificate you dream of. This might seem way too high to some people, but as said earlier the knowledge and the skills you need to have are not particularly complex. Generally, as long as you study hard and put a lot of effort into practice, you will do great.

CNA training can be completed in as little as two weeks through a hospital or nursing home, slightly longer through the Red Cross CNA training, or through a community college training program in just a few months. Once training and licensing is completed, a Certified Nursing Assistant can  see an average starting salary between $11/hour and $14/hour.

Exactly how much a Certified Nursing Assistant earns will vary somewhat, depending on geographic location, workplace, experience, and other factors. A CNA working in a hospital in New York, for instance, will earn approximately 8% more than a similar position in  Arizona. Generally speaking, salaries follow COA’s or “Cost Of Living” indexes. The more expensive area’s such as the Northeastern US generally pay higher wages than the mid-West.

The type of position will have a bearing on earnings as well. Hospitals are usually the highest salary, followed by nursing homes, then patient homes. Even within a hospital, pay will vary by department: a nurse assistant working in ICU – the Intensive Care Unit – will often receive a slightly higher wage than a nurse assistant in a lower-stress department.

A working CNA can also expect their pay scale to go up with experience. As a profession, nursing – and Certified Nursing Assistants in particular – have a fairly high ‘burn-out’ rate. As the job often carries with it a great deal of physical and emotional stress and exhaustion, some people find they don’t want to stay in the field. One result is that the numbers of CNA’s with experience diminishes. Another result is that there are plenty of jobs in the field available.

In addition to base pay, most nurse assistant and medical assistant positions offer benefits, such as health coverage and retirement savings plans. While some nursing positions are filled through agencies, and those typically do not have the same types of benefits, most medical facilities and institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes, medical clinics, and such do offer excellent benefits packages to their employees.

The medical and health care fields are virtually recession-proof. Even in the toughest economic times, a properly licensed Certified Nursing Assistant rarely has difficulty finding a good-paying job. There were estimated to be over 500,000 individuals employed as nursing assistants, medical assistants, etc. in 2008.  As a profession, nursing assistants are ranked well above average in the field for job growth, job sustainability, and potential. It is expected to remain one of the market’s fastest-growing jobs for years to come.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projection, the projected growth rate for nurses aides and nursing assistants is expected to grow by a combined 28 percent. This is even faster than the medical health care field in general, far outpacing the expected 14 percent growth of LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurse) between the years 2006 and 2016.

By becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant, you take the first steps towards a rewarding and fulfilling career, unlike any other. As a medical professional, you will earn respect, personal satisfaction, job security, and financial safety.

The CNA exam is normally comprised of two parts – the written test and the practical skills test. The written portion basically concentrates on the overall medical procedures and concepts that have been learned while the student was in training.

Enrolling in a strong nursing assistant program such as the Red Cross CNA classes will help ensure that you will be well prepared for the exam. This type of course may last anywhere from several weeks to 3 or 4 months which includes the classroom training portion and several practical training classes as well, where you will learn the basics of clinical application uses to apply the skills you have been taught during your classroom time. Normally the clinical training is done by a registered nurse or nursing staff and involves directly working with patients.

Most of the individuals who passed the practical portion of the test say that the written part of the CNA exam is actually quite simple and fairly easy to pass if you have studied the books and manuals that are provided with the course.

However, the second portion of the exam, the CNA skills test, can be a bit more challenging; some places require that you bring someone with you that can act as your “visual aide” or “model” for you to perform your test on. You will be expected to demonstrate how well you know your skills set by using your aide as an example of the different things that may be required. During your Certified Nursing Assistant skills test the examiner may request that you demonstrate many different skills that you have learned during the course.

As a general rule they will ask that you complete anywhere from three to six different clinical skills which may include tasks such as repositioning your patient, taking their temperature, washing your hands, changing the bed linen or even holding the bedpan as part of your certification text.

Every step that you attempt and complete will be closely observed by the person that is giving you the exam; small things such as not knocking on a patient’s door before entering, washing your hands incorrectly or any other small detail may result in you not passing your Certified Nursing Assistant Exam. Remember to always remain composed and calm as your examiner will be checking to make sure that you are able to remain this way under true life stressful situations.

The CNA skills test and written exam is also observed by your state examiner, who carefully evaluates your performance. Many times they will also give you mock cases and then ask you to perform certain skill sets relating to that particular case. If you remember to pay attention to all details while studying then you should have no trouble passing the exam.

The money to provide free training classes comes from penalties collected from nursing homes that were fined by OSDH for delivering substandard care. It is possible that Certified Nursing Assistants from these very same nursing homes will be turn out to be beneficiaries of the scholarship, which has aims of improving overall patient care in long-term care facilities. The core of the free CNA program is to upgrade the skills and knowledge of nursing assistants to a level CNA 2. Tulsa Community College also offers more advanced training for those nursing assistants who wish to advance to the CNA 3 level, but this level is not currently funded.

To fund the program, the OSDH is using civil monetary penalties collected by the agency from nursing homes that were fined for delivering substandard care. CNAs who work with long-term care patients in nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities are eligible to apply for the OSDH-funded training. The aim of the program is to serve as a career ladder for working CNAs – appropriately named the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Career Ladder Program. The new course blends online learning with traditional classroom and lab work geared towards passing a CNA skills test. All students must have already completed online coursework and have reliable computer access in order to participate in this program.

All applicants to the program must be already accepted to Tulsa Community College. However, admission to the college does not guarantee admission into the free CNA training program, nor a guarantee of funding. Early application is encouraged, as funding and space is limited. In order to be eligible for funding consideration, all applicants must take and pass the College Placement Test (Reading and Sentence Skills only). The minimum score that an applicant must achieve is 80. Additionally, all applicants are expected to have completed a minimum of 12 college credit hours, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, all applicants must have worked in a health care facility for a minimum of six months. All applications must include a letter of recommendation from their administrator.

The free CNA training classes consist of 30 hours, comprising of 11 modules, each three hours long. The five full days of training will focus on safety, teamwork, aging and illness, communication, nutrition, quality of life, dementia care, the importance of family, culture change and restorative care, spirituality, and dying. Students will then need to take and pass the state exam to receive their CNA certification.

Within the state of Oklahoma, there are approximately 66,000 individuals on the CNA Registry certified or entitled to renew their licenses as long-term care aides. Most of the 66,000 are considered potentially eligible to apply to this free CNA program. Therefore, the competition is potentially very high, since only 900-1,000 students will be funded in 2010. If accepted, students will be notified by mail, which will also include information and instructions about immunization requirements, a criminal background check, and a drug screening test.

In addition to Oklahoma’s program, there are other free CNA training classes, some of which are available online. Be certain to check whether the training programs are specifically designed as preparation to take the CNA exam, or for general informational purposes.  Note that the Red Cross CNA classes are no longer free.

“Free CNA Training Classes” written by Brenne Meirowitz, B.A., M.S., M.A.

As of  September 08, 2009, the American Red Cross will have CNA training available in 36 cities across the U.S. If you are considering a career in health care, this program is a great way to begin. For many, beginning as a CNA (certified nursing assistant) is a steppingstone towards becoming a RN (registered nurse).

All training programs offered at the American Red Cross meet Federal CNA training standards, while each chapter designs its program to meet specific State licensing requirements, including the number of course hours and clinical training standards of practices and procedures. For example, the San Bernardino, California chapter program consists of a 164 hour course, while The ARC of Central Maryland course consists of 114 hours.

Training programs also differ in cost;  for instance, the San Bernardino chapter charges $1,750, while The Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter course costs $1,400.

The following is a list of American Red Cross chapters offering Certified Nurse Assistant training:

• Madison/Marshall County, Huntsville, AL
• American Red Cross of Central Alabama, Montgomery, AL
• American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
• Inland Empire, San Bernardino, CA
• American Red Cross, Sonoma & Mendocino Counties, Santa Rosa, CA
• South Central Connecticut, New Haven, CT
• Northeast Florida, Jacksonville, FL
• Central Panhandle, Panama City, FL
• Space Coast, Rockledge, FL
• Tampa Bay, Tampa, FL
• Southwest Georgia, Albany, GA
• Northeast Georgia, Gainesville, GA
• Coosa Valley, Rome, GA
• Hawaii State, Honolulu, HI
• Louisville Area, Louisville, KY
• American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay, Cambridge, MA
• Berkshire County, Pittsfield, MA
• Pioneer Valley, Springfield, MA
• American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts, Worcester, MA
• Central Maryland, Baltimore, MD
• Southeastern Michigan, Detroit, MI
• American Red Cross of the Twin Cities Area, Minneapolis, MN
• Elizabeth H. Dole Chapter, Salisbury, NC
• Concord Area, Concord, NH
• New Hampshire, West Keene, NH
• Great Bay, Portsmouth, NH
• Greater Cleveland, Cleveland, OH
• Keystone, Johnstown, PA
• Southeastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
• Allegheny Region, Reno, PA
• Black Hills, Rapid City, SD
• Hiwassee, Cleveland, TN
• Greater Richmond, Richmond, VA
• Green Mountain, Bennington, VT
• Chippewa Valley, Altoona, WI
• Lakeland, Green Bay, WI

You may get all local contact information and up-to-date program offerings of these CNA training classes and other American Red Cross locations by visiting the ARC main site at http://www.redcross.org/.

One of these includes training for Certified Nursing Assistants, who by law must meet the Federal requirement that all home health aides pass a competency test. Usually, a home health aide will receive free training before taking the competency test. Additionally, the National Association for Home Care and Hospice offers voluntary certification, particularly in states that require aides to be licensed.

Free training to prepare individuals for the CNA certification test are also offered by some high schools. While most home health aides and Nurse Assistants are generally not required to hold a high school diploma, most do.
The American Red Cross both trains and tests Certified Nursing Assistants. While it is relatively inexpensive compared to other paid programs, the Red Cross CNA class isn’t free. Another alternative is free CNA classes online, however many of these offer courses covering particular topics and skills, and may not cover everything necessary to pass the exam.

Some states, such as Florida, require that CNA’s complete a minimum of 12 hours of in-service training per year. However, certain exemptions may apply if the applicant can document that he or she was on active duty in the Armed Forces for a period of 6 months or more during the calendar year. Additionally, he or she must have been in good standing with the Board of Nursing and Certified Nursing Assistant Council at the time active duty began. Alternatively, if they are married to a member of the Armed Forces whose duty required the member leave the state of Florida prior to completing the minimum 12 hours of in-service training, he or she must submit proof of their spouse’s military status as well as appropriate documentation proving that the family was forced to leave the state due to active military service.

Basic topics addressed in CNA training classes include anatomy, body mechanics, physiology, infection control, nutrition, and communication skills. Students are also instructed in patient personal care and hygiene, such as bathing patients and teaching patients to bathe themselves, feeding patients and teaching patients to feed themselves, and grooming patients and instructing patients on how to groom themselves. Additional training is obtained while on the job, usually under the supervision of experienced aides, registered nurses (RN), or licensed practical nurses (LPN).

By Federal law, aides who work in nursing care facilities are required complete a minimum of 75 hours of state-approved training as well as pass a competency evaluation. CNA certification is awarded to the aide upon completion of the Medicare funded free CNA training course. Once certification is obtained, the CNA is then listed in the State registry of nurse aides.

The projected job growth rate for nursing assistants and nurses aides, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projection, is expected to grow a combined 28 percent, far outpacing the expected 14 percent growth of LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurse) between the years 2006 and 2016.

While the job growth rate for CNAs is tremendous, sometimes opportunities for advancement maybe somewhat limited in comparison to LPNs. It is advised therefore, that after gaining valuable experience in the nursing field that CNAs continue their education to obtain LPN, medical assistant, or RN (registered nurse) certification. For those who’s work might interfere with attending a campus program, online LPN nursing classes are a good alternative.

After completing the free CNA training courses, taking and passing the state exam, and receiving their certification, most CNAs work under the supervision of LPNs – obtaining invaluable on the job training experience. With certification in hand, the extraordinary benefits of lifelong job security and good pay, plus the personal and job satisfaction that come with careers in health care, are the well-earned rewards!

One of the best places to look for affordable nursing assistant training is the American Red Cross. Contact your local chapter to get information on the scheduling for their Red Cross CNA class. The nursing assistant program through the American Red Cross is a fast paced program that can usually be completed in four to five weeks so it requires a significant amount of time availability and dedication. All programs are taught by registered nurses. The program is state approved and graduates become eligible to sit for certification after successfully completing both the classroom and clinical portions of the course. Contact your local American Red Cross for the start dates and current tuition rates.

Another resource for low cost nursing assistant programs is your local community college. Most community colleges have short term nursing aide programs. Check to make sure that any nurse’s aide program that you register for via a community college is state approved so that you may be able to sit for state certification. Usually you will register for the program just as you would any other college course however payment is usually due upon registration. Most community colleges offer their vocational programs such as the nursing program quite frequently so you should be able to register for a class at any interval.

There is a no-cost option for obtaining nursing assistant training. Some nursing homes and long term care centers offer nursing assistant programs for people looking to enter into the medical field. This is done to supply their organization with qualified medical professions. There are stipulations to this “free” nursing training. The individual must agree to work for the company for a specified amount of time, usually a year, after obtaining certification as a nursing assistant in their state. The training both classroom and clinical is performed within the facility. Students can gain a significant amount of experience while working in a nursing home even while training as a nursing assistant. Daily contact with patients can be valuable for learning about the daily needs of patients. You can contact a number of the nursing homes in your local area and speak to human resources or the hiring manager to see if such a program is available.

With the rising shortage of qualified medical professionals there are a number of low cost or free CNA training options, such as Red Cross CNA classes, for beginning your medical career as a nursing assistant. If you have the desire and willingness, and are looking for one of the most rewarding careers in health care, you no longer have to let finances stop you from achieving your dreams and goals!