What is an Acute Care Nursing Assistant?

An Acute Care Nursing Assistant, also known as an ACNA, is a healthcare professional who provides essential care and support to patients in acute care settings, such as hospitals and emergency rooms. ACNAs work under the supervision of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, assisting with a variety of tasks, including:

• Monitoring and recording patients' vital signs
• Helping patients with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating
• Transporting patients to and from various departments
• Reporting any changes in a patient's condition to the nursing staff
• Maintaining a clean and safe environment for patients

Training Requirements for Acute Care Nursing Assistants in Durham

To become an ACNA in Durham, you'll need to complete a state-approved training program. These programs typically include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, covering topics such as patient care, infection control, and medical terminology.

The training program must be at least 75 hours long, with at least 16 of those hours dedicated to supervised clinical training. Once you've completed the training, you'll need to pass a state-administered competency exam to become certified as an ACNA.

How Quickly Can You Become an Acute Care Nursing Assistant in Durham?

The fastest way to become an ACNA in Durham is to enroll in an accelerated training program. These programs are designed to help students complete the necessary coursework and clinical hours in a shorter timeframe, often in as little as 4-6 weeks. However, it's important to note that the quality of the training may vary, so it's essential to do your research and choose a program that is approved by the state and offers a comprehensive curriculum.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant Classes in Durham

Durham is home to several ACNA training programs, each with its own unique offerings. Here are a few examples:

1. Durham Technical Community College: This community college offers a 7-week ACNA program that includes 80 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical training. The program costs approximately $300 for in-state students and $600 for out-of-state students. To enroll, you'll need a high school diploma or GED, and you'll have to pass a background check and drug screening.

2. Durham Vocational Institute: The Durham Vocational Institute offers a 6-week ACNA program that includes 80 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical training. The program costs $500, and you'll need to have a high school diploma or GED to enroll.

3. Duke University Medical Center: As one of the leading healthcare providers in the region, Duke University Medical Center offers an ACNA training program that is designed to prepare students for the rigors of working in an acute care setting. The program is 8 weeks long and includes 80 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical training. The cost of the program is $1,200, and you'll need to have a high school diploma or GED to enroll.

Exploring a Career in Acute Care Nursing Assistant Outside Durham

For those inspired to become an ACNA but living in a different state, achieving your ambition is still very much a possibility. You could explore becoming an ACNA in Chicago, Greensboro, North Port, Portland, or Urban Honolulu. And if you're not near any of these, Dreambound is here to assist by offering an easy way to find and compare ACNA classes by entering your zip code. With the right mindset and resources like Dreambound, starting a career in healthcare is possible from any place.

Online and Free Options for Acute Care Nursing Assistant Training in Durham

While in-person training programs are the most common way to become an ACNA in Durham, there are also some online and free options available.

Online ACNA training programs are a great option for those who need more flexibility in their schedule or live in remote areas. These programs typically include self-paced online coursework and may require students to complete clinical training at a local healthcare facility.

As for free options, there are a few community organizations and non-profit groups in Durham that offer ACNA training at no cost. These programs are often funded by grants or donations and may have stricter eligibility requirements, such as income level or employment status.

The Certification Process for Acute Care Nursing Assistants in Durham

Once you've completed your ACNA training program, you'll need to pass the state-administered competency exam to become certified. This exam tests your knowledge and skills in areas such as patient care, infection control, and communication.

After passing the exam, you'll be added to the state's registry of certified nursing assistants, which allows you to work as an ACNA in healthcare facilities throughout North Carolina, including those in Durham.

The Job Environment for Acute Care Nursing Assistants in Durham

Durham is home to several major healthcare providers, making it an excellent place to work as an ACNA. Some of the potential employers for ACNAs in Durham include:

• Duke University Hospital
• UNC Health Care
• Durham VA Medical Center
• Duke Regional Hospital
• Duke Health Raleigh Hospital

ACNAs in Durham can expect to work in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment, providing essential care and support to patients in acute care settings. The job can be physically and emotionally demanding, but it can also be incredibly rewarding, as you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of your patients.

Final Thoughts

If you're interested in becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and live near Durham, North Carolina, there are plenty of training options available to help you get started on this rewarding career path. Whether you choose an accelerated program or a more traditional approach, the key is to find a program that is approved by the state and offers a comprehensive curriculum.

With the right training and certification, you can become an ACNA and start making a difference in the lives of patients in Durham's thriving healthcare community.

Looking for a better fit? These other articles could be more in line with your expectations if this one isn't precisely what you had in mind:

• CPR-BLS Training in Durham
• Applied Nutrition Training in Durham
• Caregiver Training in Durham
• CNA Training in Durham
• Chiropractic Assistant Training in Durham