What is an Acute Care Nursing Assistant?

An Acute Care Nursing Assistant, also known as a Patient Care Technician or Nursing Assistant, is a healthcare professional who provides basic care and support to patients in acute care settings, such as hospitals, emergency rooms, and intensive care units. Their primary responsibilities include assisting patients with daily living activities, monitoring vital signs, and reporting any changes in the patient's condition to registered nurses or other medical staff.

Training Requirements for Acute Care Nursing Assistants in Winston

To become an ACNA in Winston, 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 infection control, patient rights, and basic nursing skills. The training program must be at least 75 hours in length, with a minimum of 16 hours dedicated to supervised clinical work.

Fastest Path to Becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant in Winston

The fastest way to become an ACNA in Winston is to enroll in an accelerated training program. These programs are designed to provide the necessary education and training in a condensed timeframe, often as little as 2-3 weeks. However, it's important to note that the training may be more intensive, and students may need to commit to longer daily class sessions to complete the program within a shorter timeframe.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant Classes in Winston

Winston offers several ACNA training programs to choose from, each with its unique features and requirements. Here are a few examples:

Winston Community College

This 6-week program includes 75 hours of classroom and clinical instruction, with tuition costs of $500. Prerequisites include a high school diploma or GED, and students must pass a background check and drug screening.

Forsyth Technical Community College

Offering a 4-week ACNA program, Forsyth Technical Community College charges $180 for tuition. The program features a combination of in-person and online learning, with hands-on clinical training at local healthcare facilities.

Winston-Salem State University

As a part of their healthcare career training programs, Winston-Salem State University provides an ACNA course that can be completed in 3 weeks. The tuition for this program is $450, and students must have a valid CPR certification.

Exploring a Career in Acute Care Nursing Assistant Outside Winston

For anyone looking to become an ACNA but in a different state, your opportunity to work as an ACNA might be found in Allentown, Harrisburg, Nashville, Palm Bay, or San Jose. Should these not be viable options, Dreambound eases the process of discovering and comparing ACNA classes with a zip code-based search. With the drive to succeed and the support of resources like Dreambound, anyone can forge a successful path in healthcare, no matter where they are.

Online and Free ACNA Options in Winston

While in-person ACNA training programs are the most common in Winston, there are also some online and free options available:

Online ACNA Classes: Several online education platforms, such as Coursera and edX, offer self-paced ACNA training courses that can be completed remotely. These programs are a convenient option for those who need more flexibility in their learning schedule.

Free ACNA Training: The Winston-Salem Urban League occasionally offers free ACNA training programs for qualifying individuals. These programs are designed to provide job-seekers with the skills and certification needed to enter the healthcare field at no cost.

The Certification Process for Acute Care Nursing Assistants in Winston

After completing an approved ACNA training program in Winston, the next step is to obtain your certification. This typically involves passing a state-administered exam, which tests your knowledge and skills in areas such as patient care, infection control, and emergency procedures.

Once you've passed the exam, you'll be eligible to apply for your ACNA certification, which is valid for a set period (usually 2 years) before needing to be renewed. This certification allows you to work as an ACNA in healthcare facilities throughout the state of North Carolina.

Job Opportunities for Acute Care Nursing Assistants in Winston

Winston is home to several large healthcare organizations that employ ACNAs, providing a range of job opportunities for those with the necessary certification. Some of the potential employers for ACNAs in Winston include:

• Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
• Novant Health
• Forsyth Medical Center
• Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
• Cone Health
• Local nursing homes and assisted living facilities

ACNAs in Winston can find employment in a variety of settings, including hospitals, emergency rooms, intensive care units, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies. The job environment can be fast-paced and demanding, but also highly rewarding for those who are passionate about providing compassionate care to patients.

Final Thoughts

If you're interested in becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and are located in the Winston area, there are numerous training options available to you. From accelerated programs to more traditional classroom-based courses, you can find the right ACNA training to fit your needs and schedule. With the proper certification and a commitment to providing excellent patient care, you can embark on a rewarding career as an ACNA in Winston's thriving healthcare community.

If you're considering a career shift or curious about different professional paths, Dreambound has written many guides to help you in making informed decisions. Here are a few:

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