What is a School CNA?
Certified Nursing Assistants, also known as CNAs, work in more settings than just long term care facilities. You can find CNAs in schools, long term care facilities, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and more. However, many CNAs are unaware of the opportunity to work alongside children in a school setting. Being a school CNA in New York is one of the most rewarding and underrated roles in education. In this blog, we breakdown what a school CNA is and how important they are in helping create a safe and inclusive environment for students.
What is a School CNA?
CNA stands for Certified Nursing Assistant. A School CNA is a Certified Nursing Assistant that provides essential healthcare support and services in a school setting. Typically, CNA’s that work in a school setting often act as a 1:1 paraprofessional in New York. As a school CNA in New York, the CNA is assigned to work directly with one student. The student will usually have some type of medical needs, physical disability, or developmental challenges. Not only are CNAs there for health-related support, but they are also there to ensure the child can be fully engaged throughout the school day safely, confidently, and comfortably.
School CNA Responsibilities
School Certified Nursing Assistants wear a few hats, they are caregivers, advocates, and part sidekick. Students depend on CNAs to not only attend school but attend school in a safe learning environment. School CNA responsibilities usually include:
- Daily Living Activities: The nursing assistant is responsible for assisting the student throughout the school day with personal care support such as toileting, dressing, feeding, and hygiene.
- Behavioral Support: Help manage emotional regulation and behaviors by using positive reinforcement.
- Medical Monitoring: Observing the students vital signs, respiratory issues, seizures, or other health concerns relating to their specific diagnoses and being fully ready to act in case of an emergency.
- Data Collection: Collect accurate data on the student’s behavior for instructional purposes and any medical updates or changes.
- Safety Support: Assist in maintaining a safe school environment where the student can thrive
- Collaboration: Collaborate with teachers, parents, and other educators and healthcare professionals
School CNA Qualifications
In order to become a certified nursing assistant in New York, there are a number of requirements you must meet. The following requirements include:
- Complete a New York State approved CNA training program: The CNA program must be approved by the New York State Department of Education (NYSDE) or New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). The program must also include both clinical and classroom training equaling at least 100 hours.
- Meet the certification exam requirements and pass: In order to be eligible to take the nursing assistant exam, the individual must be at least 17 years old, complete a state approved program, and pass both the written and skills sections.
To be eligible as a School CNA, all the requirements above must be met plus the school may require additional things such as:
- CPR or BLS Certification
- Experience with children or individuals with disabilities
- A passion for helping others
- Excellent organization, writing, and communication skills
Why Choose a Career as a School CNA?
School Certified Nursing Assistants are crucial in supporting students with medical challenges. With a background in hands-on care, being medically inclined, and understanding personal health needs, CNAs make the perfect match for students with complex care plans. School districts rely on nursing assistants and nurses’ expertise to ensure students with medical needs are experiencing a safe learning environment where the student can thrive. This is something that general school paraprofessionals are not equipped with the experience and knowledge to handle these types of cases or students.
Career Opportunities with Horizon Staffing Solutions
At Horizon Staffing Solutions, we offer a number of job opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants in NY. From Long Island to all five boroughs of New York City, there is an opportunity waiting for you. Not only does is this career path rewarding and fulfilling, but it also offers a life-balance work schedule. In a school setting, CNAs will never work weekends, holidays, or nights. This means having a consistent Monday through Friday work schedule, suitable for busy parents.
Final Thoughts
What’s better than supporting a child grow, learn, and gain confidence as a result of your contribution? While being a CNA can certainly be emotionally draining, it offers the benefit of making a significant difference in an individual’s life. Being a school CNA in New York is a powerful occupation. You’ll become a significant member of the students’ village, while building trust, creating memories, and knowing that every day, you make a difference in the students’ life. If you’re a CNA who’s looking for more than just a job, if you have a passion for helping children, then becoming a 1:1 CNA in a school setting might be the perfect career path for you. Join the Horizon Staffing Solutions team today and be the reason you’re improving a child’s life both academically and socially. Apply online and get started on your journey as a School Certified Nursing Assistant in New York today.
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