Certified Nursing Assistant Accelerator Program: Home

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Eleanor Truex

eleanor.truex@amitahealth.org

Ascension Illinois in conjunction with Oak Point University (formerly Resurrection University) is providing The Certified Nursing Assistant Career Accelerator Program, a comprehensive, professional curriculum combining class-room training and hands-on clinical skills development. The 10 - 12 week program is designed to develop the wide range of administrative, clinical, and patient care skills needed by a Certified Nursing Assistant working in an acute-care setting.

What is a CNA?

Certified Nursing Assistants work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or other medical professional. CNA's care for patients who are unable to care for themselves due to illness, injury or disability. CNA's perform basic duties that are important for the patient's comfort and recovery.  CNAs are more centered on patient-care than a Medical Assistant or a RN. They are often the patient's main contact throughout the day.

Some required duties of a CNA:

Assist with basic patient care activities.

• Assist with procedures ordered by physician and supervised by a Registered Nurse (RN).
• Assist in providing care appropriate to population specific facilitating timely and individualized care of assigned patients.
• Assist patients with tending to personal care, activities of daily living and transfers/transport.
• Report findings or changes in physical, mental and emotional conditions to nursing staff.
• Assist with keeping patient rooms clean and orderly.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) requires CNAs to complete a state-approved nursing assistant training program, a competency test covering 21 mandated manual skills and a written competency test. 

Illinois Department of Public Health Website