Becoming a CNA That Specializes in Child Care

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) provide hands-on care and complete routine tasks that are essential to patient care. But the CNAs do not just work in hospitals and nursing homes. Some become a CNA to specialize Pediatric Certified Nursing Assistant in medical facilities or become a CNA for children in other settings.

The CNA training program was specifically designed to train people to work in nursing homes. That is because the Federal government mandates the presence of CNAs in these facilities and wanted to insure quality of care standards were met. In fact the CNA certification form even states that you have completed the program and are now competent to work as a long-term care facility nurse aid/assistant.

A CNA develops the skills to help people dress, bathe, move to chairs or wheelchairs, eat, take vital signs, and so on. In general, the CNA provides routine and essential assistance to residents that maintain their hygiene, comfort and quality of life.

These are all tasks that translate extremely well to the care of children. The Pediatric CNA or CNA for children works in a situation where children are present. Work environments that care for children include day care facilities, hospitals, and private homes. The CNA professional works under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. If the appropriate medical personnel are not present on the job, then a CNA can provide care giving services or child escort services but cannot practice as an independent CNA.

The CNA experience from working in nursing homes and medical facilities will be a beneficial foundation of experienced and can be used to springboard into a career in pediatric care. There are a number of jobs available for CNA certified personnel to escort mentally and physically challenged children, provide care giving services in a day care setting or on a children's unit in a medical facility.

There is no specific course work required to become a CNA who works with children. However, after one gains certification and work experience a CNA can start to specialize in a particular field of CNA work. A CNA can participate in continued education further specializing their body of work experience. The more job experience gained, the more it will be reflected positively on a resume and the greater the chances of employment in that specialized area.