Whether you work as a CNA, a home health aide or a personal care aide, the internet offers some terrific options for nursing paraprofessionals who are looking to learn new things. However, it’s easy to get “lost” in cyberspace as you search for relevant information. Here are just a few sites that we feel have a lot to offer CNAs—and anyone who works in health care. (To visit any of the recommended sites, simply click the BLUE text.)

Nursing Assistant Resources on the Web

For ten years, three nursing assistants named Patti, Kim and Heather have worked diligently to create a central location for CNAs to access information on the web. They believe that “the more informed CNAs are, the better quality work they will produce.”

Their site is for nursing assistants and those who care about CNA work/practice. They are not involved in politics and accept no paid advertising from anyone.

On this site, you’ll find a blog filled with important information for CNAs and anyone who is part of the healthcare system. I regularly read their blog postings! The blog is interactive which means readers can post their comments (the same as here on the Just for CNAs blog).

If you have a specific question, you can use their “search” function. Simply type in key words and see what comes up. They also have an extensive collection of articles. For example, you can read about how to become a CNA, learn to apply for reciprocity, pick up some tips and timesavers for CNAs or brush up on how CNAs apply the nursing process. We highly recommend Nursing Assistant Resources on the Web.

Nursing Assistant On-line Video Lessons

Whether you are currently studying to be a CNA or have worked in the field for years, you are bound to find the Nursing Assistant On-line Video Lessons interesting. This site was created by Fox Valley Technical College and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College as a resource for nursing assistant students.

While the videos are copyrighted, you are welcome to watch them online for free. Nursing Assistants On-line Video Lessons offers 80 different videos to help CNA students reinforce their classroom learning and to give working CNAs a refresher on a variety of topics. The videos alone cannot count as inservices, but they still provide a great learning experience. 

Nursing Assistant Central

This is another great site that has great information for both students and working CNAs. Here is how they describe their site:

“Whether you are a nursing assistant, a nursing student or are interested in more information in a career in health care, you will find information here to help guide you in your career choice. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), please be sure to check out "What is a CNA?" and "How do I Become a CNA?"

For those of you who have recently attended CNA classes--congratulations! Tips to succeeding on the Nursing Assistant exam can be found here, and links to an online CNA practice test as well as nursing assistant exam review books can also be found on this site.

There is also a Nursing Assistant Central Message Board associated with this website. It's a very active message board and an excellent place to ask questions, learn and socialize with others in the field. All are welcome to participate, whether you're a past, present or prospective CNA.”

We recommend taking a long look around Nursing Assistant Central. You’re bound to learn a thing or two. We did!

National Network of Career Nursing Assistants

Have your heard of the National Network of Career Nursing Assistants?  It is a non-profit educational organization that promotes recognition, education, research, advocacy and peer support development for nursing assistants in nursing homes and other long term care settings. Genevieve Gipson NA RN MEd RNC is the director. She advocates tirelessly for direct-care workers across the United States.

One of our favorite spots on this site is a page of Frequently Asked Questions.  The questions (and answers) relate to transferring your CNA certification from one state to another, finding a local CNA training program, and much much more!

And, of course, stay tuned to this Just for CNAs blog.  We strive to provide you with information that will help you in both your career and your personal lives.

Happy Learning!

Linda

Linda Leekley BS, RN