Just a decade ago, facilities around the country started to notice a gap in the number of CNAs providing quality care. Yet, with the growing number of people in need of quality care, analysts have projected that the need for CNAs is verging on a crisis. The population requiring quality care is going to increase by over 20 million over the next 30 years, and facilities do not currently have the workforce to meet those demands.

Facilities Cannot Rely on Intensive CNA Training

While there will be a dire need for CNAs if the issue is not addressed, intensive training courses can do more harm than good. Giving CNA students an overwhelming amount of information in a short period of time and expecting them to retain it while going full speed ahead to the finish line only results in burnout. The healthcare industry needs CNAs to provide quality care at all levels, and losing potentially great nurses before they’ve started their careers is not the wisest strategy.

Rethinking CNA Training Schedules

Traditional CNA training typically takes place at either a community college or a facility that hosts its own. Community college courses often fill up quickly with university nursing students. When there are available spots, it can be difficult for a person who works full time to fit those classes into his or her schedule. Facilities who host their own work with training vendors to set up times, available space, and instructors to teach CNAs. The logistics involve a lot of resources. Add to that the need for CNA students to adjust their schedules to make it to those classes. Many need to switch shifts at work or request days off in advance. Others need to hire babysitters. Some simply cannot afford to lose the time, despite their passion and desire to get certified and provide quality care to those who need it. If a crisis is on the horizon, these models may not keep up with demand.

Perhaps we need to rethink CNA training schedules and use a model that is more flexible and one that yields better results for everyone. CNAonline offers a model which trains CNAs according to their schedules. Students can study and go through coursework on their own time. There is no need to give up their jobs or real world responsibilities. The material is available 24/7 so students can review those areas they need to reinforce and not feel overwhelmed. They still have to do hands-on training, which they can schedule with facilities, but the overall result yields a higher population of CNAs to fill roles and facilities can meet the rising population of people in need of care head-on.

To learn more about CNAonline and how our programs benefit both students and facilities, reach out to us today.