CNA Training
When you first begin CNA training, you will find it isn’t as easy as you thought it was going to be. There are real lessons to be learned here, and you do have to pay attention to make it through the class and earn your certification at the end.
One of the best ways to make sure you retain all of the information you are given during CNA training and are able to pass the examination is to take notes. The problem is, not everyone is efficient at this task, and if you’re not, you could be missing out.
Not to worry, though. Here are a few fantastic tips that will ensure you take the best notes possible and learn everything you need to in order to become a CNA and care for your patients.
CNA Training: A Better Way to Take Notes
- Typing- The decision of whether to type your notes or simply write them down in your notebook will depend entirely on you. The first thing you have to consider is how fast you type; if you can type faster than you can write, a laptop in your CNA training class may come in handy, especially if your instructor is a fast talker. On the other hand, typing does create a lot of background noise, and if you have difficulty focusing and paying attention, it might not be the best option. Try both typing and writing your notes; see which one works best for you.
- Get Organized- The next thing you need to do is get organized and figure out what kind of notes work best for you during CNA training. Is it easy for you to take short hand, or do you forget what you wrote by the time you get home? Do you prefer outline-type notes? If your teacher presents a power point, do you know how to add notes directly on the screen? Get organized and figure out what works for you and what doesn’t.
- Be Prepared- Each night, your CNA training instructor is going to tell you to read X chapters to prepare for the next day’s discussion. This is essential to understanding what will be discussed. If you don’t understand what your textbook is saying, make sure to write down specific questions while you are reading, and make sure you have an answer for them by the time the next day’s lecture is finished.
- If You Don’t Know it, Write it- At the beginning of CNA training, your notes are going to be more extensive, because everything is so new. As time goes on though, refrain from writing down the same information over and over again. Write down only new information and let your old notes refresh your memory before the CNA training exam.
- Listen- CNA training instructor talking a mile a minute? If you can’t keep up, and your notes look like a jumbled mess from trying, then stop. Turn on your tape recorder (yes, you should have one!) and simply listen to what he or she has to say. Later on you can go back and listen to the lecture you recorded and take notes from it at your own pace (and with frequent use of the pause button.)
Taking Notes After CNA Training
Struggling to keep up in CNA training? These classes are essential to your career, so make sure you know how to take notes correctly. They can assist you with not only learning what you need to know, but reviewing for the exam after CNA training.
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