Certified Nursing Assistant Career Profile
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Certified Nursing Assistant - CNA Description
Certified Nursing Assistants as the name implies, assist in
basic nursing functions. A Certified Nursing Assistant is commonly
referred to as a CNA. CNA's operate under the direction and
supervision of a Registered Nurse. They are qualified to perform
many basic, non-invasive nursing tasks and are primarily dedicated
to the physical care and comfort of their patients. CNA's often
develop close bonds with patients as they serve as the primary
care giver, assisting in the performance of many basic grooming,
hygiene, dietary, and sanitation functions. They are also called
upon to assist nurses in checking vital signs and evaluating
the overall health condition of the patients they care for.
The CNA can be a great training ground and starting point for
an individual who has aspirations of becoming a Registered Nurse.
Working as a CNA will provide an excellent background for a
nursing career. Many CNA's will become certified to work as
a CNA and go to work to earn a decent living while they further
their education on a part-time basis en route to a registered
nursing license. The CNA job can be physically and emotionally
demanding - but it is also said to be one of the most rewarding
jobs in healthcare because of the close interaction CNA's have
with patients on a daily basis.
Certified Nursing Assistant - CNA Career Statistics
As part of the broader nursing pool, CNA's are in extremely
high demand in the healthcare industry. In fact, according to
the Department of Labor, the Certified Nurses Assistant position
is one of the most rapidly growing careers in the healthcare
arena. What is more, it is anticipated that due to a rapidly
aging population in the US, Certified Nursing Assistants will
enjoy a 19% growth rate over the next decade and will experience
above average growth in job opportunities over the next several
decades. Due to this extremely high demand it is an excellent
time to enter this fast growing career field.
Education and Training Requirement for Certified Nursing
Assistants
There are a number of community colleges and vocational career
programs that cater to the training and preparation of CNA's.
There are also a number of home study and online programs
available. Be aware, that as is the case for all nursing careers,
there is an important clinical component to the training.
This typically must be conducted at a health care facility
or a physical training facility designed to accommodate the
needs of the CNA curriculum. If a CNA chooses to work in a
State Licensed Nursing Care Facility, a minimum of 75 hours
of State approved training is required. Additionally, the
applicant must pass a certification exam. A typical curriculum
for a CNA will include aspects of patient care and a variety
of medical related coursework such as anatomy, physiology,
disease processes, nutrition, and a detailed introduction
to the basics of nursing and patient care. As mentioned, training
programs will also include a clinical component.
Certified Nursing Assistant - CNA Salary
Once certified, a CNA can expect to find work quickly and
should earn in the range of $10 - $14 per hour in an entry
level position. This equates to roughly $23,500 to $29,000
annually. Salaries will increase over time depending on experience
level, geographic location, and the type of healthcare facility.
CNA's will have many options. Most work in care centers or
hospitals, but many also work as home health aides and in
assisted living centers or rehabilitation centers. Mental
health centers, nursing homes, hospice companies, private
homes, and government facilities also employ a good number
of CNA's. As the baby boom population continues to advance
in age, the demands for healthcare will increase exponentially
and opportunities for CNA's will grow in tandem.
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