Are you looking for a gratifying career opportunity in the healthcare industry?
If yes, then you should consider becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant. A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is an integral part and member of the healthcare team.
The foremost job of a certified nursing assistant is to take direct care of patients, clients, or residents of the facility or agency that the CNA works for. The responsibility of a CNA incorporates daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They play an integral role in keeping their patients comfortable and safe with their best hospitality care.
If you like the idea of giving direct personal care to patients then becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is the perfect fit for your mental satisfaction. Being a CNA, an individual receives an opportunity to work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), to perform entry-level patient care tasks. Their major functions revolve around their patient’s day to day needs. These job duties include:
Most of the CNA professionals work in nursing care facilities or hospitals. After becoming a part of the healthcare team, CNA is expected to report to the nurse. The work of a CNA can be physically demanding, including positioning, lifting and transferring patients during the shift. Being in this responsible healthcare profession, CNAs are required to spend most of their time on their feet. It can be a career option for the people who love to keep themselves busy and like to treat patients with dignity and respect, exactly how they would want their own family members to be treated.
CNA Career Outlook
Due to the outbreak of a global pandemic, the demand for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) has drastically increased. The industry that will likely offer the most employment for CNAs is the nursing care facilities industry followed by the continuing care retirement communities and assisted living facilities for the senior citizens.
In the near future, other industries that are expected to show a growing need for CNAs incorporate the specialty hospitals including general medical and surgical hospitals along with home healthcare services.
Why Choose a Career as a CNA
A basic Certified Nursing Assistant Program lasts for about four to twelve weeks. You will get at least 75 hours of classroom training along with the time to learn the clinical skills. We focus more on practical knowledge and clinical skills on the basis of which you will attain a good job. Once the course is successfully completed then you will be eligible to take the CNA examination.
In order to enter a CNA program, a college degree is not at all necessary. All you need is a high school diploma or a GED credential. To enroll for a CNA certification, you must be 18 years old. Still, there are some states which allow CNA students to be 16 or 17 years of age as well.
In comparison with other health care training, the cost of becoming a CNA is relatively affordable. With a pocket-friendly expense, you can become a certified nursing assistant and get proof of the certification.
With the increasing demands for CNAs, there is an estimated increase of 9% in job growth for CNAs by 2028. (Estimation held by The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Put in simple words, this estimation means that new CNAs will be needed to meet the growing demand in the aging population.
Being a CNA comes with its own perks. With a handsome salary package, you will be accustomed to other perks and benefits as well. If you work full-time, you will actually earn about 25% more due to the benefits employers offer. It includes paid vacation and holidays, medical insurance, and retirement contributions.
CNAs have a variety of choices to make when it comes to job opportunities and most of them choose to work in residential or long-term care facilities. Whereas others prefer working in hospitals, clinics, or hospices, depending upon their interests. You can also attain some extra certifications in specialties including geriatrics and pediatrics.
If you like variety then working as a CNA is for you. No matter where you go, shifts are different everywhere. You don’t have to worry about getting caught up in a monotonous work routine. Patients change, and so do their conditions. Even in a long-term care facility, you cannot predict the next task.
Working as a CNA is a good start to your career ladder. It is a solid career as a direct caregiver. Being a first step for becoming a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) or even a registered nurse (RN). After you work with other medical specialties, you will slowly identify your own interests. You may decide to pursue a degree as a respiratory, physical, or occupational therapist.
After gaining experience as a CNA, you may decide that you would like more responsibility as a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) or a registered nurse (RN). Because of your professional experience and knowledge, you will be a solid candidate for the nursing school.
After gaining a reasonable amount of experience in a specific setting, you may decide if you would like to try something different. For instance, you’ve been caring for disabled children but would like to switch to helping hospice patients at the end of their lives. Because of the demand for CNAs, you will have the opportunity to make the change anywhere and everywhere.
Final Words!
Working as a CNA can be an ideal career option with loads of opportunities and exposure. With our professional CNA courses at CNA Training Institute, you can get the job you want without any hassle. Enrol for our CNA courses at an affordable price that can perfectly fit within your available budget.
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