Are you seeking to find a new career? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of people who are sick or injured?
If the answer is ‘yes’ consider becoming a certified nursing assistant. There is a significant demand for certified nursing assistants. The employment of nursing assistants will grow 8% within the next 10 years.
The job outlook is one of the reasons why you should become a nursing assistant. Want to know what a certified nursing assistant does? Want to become one?
Read this guide to learn what this healthcare professional does and how to become one.
What Does a Certified Nursing Assistant Do
Certified nursing assistants, or CNAs, provide direct care to patients. Certified nursing assistants can work in different settings. They can work in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
Certified nursing assistants are part of a team of healthcare professionals. In hospitals, they work together with licensed practical nurses. They work under the supervision of registered nurses and report to them.
No matter where they work, certified nursing assistants have a certain role to play. They’re responsible for attending to the basic needs of their patients.
If a patient needs water, the nursing assistant will get the patient the water. If a patient asks for new sheets, the nursing assistant will get the clean sheets.
Feeding, bathing, and dressing patients are part of the daily tasks. Cleaning the patient’s room and making beds is also part of the daily tasks. It’s common for nursing assistants to have to empty bedpans.
Certified nursing assistants can take vital signs. They can take and record a patient’s temperature and blood pressure. This information is then passed on to the patient’s nurse and doctor.
Helping registered nurses with the setup of medical equipment is part of the job too. Some certified nursing assistants may aid registered nurses with certain medical procedures. For example, if a certified nursing assistant has the right training, he or she can help draw blood.
The Demands of the Job
Working in a hospital can be stressful. As you may know, this is a fast-paced environment. Depending on where you work and the type of patients you will care for, you may find your work to be taxing.
Keep in mind that the health and life of your patients are in your hands. You’ll be responsible for monitoring the patients’ conditions. You’ll need to be alert at all times.
If a patient’s condition changes, you’ll need to call the nurse right away. So if there’s an emergency, you must act.
If you take this job, you’ll be on your feet most of the time. You may need to lift heavy patients. You may also need to use different equipment.
The important thing is you know how to protect yourself from injuries. You must also know how to manage stress to prevent burnout.
What Do You Need to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant
What do I need to have a nursing assistant career? If you’re looking to become a certified nursing assistant, you have to earn a certificate. You must earn it from a certificate program approved by the state where you live.
In the program, you’ll learn about basic nursing principles. You’ll also receive hands-on clinical work. A nurse will supervise you along the way.
A lot of programs also give students the chance to get on-the-job training. The curriculum for each program can vary by state. The same goes for the requirements to join a program.
To earn a certificate, students will need to complete a specific number of training hours. Students must also pass a competency exam. Most states ask newly certified nursing assistants to pass a background check.
Once you pass the competency exam and meet all other criteria, you’ll receive your license. Keep in mind that most states will ask CNAs to continue their education and training.
You can do all this in as little as two months. If you’re serious about becoming a CNA, take a nurse aide course. This course will prepare you to pass the competency exam.
Employment Outlook
This is where this career outshines all other occupations. As the baby boomer population ages, there will be a need for more health care providers to enter the field. This population will need to receive specialized care.
This is where you can come in. There are a lot of opportunities available for new CNAs. You will be able to find a job in a hospital or nursing home. The good news is that there is a healthcare facility that is right for you.
The majority of CNA jobs are in the home care setting. CNAs who work in this setting will assist patients who live at home. They may also help families care for their loved ones.
Here is the million-dollar question. How much does a CNA make? The average yearly pay is around $29,660.
The average base hourly rate is $13.14. The rate can go as high as $17. The pay does vary by state and one’s work setting.
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant
A certified nursing assistant can make a difference in the lives of patients. This professional can care for patients in a variety of settings.
If you’re looking to become a CNA, now is the perfect time to start the process. The job outlook for this career is great. In as little as a couple of months, you can start working as a certified nursing assistant.
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