Finding Career Opportunities for a CNA

Job opportunities for CNA or Certified Nurse Assistant vary from state to state. A CNA’s job is rewarding on many levels and career opportunities are many due to the current nursing shortage the country is facing. The CNA position is the stepping stone for a future nursing career. However, many CNA may choose to remain at this entry-level position for years before pursuing a more advanced nursing education due to the numerous benefits and job fulfillment that this job entails.

Job Responsibilities Varies From Day To Day

Depending upon the work environment, Certified Nurse Assistant provide healthcare for patients or clients under their immediate care and report patients’ condition to the RN or LPN. Nurse assistant duties will vary from day to day and will include:

• Observing and monitoring patients
• Providing basic hygiene care to patients
• Monitoring vital signs
• Help with meals and feeding when required
• Help tidy up rooms
• Take patient’s temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, or blood pressure
• Report patient’s condition to their supervisors

Choosing a Health Care Facility

The healthcare facilities or institutions often define the job responsibilities of the nursing assistant. For instance, CNAs working in a hospital setting will interact with patients on a short-term basis whereas CNAs working in long-term care facilities will have a more personalized long-term relationship with the patients. The decision as to the type of health care facility you prefer to work in is up to you.

Career Opportunities as a Certified Nursing Assistant

Certified nursing assistants have a wide variety of career opportunities and can pursue jobs in a variety of health care environments such as:

• Hospice care facilities
• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Nursing homes
• Private practices

Potential Salary for CNAs

A CNA’s typically work a 7.5 hours shift with a 15 minutes break and a one-hour lunch break. Depending where you work, you can choose to earn additional income by doubling up on shifts or work 6 or even 7 days per week. CNAs makes around $9.50 to $15.00 per hour or around $20,000 to $30,000 per year. Hourly rates may vary depending on the type of facility and the state you chose to work in. However, the most experienced and qualified CNAs can earn in excess of $35,000 per year.

As the elderly population increases, so will the need for certified nursing aides. If you enjoy working with a variety of people and enjoy caring for others, especially the elderly, becoming a CNA is the ideal first step towards fulfilling your passion and dream.