By
Lanee’ Blunt
 |
| The job outlook for a CNA is good. |
CNA's work under the direction of a RN or LPN and the majority of them work in
nursing homes or residential care facilities. Certified Nursing Assistants are needed in
home health and other healthcare facilities, and the job requires that you have
patience, self-confidence and compassion. The job outlook for CNA's is good
because with the growing elderly population, many nursing assistants will be
needed in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, hospices, and hospitals,
according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Instruction
To
become a CNA you need a high school diploma or GED. The training may vary from
state to state. There are classes available in community colleges, vocational
colleges, and the Red Cross features a program. The Red Cross has a complete training
class which meets Federal and State requirements. The training at the Red Cross
facility is closely supervised by registered nurses and designed to satisfy the
requirements of your particular state where the Red Cross chapter is situated. There
are online CNA classes also which provide flexible payment systems, and the
convenience associated with taking the coursework in your home.
Cost
The
cost for the training may vary depending on where you take the class. Some
training cost $300 to $600. There are free training classes offered at nursing
homes, but you will be required to work at that facility for a certain time in
exchange for the training.
CNA Duties
Certified
nursing assistants would be the principle care givers in nursing facilities. You
will help patients in and from wheelchairs and transfer them in and from bed. Your
duties will include patient bedside care, bathing patients, helping them get
dressed, brushing their hair, and assisting while using the toilet.
Apply for CNA jobs
According
to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the job prospects for CNA's with formal
training is good especially in long-term care facilities, the job has a high turnover
because many CNA's choose to leave the profession to get more training or
another job. Send your resume to home health agencies, and nursing homes.
Salary
A
certified nurse aide median annual wage was $24,010 according to the Bureau of
Labor Statistics. They are usually paid hourly wages around $11.54 per hour,
but it varies in every state. A CNA with one year experience will make more
than an inexperienced CNA, for example $12.00 to $14.00 per hour. Most nursing
homes pay their CNA’s about the same wage as hospitals and offer attractive
benefit packages.
Reference:
[Image
of CNA with patient]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.allalliedhealthschools.com/health-careers/nursing/duties-of-certified-nursing-assistant
