There will continue to be more and more opportunities for Certified Nurses Aides as the population gets older. Additionally a majority of those jobs will be working with elderly patients in residential care facilities and nursing homes. Because some of the patients/residents of residential care facilities will continue living for many years, CNAs will be able to develop personal and caring relationships with the residents of a facility. To become a CNA, you must first receive Certified Nurse Aide training.
A Certified Nurse Aide could work under any one of several titles, including:
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Patient Care Technician
- Hospital Attendant
- Nurses’ Assistant
- CNA Clinical Support Associate
- Nurses’ Aide
- Health Care Assistant
Certified Nurse Assistants work in a variety of healthcare facilities with a dress code of scrubs or a uniform. In addition, you’ll spend a lot of your day on your feet assisting patients, and work hours can be anytime, day or night, any day of week including weekends. Should you complete your Certified Nurse Aide training and become a CNA, your job will take place at one of the following:
- a hospital
- a long-term care facility
- a nursing home
- a private home
- a Veterans’ Affairs hospital
- a hospice care facility
- a hospice care facility
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, available jobs for nursing aides, attendants, and orderlies is expected to grow 20 percent from 3020 to 2020, which is growing faster than the average occupations. For this reason it’s considered wise to go into this field with Certified Nurse Aide training.
Certified Nurse Assistant Salary How much a CNA earns is determined by many factors, including how many years you’ve been practicing, skill level, and where the job is geographically. CNA’s with little experience typically earn less than their more experienced co-workers, but as you gain experience and perform your job well your salary will increase. Detailed data on salary trends is available in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook.
How to Become a Certified Nurse Aide
After you have completed your Certified Nurse Aide Training, you need to take the certification test for your specific state. Check with the Nurse’s Association for your state information on test taking and registration.
Christopher Reilly is a freelance writer for Healthcare Training Institute, offering Certified Nurse Aide training in New Jersey. Visit the Healthcare Training Institute website for more information.