A certified nursing assistant is a person who helps patients and nursing facility residents with everyday basic activities. Such activities include bathing, dressing, ambulation, eating and taking vitals. More and more these activities of daily living are falling onto nursing assistants. So why should you get into this field of work?
Even in a recession the medical field is always looking for people to fill job openings. Baby boomers are becoming senior citizens and need more nursing care. Since registered nurses are in short supply, there is a greater need for nursing assistants. Nursing assistants take on the roll of basic care giver so registered nurses can focus more on technical care. So now more than ever it is easier to get into the medical field. The nurses are providing training to the candidates in the room. You can search cna training near me for getting a valid certificate. The worth of the certificate received from the state will be more during the training.
Most hospitals and nursing homes offer classes and certifications for free. Sometimes even paying you to take there classes. Classes can take anywhere from two weeks to a couple of months depending on your state’s criteria. Usually they offer you a job after you get your certification to fill their job openings. Depending on the region of the country you are in and where you work, starting pay can be any where from $8.00 to $12.00 an hour. You cannot beat free training and good steady pay.
You can learn a wealth of knowledge while on the job. There are times you will assist a nurse with technical procedures such as starting an IV or a foley catheter. You can learn medical terminology and lingo that is most often used in the medical field. More often then not if you are the curious type a nurse will be more than happy to explain and answer any questions you may have.
Usually a nursing assistant will have an easier time getting in and staying in an accredited nursing program. This is a great way to continue your education and increase your income earning potential. Most hospitals and/or nursing homes may even offer programs or money for you to get into nursing school so you can become a LPN or RN.
So how do you start on your new career path as a nursing assistant? Keep your eyes and ears open. Check your local newspapers for nursing opportunities. Visit the human resources department at local hospitals and nursing homes and ask about certified nursing assistant training. If you know a nurse or nursing assistant, ask them questions.
I was a nursing assistant for ten years. I will not lie to you and tell you it was an easy job. It was hard work and long hours. But it was fulfilling work. Nothing is better than helping those that need you the most. Knowing you made a difference in someone’s life is one of the most wonderful feeling you could ever feel.
