If you have ever been to the hospital or a long-term care facility, you have probably seen a CNA busy at work. But what exactly do they do? Although becoming a CNA might seem like an easy way to get a high-paying job in a short period, it is not easy at all. Being a CNA is extremely demanding and is best suited for someone who truly cares for the well-being of others. So if becoming a CNA has been a dream of yours, look no further. Here is a comprehensive guide to what to expect when you become a CNA.
What Do They Do?
CNAs are required to take care of injured, mentally ill, disabled, or elderly patients in a healthcare setting. This means that they provide all the daily and essential care patients need. They mostly provide direct care, such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and ambulating. Some specific examples include taking a patient’s blood pressure, pulse, and temperature, taking patients on walks, developing nurturing relationships with the patients, as well as changing dirty sheets and emptying bedpans. As you can tell from the examples listed, it is not a job for anyone. However, being a CNA can be a very rewarding experience as well.
Where Do They Work?
CNAs work in varying kinds of healthcare settings. These can include long-term residential facilities, nursing homes, adult day care centers, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals. Long-term care facilities and nursing homes are the most common healthcare settings where CNAs are needed. Although you may see CNAs in hospitals, they rarely work in clinical settings. CNAs do not have a vast amount of healthcare duties partly because the educational requirements are not as extensive as other medical professions. To be a CNA, one would have to go through a state-approved training program. These programs are anywhere between four weeks to 12 months long. After passing the exam, nursing assistants will be able to receive their certification to work.
What is the Expected Salary?
As a CNA, one can expect to earn about $13 per hour, which is equivalent to an average annual salary of around $28,000 per year. In Florida, CNAs can expect to earn around $16 per hour, which translates to around $40,000 a year.
What is the Career Outlook?
As becoming a CNA is an entry-level job, it is often seen as a stepping stone for those who want to pursue a career in nursing or healthcare. By working as a CNA, one can learn practical skills and experience to prepare them for becoming a registered nurse (RN). Being a CNA can also help you figure out if a job in the healthcare sector is ideal for you. Sometimes, one may find the work of a CNA to be too demanding, which could lead you to change to other job opportunities in healthcare such as health services coordination.
Leave a Reply