Certified Nursing Assistant
Certified Nursing Assistant is a part of multidisciplinary team who work in different healthcare setting. They can also be referred as CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant), PSW (Personal Support Worker), LNA (Licensed Nurse Assistant), HHA (Home Health Aides), Psychiatric Aides and Nurse Aides.
Certified nursing assistants are involved in the direct care of patients and are supervised by Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses and other medical staff. Dealing with people who are sick, injured, and disabled could be physically demanding and emotionally draining.
A good health, stability in emotions, great deal of patience, compassion and the desire to help people in need are essential to fulfill a career in this field.
Nursing Assistant Programs
This program is being offered from 6- 8 weeks in community colleges, career centers, adult schools and hospitals. A High School diploma or equivalent is required to enter into the program. The curriculum usually involves hours of lectures and clinical training.
After the completion of the program, you are eligible to take a written and practical competency evaluation given by the State or Provincial Regulatory Board in order to be certified.
Job Description
- Provides direct patient care such as bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing and personal hygiene.
- Assist patients who are unable to feed themselves.
- Check and record vital signs ( blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration rate and pain scale).
- Prepare and make beds for patients.
- Turn and assist patients to move in bed to prevent complications.
- Assist patient in standing, transfer and walking.
- Record liquid intake and output as ordered.
- Monitor and report how a patient responds to a care being given.
- Answers call for help.
- Assist in emptying bedpans, urinals and change soiled linens.
Job Overview
According to United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment for Certified Nursing Assistants is projected to grow by 18 percent from 2008 to 2018, in response to an increasing long- term needs of older population. New job openings in skilled nursing and residential facilities are expected to grow due to financial pressure for hospitals to discharge patients as soon as possible plus the need to replace older employees who are going to retire.
Employment in Nursing care facilities constitute 41% and about 29% in the Hospitals. Others were employed in nursing care Facilities, outpatient care centers, family services and government agencies. Certified Nursing Assistants held about 1.5 million jobs in 2008.
Nursing Assistant Salary
As of May 2010, United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics updated the salary for Certified Nursing Assistants depending on employment setting:
|
INDUSTRY |
MEAN HOURLY WAGE |
MEAN ANNUAL WAGE |
| Nursing Care Facilities | $ 11.66 | $ 24,250 |
| Hospitals | $ 12.87 | $ 26,770 |
| Retirement Homes | $ 11.26 | $ 23,430 |
| Home Health Care Services | $ 11.14 | $ 23, 170 |
| Employment Services | $ 12.68 | $ 26,380 |
Advancement
There is an opportunity, if you want to advance a career for this occupation. The options to upgrade to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse or a Medical Assistant can be considered. Inquire from the school you are considering to enroll, if they would give credits for some units that were already taken up from your Nursing Assistant Program.