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Certified nursing assistants (CNAs), also known as nurses aides, orderlies, patient care technicians, and home health aides, work under the supervision of a nurse and provide assistance to patients with daily living tasks. Working closely with patients, CNAs are responsible for basic care services such as bathing, grooming and feeding patients, assisting nurses with medical equipment, and checking patient vital signs. CNAs give patients important social and emotional support and also provide vital information on patient conditions to nurses. "The best RNs started as CNAs," says Mira Dixon, a CNA with 13 years experience. Being a CNA can be a stepping stone before becoming a registered nurse. Read the interview with a CNA for more insight about the daily aspects of the job.  Nursing Assistant Training In addition to a high school diploma or GED, you'll need to complete a 6-to-12 week CNA certificate program at a community college or medical facility. Classroom instruction generally includes basic nursing skills, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, and infection control. Students also gain plenty of hands-on-experience during clinical activities. Nursing Assistant Certification Regulations vary from state-to-state, but most CNA programs offer a certification exam. The National Association for Home Care offers national certification for home health aides. Nursing Assistant Salaries Nursing assistants earn salaries of between $23,663 and $29,801 per year.* The key factors affecting CNA salaries are years of experience and work environment. CNAs work in nursing homes, hospitals, mental health facilities, assisted living facilities, and private homes. Job prospects for CNAs are expected to be excellent due to the increasing long-term care needs of an aging population. *Statistics courtesy of www.PayScale.com |
