There are a large range of jobs available within the health care sector, and the one thing that they all have in common is that the sort of people who enter the professions are caring by nature and interested in helping other people. One of the best ways to start a career in the caring or health sectors is to become a CNA, or Certified Nursing Assistant.
CNAs are also sometimes known as Nursing Aides, and support registered nurses with day to day care for patients, either in hospitals or in residential homes. They answer patient buzzers when they call, take measurements such as temperature and blood pressure, and help with care such as washing, dressing, hair brushing, or going with them for procedures such as x-rays or scans. Let's take a look at how to become a CNA.
What qualifications or training do you need?
Requirements vary from state to state. For example, in California the requirements are that you must be at least 16, in good physical condition and undergo a criminal background check. The CNA training in California is at least 150 hours, either on the job or in college, and then an examination must be passed to attain the certification. Many other states only demand the 75 hours of training set down by federal law. All state examinations come in two parts, both a written exam and a practical where the student will be expected to demonstrate the skills he or she has learned over the course of the training.
Training covers basic medical skills and concepts, such as human anatomy, nutrition, infection control, and communication skills. Students will be given the skills necessary to form good relationships with both patients and colleagues in the hospital setting and help with good safety procedures and cleanliness. Many people see being a CNA as a stepping stone to training as a fully registered nurse, and a good way of getting practical experience while training at school for exams to qualify as a nurse.
Salaries and Working Environments
Once qualified as a certified nursing assistant, there is a wide variety of places where employment can be sought. Most CNAs work in a hospital, but there are also jobs available in establishments such as residential clinics caring for long term patients, doctor’s surgeries, hospices, nursing homes, or agencies which care for patients living in their own homes. As in many of these places care is required around the clock, many CNAs are expected to work shifts and may be working overnight or at weekends rather than a regular 9-5 shift.
Salaries also vary according to experience and the type of establishment where the CNA is working, but they average $12 per hour or $27,000 per annum. Salaries for CNAs in the coastal states such as Oregon, California or New York are substantially higher as the demand for well qualified personnel is higher. Many CNAs also qualify for other employment benefits such as medical benefits or dental benefits and these should be factored into any decision about what sort of job to take.