For anyone looking to enter nursing at an entry-level position, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant can have you quickly working while studying to advance your career in the field. Whether you simply want to remain in a less-demanding job or are looking to work your way up to becoming an RN or an FNP eventually, getting CNA Certification Training is where you’ll need to begin. Are you wondering where you could work with this kind of certification? Here are the best jobs in the field you might want to explore.
1. Hospitals
It is true that most hospitals around the country are understaffed and in crisis. LPNs and RNs are desperately needed and so they are often overloaded with duties. In an effort to save money and to fill the gap left by the crisis level shortage of nurses, many hospitals pay CNAs well and with a decent benefits package. If you are looking to get your foot in the door with the hopes of one day becoming a nurse yourself, this is a great place to start.
2. Nursing Homes/Assisted Living Facilities
Most nursing homes and assisted living facilities hire qualified CNAs to see to the daily care of residents. While nurses typically assess the residents’ health daily, it is the CNA who will ultimately see to the care of the patients. They will be tasked with helping them bathe and see to their personal hygiene, as well as helping to change bedding or with feeding patients unable to feed themselves. CNAs work closely with patients and because of this, are highly valued by administration and residents’ families as well.
3. Doctor’s Offices and Clinics
Some doctors’ offices and clinics staff both CNAs and Medical Assistants, but some hire one or the other. Duties may overlap, and this is why many clinics hire the type of professional most in need. If you wonder what you will actually be doing as a CNA in a doctor’s office, check with your advisor at the school you’ve chosen to work for.
4. Home Healthcare Agencies
Home healthcare is big business in this country, especially as Boomers continue to reach senior years. For those patients not bad enough to require hospitalization or residency in an assisted living facility, CNAs enable them to remain at home where they are more comfortable. The current thrust of healthcare is the quality of life a patient is able to live. Certified Nursing Assistants help them be as active and well-cared for as possible, so that they can live with the quality of life they so deserve.
While there are other jobs CNAs can apply for, these are not only the most common but the best entry-level positions in the field of nursing. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, you will not only be working in the field, but you will also be gaining knowledge and experience you will need when furthering your education if you choose to do so. If you enjoy working with people, this is a great career for you.