Opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants

CNAs will often begin their career in skilled nursing facilities. These facilities have a high demand for quality CNAs. A skilled nursing facility will allow you to work with many different patients and can provide a high-interest environment where you will get to use many of the skills developed in nursing assistant school. Using so many skills will allow new CNAs to develop those skills further and gain the experience necessary to advance in the field. Job security is always good, as the need is always present. Most CNAs, even at the beginning of their career, can get full-time hours. Although the job can be stressful, the high-paced environment is the right fit for many CNAs.

For those who fear burnout by the fast pace of a skilled nursing facility, working in home health care is an excellent opportunity. Rather than juggling up to a dozen patients, working in home health care has a CNA focusing on only one patient at a time. Typically finding a position in home health care will require some experience, so it will not be the first opportunity presented after nursing assistant school. While developing a relationship with patients is a benefit, it can be difficult for some to compartmentalize their feelings for their patients with the reality of the hard medical situations these patients face.

Working in a local hospital is one of the most desired opportunities for a CNA. You will get a choice of hours, have the opportunity for excellent salary and benefits, and have the chance to work with high quality nurses and physicians. If you are looking to advance in your career with additional schooling, a job in a local hospital will help you reach those goals. However, because these jobs are so desirable, they are also in high demand. While staying vigilant and applying consistently is highly recommended, volunteering in your spare time will help you get your foot in the door.

Assisted living facilities are full of patients who are still somewhat independent, so the job for a CNA is relatively low stress compared to patients in a hospital, a skilled nursing facility, or those who use home healthcare services. A CNA will be assisting people through their daily routines. This opportunity is good for those who are looking for a low stress position.

There are many opportunities for a career in healthcare, and all of them begin with completion of nursing assistant school. A nursing assistant program is a fast way to begin this career, and once you have completed nursing assistant school and begin your career, the possibilities are endless for advancement. Nursing assistant school can help you determine where you would like your career as a CNA to take you.

Healthcare is a career that can promise great job security. CNAs are needed in nearly every healthcare facility and have the opportunity to work directly with patients of all ages, from young to old. When you are ready for a career change, nursing assistant school can get you on the right track for a successful healthcare career. Contact Clement Career College for a campus tour!