The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is at the center of the health care team. They have the most contact with their patients/residents. By providing direct patient care, they are the ears and the eyes of the rest of the team.
Here are eight of many reasons you should consider being a CNA:
1. A Rewarding Career: You can make a difference in the lives of others. By improving the quality of lives of others, you can develop a sense of purpose in your daily work that is often lacking in other professions.
2. Job Opportunity and Stability: The health care industry is growing at a very fast pace. CNAs are currently in high demand and the market will only continue to grow as our population ages. The market demand for CNAs is estimated to increase 17% according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
3. Competitive Salary: The mean salary for West Central Illinois is approximately $11.09 an hour. These wages are also subject to weekend and shift differentials which can increase the hourly rate. Many facilities also offer excellent benefit packages including healthcare coverage, vision and dental coverage paid time off, life insurance, attendance bonuses and retirement plans.
4. Fast and Affordable Training Programs: One can complete a CNA program in 8 or 16 weeks and begin a rewarding career in 4 months or less. Many facilities have tuition assistance or you may be eligible to receive financial aid for some programs.
5. Variety of workplace environments: As a CNA, your job opportunities can be in varied work settings. The CNA can be employed in long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, hospitals, private clinics, hospice care and home care. The positions are open across the nation as well if you wish to relocate.
6. Flexible hours: Patients/residents need care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so there are many different hours available for the CNA. These include 8 or 12 hour shifts, day, evening or night shifts and some weekender shifts. Some facilities also hire part-time and per diem CNA. The opportunities are endless.
7. Valuable life and career experience: The experience gained with providing direct patient care to patients/residents gives the CNA the opportunity to ladder into other careers in the healthcare industry such as the Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse programs. Many other specialized medical careers value the hands on experience in patient care the CNA brings with them.
8. Provide better care to your own family: The education and experience the CNA receives on the job and in training can enrich the lives, health and the safety of their own loved ones. The professional knowledge gained can prevent illness or injury and provide emotional support to the family unit in times of need.
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is at the center of the health care team. They have the most contact with their patients/residents. By providing direct patient care, they are the ears and the eyes of the rest of the team. By observing and reporting current changes in the health of those they care for, the physicians and nurses can alter the treatment modalities to improve the patients/residents health. The interpersonal skills obtained by the CNA can have a positive impact on the lives of others, both in and out of the workplace setting.
Want to know more about local CNA training and job opporutnities? Become a CNA in 8-16 weeks at John Wood Community College.
