If you are interested in becoming a healthcare worker and wondering, “What is a CNA?” or “What do CNAs do?” in this article, you will find the answer to the most frequently asked questions about certified nursing assistants.
1. What Is a Certified Nursing Assistant?
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are vital for good patient outcomes; they are in charge of bathing, feeding, transporting, and registering patients and stocking medical supplies, among others. CNAs work under the supervision of a nurse, and CNA jobs are usually entry-level positions in the healthcare field.
2. What Are the Educational Requirements to Become a CNA?
Becoming a CNA doesn’t require a college degree; you will need a high school diploma or a GED, complete a state-approved CNA program, and pass the state-approved CNA examination for certification; these are the most common requirements throughout the different states. Depending on the state, additional requirements may be needed to become a CNA. Hence, make sure to check your state’s requirements.
3. How Long Does It Take to Be a CNA?
The time it takes to become a CNA varies from one state to another, but the shortest program lasts four weeks. There are also different ways to get your certification; that said, many states will ask for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program examination.
4. How Much Does a CNA Training Course Cost?
The cost of a CNA training course varies depending on the state and the school that offers the program. Organizations like Ballad Health offer it for free, but the average cost for a training course is around $1,300.
5. What Are the Benefits of Being a CNA?
In the following list, you will find some of the benefits of becoming a CNA.
- Short training time
- Minimum requirements to enter a training program
- Highly demanded profession
- Work opportunities in many different settings
- Possibility to work overtime
- Ability to continue studies while working
6. What Is a Typical CNA Job Description?
CNAs work in different healthcare environments but are usually found in adult care facilities and nursing homes. CNAs work with patients of different ages and abilities. They can also work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, ambulatory healthcare services, and home healthcare services, among others. They mainly assist patients and residents with activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing, and walking.
7. Do CNAs Have to Renew Their Credentials?
The credentials for a certified nursing assistant have an expiration date and, in most states, last for a period of two years from the date of issue. After that time, if you want to continue working as a CNA, you will need to complete the renewal process. Requirements vary among states, so make sure to check your state’s requirements for certification renewals.
8. What Is the Difference between LPN and CNA?
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants perform essential roles in healthcare, but the difference lies in their job responsibilities and training programs. LPNs perform basic nursing functions like medication administration and updating health records. On the other hand, CNAs help patients with their basic needs like bathing or eating.
LPNs and CNAs have to pass examinations for their certifications, but LPNs are licensed nurses, whereas CNAs are not.
9. What's the Average CNA Salary?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNAs earn a mean annual wage of $36,220 and $17.41 hourly, but with Nursa, which is a professional nursing market, you can nearly double your pay, earning $30 per hour or more.
If you are interested in getting detailed information about CNAs' salaries, like which state pays more, projections, and more, click on the link below.
The Ultimate Guide to CNA Pay [Updated 2023]
10. Can I Pick Up Travel CNA Jobs?
Suppose you are considering moving or checking out different options in another state. In that case, applying to per diem jobs is the fastest way and can become a reality through Nursa.
There are things you need to consider if you want to move or travel as a CNA; according to Registered Nursing, CNAs need to meet the requirements of the state where they want to go since the requirements vary among states.
Per diem jobs are an excellent option for CNAs because you can choose where, when, and how long you will work. The Latin term per diem means “per day,” so the jobs you choose in this type of employment will be temporary.
Nursa is a professional nursing market where facilities can post jobs, and registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants can find gigs.
11. What Is the CNA Projected Job Growth?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2021 to 2031, there will be about 220,200 CNA job openings annually, growing 5% within that decade.
Another interesting fact is that, according to the United States Census Bureau, between 2010-2020, the elderly population became 16.8% of the US population. The main reason for this growth is the aging of the baby boomers—people born from 1946-1964. With this generation's aging, the percentage of older adults is expected to continue growing.
These facts give positive projections for CNAs. Since they usually work with older adults, the necessity for CNAs will grow exponentially.
12. What Is the Most Difficult Challenge as a CNA?
As a CNA, you will be in direct contact with your patients' emotions, have long shifts, and make great physical exertions caring for sick or immobile patients, which could all quickly lead you to burnout. So you must know how to balance your life and maintain your health. Per diem jobs can help you to meet your work-life balance goals easier because you choose when, where, and with whom you will work.
13. How Can I Find CNAs Near Me?
If you are looking for CNAs near you, the easiest way to do it is through the web, and you can do it through a third party, such as a staffing agency that charges expensive higher-away fees, or through a professional nursing market like Nursa—the better option.
Through Nursa, facilities can post jobs for CNAs, and CNAs can find jobs. It is important to say that Nursa doesn’t hire healthcare workers; it just connects healthcare facilities with CNAs, LPNs, and RNs.
