Working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) can be an excellent way to earn extra money while making a meaningful contribution. CNAs are in high demand at hospitals across the country, and CNA jobs are an excellent choice for health care professionals who are looking for extra work or simply a change of scenery.
CNA jobs are typically entry-level positions. Health care workers with more advanced certifications can fill in when needed.
You can find per diem jobs as a CNA in varied settings like:
- Hospitals
- Assisted Living Centers
- Home Health
- Skilled Nursing Centers
- Nursing Homes and Long-Term Healthcare Facilities
- Ambulatory Surgical Centers
What You Can Expect in Your Career as a CNA
CNAs will often be the primary caregivers to patients. A CNA will move patients, answer their calls, check vital signs, and more.
One quality the best CNAs possess is a commitment to patient care. Some of the other qualities that make an excellent CNA include:
- Having excellent communication skills
- Being physically capable to spend hours on your feet
- Being patient
- Being compassionate and empathetic with patients and their families
A career or PRN CNA can expect to help patients with their health care needs under the supervision of a nurse. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, some typical duties of a CNA include:
- Turning or moving patients
- Getting medical supplies
- Bathing, grooming, and cleaning patients
- Checking vital signs
- Answering patient calls
- And assisting with some medical procedures
Can I Work PRN as a CNA?
Along with salary, another major question health care workers may have is “Can I work PRN as a CNA?” The answer is yes. You'll likely be in high demand if you do, because health care facilities frequently require PRN nursing assistants to fill in for unplanned openings. This means you can easily find jobs working per diem as a CNA.
What Is the Average CNA Salary?
The median pay rate for a CNA is $14.82 per hour, or $30,830 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Working as a PRN CNA can net you extra money, because the healthcare facility requires the spot filled right away. Therefore, you can earn a higher hourly wage.
15 Reasons Working as a CNA Could be Right for You
Are you wondering if working as a CNA is right for you? Working as a PRN CNA can be an excellent choice for a healthcare worker who:
1. Wants to moonlight
Health care facilities often require CNAs at the drop of a hat. This is a chance to pick up some extra work that can fit into your schedule around a regular job.
2. Is Saving Extra Money for a Future Need
The median salary of a CNA is $14.82 per hour. Rates vary depending on location. Plus, there's always the possibility of extra pay for picking up last-minute shifts.
3. Is Exploring Different Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
If you’re curious about working at a different hospital or health care facility, working PRN as a CNA can be a good point of entry. You’ll witness the culture of different workplaces.
4. Is Looking for a Change of Pace
It’s a chance to change up your typical daily work routine and try something different, while still staying in the healthcare field.
5. Wants a Flexible Job that Works Around their School Schedule
If you’re currently in school for a degree or certification, it can be handy to have a job you can adjust to work around your school schedule.
6. Is Looking for a Job That Doesn't Require Advanced Degrees
Becoming a CNA requires a state-approved certification, not an advanced degree, which means much less of a financial commitment before starting work in the healthcare field. This also makes it a strong entry-level job for someone looking to get a foot in the door of healthcare.
7. Wants to Gain Experience in a Healthcare Facility
With its hands-on patient care, working as a CNA can help you gain valuable experience in the healthcare field. You can add this valuable experience to your resume. You’ll also make important connections with medical professionals.
8. Wants a Job with Variety
A CNA’s duties vary, from moving patients to assisting with procedures and more. You’ll meet different patients, health care workers, and do a variety of essential tasks.
9. Seeks Job Security
CNAs are in hot demand at health care facilities, and that’s likely only to increase. The BLS expects the field to grow over the next decade, meaning even more openings for per diem CNA jobs.
10. Wants Bonuses and Incentives
CNAs who work full time may qualify for benefits and employment bonuses. Plus, there may be incentives for covering certain shifts.
11. Is Dedicated to Patient Care
CNAs are a crucial part of patient care. This means the job is best for those who are committed to taking care of the humans they serve.
12. Loves to Travel
Contract positions for CNAs are available across the country. This means you can work your fill in one location then explore another part of the country, all while contributing to patient care.
13. Is Looking to Continue Their Specialized Education
As a CNA, you can explore special fields of medical care. This can be helpful in getting into special medical education programs, and serve you well as you earn more degrees.
14. Longs to Work in All Kinds of Places
You can work in metropolitan hospitals, rural clinics, in assisted living facilities, or in private homes. And you can do it all over the country.
15. Is Looking for Rewarding and Fulfilling Work
With the amount of patient contact and important work you’ll be providing, you’ll witness the benefits of your job up-close and personal. The work is hard, but is significant and emotionally fulfilling.
How Can I Find CNA Jobs Near Me?
Finding PRN CNA jobs near you is as easy as downloading the NursaTM app for the iPhone or for Android phones.
