FAQs about PRN CNA Jobs to Start Working and Earning
Are you a CNA, or do you want to become one? Learn more about this noble profession, how to earn more as a CNA, how to find high-paying PRN jobs, and more.
What Is a CNA?
A CNA is a certified nursing assistant. Certified nursing assistants are vital care team members in various healthcare facilities. Overall, CNAs’ responsibilities include supporting direct patient care by assisting with patients’ basic nursing needs and daily living activities. For example, CNAs assist in bathing, feeding, transporting, taking vital signs, and more. Generally, CNAs work under the supervision of nurses or physicians and are required in many types of healthcare facilities.
How Can I Become a CNA? How Much Does It Cost?
Becoming a CNA typically requires training in a state-approved program. Generally, only a high school diploma or GED is required to begin a CNA program. Upon completing the program, the individual must pass a test and become licensed or certified in their state. Naturally, job requirements may vary from facility to facility. Additionally, having experience or specific certifications can help CNAs get jobs more quickly.
The cost of a CNA training course varies depending on the institution offering the program and the state where the individual lives. However, the average cost is around $1,300. In addition, the individual may have to cover extra fees for books, background checks, supplies, etc.
What Does a Per Diem CNA Do?
A per diem CNA has the same functions as any other CNA. The main difference is that they work on a shift-by-shift basis. Per diem or PRN work refers to filling shifts when needed. This work is not always in the same facility or the same schedule, allowing CNAs to choose the shifts that suit them best. The function of per diem CNAs is to support patients with basic nursing tasks and daily living activities, just like internal staff CNAs.
Is Per Diem Work More Flexible for CNAs?
Yes, per diem CNAs usually have more flexibility in their jobs. CNAs working per diem shifts can say no to a shift by simply not requesting it. This is one of the reasons why PRN jobs are increasingly popular among healthcare professionals, especially in the nursing field. Many other advantages of picking up PRN CNA shifts are described below.
What Do I Need to Work as a PRN CNA?
CNAs need active state licenses or certifications to get PRN jobs. This typically involves completing a state-approved program and passing an exam. Additionally, some healthcare facilities require experience or certifications, depending on the work the CNA will be performing.
What Credentials Are Beneficial for PRN CNAs?
Individuals can acquire specific credentials to enhance their chances of acquiring jobs as per diem CNAs. These credentials make CNAs eligible for a wider range of jobs in various healthcare facilities. An active license or certification is mandatory. Additionally, most healthcare facilities require a BLS (Basic Life Support) certification. It can also help to have other CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certifications.
Furthermore, additional credentials can improve CNAs’ chances of getting jobs. For example, a CMA (certified medication aide) can assist patients with medication. Certifications for CNAs working in specific areas, such as geriatrics, are also available.
What Makes a Good PRN CNA?
Primarily, a good per diem CNA adapts quickly to new environments and has varied knowledge of different areas. In this way, CNAs can support healthcare facilities quickly with minimal onboarding. In addition, a good CNA has certain qualities that facilitate developing good rapport with patients. They can support patients with their daily activities and provide emotional comfort. CNAs need to be physically strong and have a lot of stamina and energy to endure difficult shifts, including night shifts. They also need empathy and listening skills to interact with their patients.
The best CNAs have all those skills, get along well with the rest of the team, and need minimal guidance to carry out their activities. The work of a good CNA is hard, but feeling that they make a difference in patients’ lives makes the work worth the effort.
What Benefits Come with Per Diem CNA Jobs?
Per diem CNA jobs have many benefits, such as the following:
- Good pay: Generally, the hourly pay for per diem shifts is higher than that of full-time in-house jobs.
- Flexibility: PRN CNAs can choose their own schedules.
- Less burnout and stress: Since PRN CNAs work when they want to, they can easily take breaks betwee shifts or seasons and relax. At the same time, healthcare facilities that have enough professionals through per diem jobs put less pressure on their internal staff.
- Adaptability: PRN CNAs gradually become more adaptable with experience, which is valuable for their resumes and future jobs.
- Balance between home and work: By having more flexibility and choice in their schedules, CNAs can better manage other responsibilities in their daily lives and balance work, home, family, and other interests.
Although they make more money per hour, CNAs who work per diem don’t have retirement benefits, health insurance, or other employee benefits. Therefore, they may want to obtain these benefits privately.
What Are Some Challenges of Working PRN Shifts as a CNA?
One challenge of working PRN shifts is the risk of not always having enough work. However, with good organization, PRN CNAs can get enough hours to cover all their expenses and even save some extra money.
In general, the challenges of working as a CNA include the physical and emotional demands of the job and the fact that many CNAs do not feel appreciated at work. Some healthcare environments are more stressful than others, so it is up to each CNA to decide what type of environment is best for them.
To help overcome financial challenges, CNAs can advance in their careers and become licensed nurses. Despite career advancement, similar challenges related to the nursing field may arise. For example, problems with challenging patients are common among all healthcare professionals. Heavy workloads are also part of many facilities due to the shortage of nurses.
Can I Advance in My Profession by Working as a PRN CNA?
Yes, there are many options to advance from being a CNA to being a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) while working as a CNA. There are CNA-to-LPN bridge programs and CNA-to-RN programs.
Of course, it takes less time to become an LPN. However, by becoming RNs, CNAs have more professional advantages since RNs have a higher level of licensure and higher pay. Either way, having firsthand experience working as a CNA is considered an advantage for advancement. One of the reasons is the clinical experience gained with patients as a CNA, which allows CNAs to understand nursing classes better, excel in them, and get better work opportunities in the future. Many healthcare facilities encourage CNAs to advance in their careers by continuing their education. This improves patient care, CNA salaries, and the level of care at facilities.
There are many free options for this transition, as well as paid programs. Some bridge programs are also faster than others.
Ultimately, each CNA can decide whether they wish to continue their education. Being a CNA first is also very useful for individuals considering entering the nursing field who wish to work in healthcare for a while before committing to a very long career.
What Is the Average Salary for CNAs? What about PRN CNAs?
One of the most critical aspects of the CNA profession is the financial aspect. CNAs do hard work and deserve financial recognition to support that work. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that an average CNA salary is $39,610 annually. Of course, the average in each state is different, and a significant percentage of CNAs earn more than this.
PRN CNAs tend to have higher hourly wages. Healthcare facilities are willing to pay more for their services since they do not pay benefits for PRN CNAs and need their services urgently.
How Can I Make More Money as a CNA?
There are several ways to earn more money as a CNA. First, getting jobs where CNAs are most needed can pay off. Generally, if a facility needs to fill its shifts urgently, it offers more money.
PRN CNAs can also work extra shifts. Whether a CNA is an employee at a facility or works per diem full time, they can always pick up more PRN shifts. In other words, they can work per diem in addition to earning a regular wage from employment. They can also pick up four or five 12-hour PRN shifts per week instead of three, for example.
CNAs can also earn certifications to increase their value in the job market and improve their income.
Can PRN CNAs Find Jobs in Hospitals?
A wide variety of CNA hospital jobs in different units are available for PRN CNAs. For example, they may work in the emergency room (ER), med-surg, the intensive care unit (ICU), long-term acute care hospitals, and other departments where patients require the care of a CNA.
PRN CNAs can enjoy working in hospitals and other facilities, as well as the flexibility and pay that per diem work offers.
What Are Some Common Settings for PRN CNAs?
CNAs can work PRN in a wide range of healthcare facilities, the most common being skilled nursing facilities, continuing care retirement communities, and assisted living facilities for the elderly. However, it is also possible for them to get jobs in other settings, such as hospitals and home healthcare.
CNAs will have similar patient care roles regardless of where they work. It is up to each CNA to determine the environment in which they would like to work, whether it is acute care, skilled nursing, or assisted living. CNAs are in high demand to provide care in all types of facilities, whether for older adults or any patient needing assistance.
How Can I Find PRN CNA Jobs near Me?
PRN certified nursing assistant jobs are available with Nursa in many locations throughout the US. To find jobs, CNAs need to sign up with Nursa, verify their credentials, and start searching for jobs. On the platform, CNAs can search for jobs near them. The advantages of pursuing these jobs are diverse, from getting a higher hourly wage to having flexibility and freedom.
Sources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (Nursing Assistants)
- National Library of Medicine: Burnout Risk and Protection Factors in Certified Nursing Aides
- National Library of Medicine: Learnings from nursing bridging education programs: A scoping review
- CNA Programs: Average Tuition and Fees for a CNA Program
