If you’ve been considering a nursing career, becoming a CNA might be the right choice for you! While this career path takes training, it also comes with lots of opportunities. This week we will discuss the path to becoming a CNA, job description, salary, benefits, and growth potential. Let’s dive into the logistics behind the role of CNA.
Requirements of Becoming a CNA
In the state of California, there are some basic requirements anyone must meet before heading into CNA training. Applicants must be at least 16 years old, be able to write and speak in English, pass a background check, have a social security number or tax ID number, be up to date on immunizations, and have a clean physical screening. Educationally speaking, CNAs are required to complete 150 hours of training. 50 hours of training are in the classroom and the remaining 100 are done under clinical supervision. If you are someone who likes to learn on the job, CNAs are able to learn from physicians during their real-world, practical training hours. Additionally, CNAs must pass a 70-question certification exam and apply for their certification within CA. CNAs in CA must also complete 48 hours of continuing education hours in order to renew their license every two years.
What CNAs Do
CNA stands for Certified Nursing Assistant. As the name implies, CNAs assist with patient care. Patience and bedside manner are extremely important for CNAs as their job description can vary. According to WGU, CNAs may perform any of the following tasks:
- Bathing patients
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Grooming patients
- Moving patients or turning them
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Feeding patients and documenting their food and liquid intake
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Checking vital signs
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Answering patient’s calls for assistance
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Documentation
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Cleaning bed linens, rooms, and restocking supplies
- Ensuring all necessary medical supplies are on hand
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Assisting with certain procedures
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Safety protocols
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Transportation of patients
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Wound care
CNAs learn to follow strict protocols to ensure the best care is administered and assist nurses in their patient duties. The job requires a high level of people skills as a CNA may work with multiple patients and medical professionals in a day. It also requires the ability to work well under pressure.
Benefits of Being a CNA
There are lots of great benefits to becoming a CNA. Besides the standard benefits of health and dental insurance, paid time off, retirement or 401K plans, and overtime pay, CNAs also enjoy the reward of helping others. According to Zip Recruiter, CNAs in Oakland make an average of $46,311 annually which is above the national average. As with any position, a CNA’s salary may vary based on years of experience and tenure with the employer. The US Bureau of Labor predicts that CNA positions will increase by 5% between 2021 and 2031. This means good job stability and continued demand in the nursing field.
Interested in Learning More?
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