CNA Description – Learning more about CNAs

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About

The Certified Nurse Assistant is an important member of the health care team. They are specially trained to be the Registered Nurse eyes and ears, and to assist patients in carrying out their activities of daily living.

The work of a CNA is split between technical work, like monitoring patients’ vitals and setting up medical equipment, and patient care: feeding, bathing, daily grooming, aiding with exercises and various domestic activities. A CNA also ensures that patients’ rights are respected, and not violated; some patients are impaired and cannot stand up for themselves – it is the CNA who gives them a voice.

Beyond taking good physical care of their patients, they also build strong emotional and social rapport with patients and their families; often being the bridge that connects the higher levels of the medical team to the patient’s own circle of support.

The work of a CNA is strenuous – physically, mentally, and emotionally; but many CNAs feel that the benefits they give those in need are well worth their work.

What is takes to be CNA

The work of a CNA is not for everyone.  Certain personal qualities are necessary to be successful and add value.  Successful CNAs are hardworking, kind, and think of the betterment of their patients and the health care team before themselves.  This is not a punch-in and punch-out type of job; when a CNA is on duty, they must leave their problems at the door and be present and alert to give their patients the best care possible.

I have seen many CNAs come and go, and have been privileged to work with great examples of what it means to be a CNA. Those who are not team players, lazy, and unprofessional not only drag the rest of the medical team down, but also put patients in danger by not being on top of things.

While dealing with the physical challenges of CNA work, you must also be equipped to deal with the mental and emotional challenges.  Some patients are hard to work with and difficult to care for. Family members can become stressed, and can be downright mean and condescending. A CNA has to take these things in stride, and be able to handle (and often diffuse) such situations.

While working as a CNA, you will become close to those around you – both staff and patients.  It is hard to see a patient take a turn for the worse or watch them die.  During such times, the emotional and mental burdens are at their highest, but CNAs take great comfort in knowing that they helped their patients in their greatest time of need. At the end of the day, it is all worth it. You may go home tired and drained, but you look forward to the next day of work because you know you make a difference.

Career

Considering the economy and the stability of jobs, CNAs fare quite well. CNAs take care of  the elderly, the disabled, those who are temporarily sick, the bedridden, and the dying.  Since CNAs work wherever there are people in need, the demand for this career is not going to change.  CNAs find employment in hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, health aide agencies, hospices, and in the private sector.

Compensation for a CNA will depend on the location in which they work and the level of experience they possess. A full-time CNA salary can range from $19,000 (with little experience) to $26,000 (with advanced experience).

The hourly wage for a part-time CNA is around $11.50 an hour. Most CNA employers offer health and dental benefits on top of their salary compensation after completion of a probationary period.

If a CNA chooses to work in the private sector, they may be able to net a higher hourly wage, but that benefit is often weighed against the health and dental benefits that a health facility offers. A CNA with proper training, certification, and ongoing education will be more likely to receive monetary raises and promotions.

CNA – A starting point

Although the work of a CNA is fulfilling, a lifelong career as a CNA isn’t for everyone. However, it might be a good place to start if you’re thinking about joining the medical field. Why? There are three reasons:

1. The cost and length of training to become a CNA is generally low when compared to other medical trainings or education programs.
2. It is a great way to get your feet wet. Being a CNA you will see what the medical field is all about, and whether or not it is an environment you want to commit a lifelong career to.
3. Being a CNA can springboard you into other areas of the medical world. Many CNAs have gone back to school to get higher or specialized training and go after better paying jobs. It is not unheard of that x-ray technicians, registered nurses, or even a doctors started their careers as CNAs.

If you want to continue down the path of a CNA career, please see the Become a CNA section of this website.