Why Become A Certified Nursing Assistant?

You may not have heard of them before, but nursing assistants play a key role in the medical field. If you are looking to work in the healthcare industry, but don’t know where to start, a certified nursing assistant qualification could be the way forward, so in this article, we’ll discuss why you should do exactly that.

What is a Certified Nursing Assistant

A certified nursing assistant is like the RN’s right-hand man. They help patients in much the same way that a nurse does, but with slightly less responsibility and under the supervision of a registered nurse. Depending on where you work, your duties as a certified nursing assistant will vary. You normally will be expected to record vital signs like blood pressure and heart rate, as well as assisting the patient so that they can move, eat, and clean themselves.

It Can Be A Much Quicker Route Into The Medical Field

Becoming a certified nursing assistant can be a much quicker route if you are looking to become a nurse or even just get experience in the medical field. In general, CNA certification training takes up to three months of instruction and clinical training, after which you can start working straight away in hospitals, nursing homes, or elsewhere. This makes a certified nursing assistant qualification excellent for those who haven’t got the luxury of lots of time to study and want to get some practical experience in the medical field. In addition to that, some nursing schools will only accept those who have previously worked as nursing assistants, so it can be a huge bonus on an application.

And A Much More Affordable One

One of the main attractions of the certified nursing assistant training is that it is much more affordable than going to medical school. Prices can vary, but they usually hover above or below $1,000. This makes becoming a certified nursing assistant a much more affordable option for those looking to get into healthcare. There are even grants available for those who are struggling.

There Is A Good Salary With Benefits

Although becoming a certified nursing assistant may not be the most lucrative career out there, it is certainly one of the most rewarding ones and one with a good salary, especially when considering the ease of training it takes to qualify. The average salary for a CNA is $26,000 per year, and in addition to that, certified nursing assistants get to benefit from some excellent benefits on the side. Health, dental, vision, life,and disability insurance are all commonly included, as well as potential opportunities to earn more through profit-sharing schemes.

You’ll GetTo Work Closely With Patients And Be More Involved In Their Healthcare

One of the main reasons that people choose to become a certified nursing assistant is, of course, the patients. As a CAN, you get to work at the forefront of healthcare and really get to know your patients. You’ll often be acting as an intermediary between the nurses and the patients, helping to make sure that the patients’ needs are fully met, and that they are comfortable when the nurses are busy.

Being a CNA is in no way an easy job, but it’s certainly a rewarding one. Hopefully, this article has encouraged you to consider becoming a CNA yourself.