A Certified Nursing Assistant fulfills the need of patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics where nurses may be assigned to 12 or more patients. A CNA can assist patients with their basic needs so nurses can focus on what they must do with patients.
CNA observes patients conditions and reports back to the nurse. Work duties may include, but are not limited to, taking vital signs, moving patients, feeding patients, and monitoring food and liquid input and output. A CNA is the eyes and ears of the nurse, and should always have a strong knowledge of emergency procedures and be able to stay calm in stressful situations.
A valid Florida CNA certificate is needed to work as a CNA in Florida.
CNA Salary
CNA is an entry-level position and as such, certified nurses assistants receive the lowest salary of all nursing careers. However, the experience gained is invaluable since it provides educational experience in preparation for an advanced nursing career. Average salaries can range from $10/hour to $14/ hour. CNAs working nights, weekends, or in private care usually make substantially more.
CNA Job Outlook
There are approximately 1.4 million nurses assistants employed in the U.S. CNAs are employed in a variety of facilities including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home care.
The job growth for CNAs is faster than average. With an expected growth of 21% or more by 2014, an estimated 500,000 additional employees will be needed. There are excellent employment opportunities for CNAs around the country.
As the medical field continuously grows, certified nursing assistants are on the frontlines for providing quality patient care. Becoming a CNA is a good idea for someone interested in a medical career but unsure of long-term career goals. A certified nursing assistant job can set you on the fast track to a quality career in the medical field.
There is a lot of turnover in the field of certified nursing assistants. CNAs usually move on to pursue a career as an LPN or RN. This helps to create the high growth rate for CNAs and increased demand for medical professionals.
How Do I Become A Certified Nursing Assistant?
For information about obtaining a nursing assistant certification, continuing education, professional development or jobs, contact us and we will help you get the training you need to pass your Florida CNA license exam.
Call us now (407)402-5823. New classes begin every week but fill up quickly, so reserve your position in our next class today.
