By
Lanee’ Blunt
The
salary range for a nursing assistant depends on where they are in their career
and how much experience they have. They are responsible for meeting the needs
of the people that they are caring for. They provide basic care and personal
hygiene such as hair care, bathing and dressing residents. Help patients to and
from the bathroom or with the bedpan. A CNA’s salary is dependent upon a number
of factors, including who they work for, where they work, and how much
experience they have.
Training Requirement
- A high school diploma or a GED
- Age requirement is age 18 or older
- Immunizations up to date which includes a TB test
- Criminal background check
- Pass a drug test
Training
programs can be taken at a community college, technical school, vocational
school, the Red Cross, and online training courses. Each state varies with how
many hours are necessary for the theory and classroom, and for the clinical
instruction. A candidate must finish the classroom and clinical requirement and
pass a training program examination and receive a certificate of completion. Take
the state competency exam and passing this exam allows one to become a
certified nursing assistant. Nursing aides will then be placed on a state
registry to be allowed to work in a nursing home.
Average Salary for a Nursing Assistant
The
median annual salary for a nursing assistant and nursing aide in May 2010 was
$24,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The wage also will depend
on how much experience they have with less than 1 year experience they make
$7.84 to $12.24, 1 – 4 years they make $8.28 - $13.04, 5 – 9 years they may
make $8.79 to $14.39,with 10 – 19 years they make $9.06 to $15.44, and 20 years
or more they make $9.24 to $16.22 an hour. Nursing assistants that work in a
hospital and nursing home have benefits: medical benefits, paid holidays, sick
leave and paid vacations.
Projected Job Outlook
Job
growth for nursing assistants is expected to grow by 20 percent to 2020. CNA’s that work in home health-care growth is
projected by 48 percent and is one of the jobs included in the top medical jobs
list. There is a growing population of elderly and there will be many nursing
assistants needed to work in nursing homes. This growth should also lead to
other medical industries, such as hospitals, hospices, home-care. The job
prospects and opportunities for people that are certified should be excellent
for nursing homes, and home-care employment.
Occupations: A Place to Start
Home-Health Care
To
be considered for a CNA position they must meet certain guidelines such as have
a valid state driver’s license and a good driving record. They are required to
have automobile insurance coverage and a car that they can transport patients
to and from vocational, recreational, medical, and religious services. They will have to
be physically able to transfer patients to and from their wheelchairs to bed,
toilet, tub, and to a vehicle.
Nursing Homes
Most
nursing homes require you to have a current state nursing assistant
certificate. You must show that you have the ability to chart behaviors, and
have knowledge of basic medical terms. Once you are hired you must be
responsible for assisting patients with their daily living activities, prepare
meals and assist with feeding, and give patients proper personalized care.
Reference:
Payscale:
Certified Nurse Assistant
