Unlocking Opportunities: What Jobs Can a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Pursue?
A nursing assistant, also known as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or a nurse aide, is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a licensed nurse to provide basic care for patients in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and home health agencies. They play an important role in the healthcare team and have several job opportunities available to them. Here are a few examples of jobs that a nursing assistant may be qualified for:
Patient Care Technician (PCT): A PCT provides basic patient care, such as taking vital signs, assisting with mobility, and helping with personal care needs. A nursing assistant's experience working with patients in a healthcare setting can be valuable in this role.
Home Health Aide (HHA): A HHA provides basic care for patients in their homes, such as assistance with personal care and medication management. A nursing assistant's experience working with patients in a healthcare setting can be valuable in this role.
Medical Assistant: Medical Assistant is responsible for performing both clinical and administrative duties, such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, and assist with laboratory procedures. A nursing assistant's experience working with patients in a healthcare setting can be valuable in this role.
Nurse Aide in Long-term Care: Nurse Aides in Long-term care facilities provide basic care for residents, such as assistance with personal care and medication management. A nursing assistant's experience working with patients in a healthcare setting can be valuable in this role.
Continuing Education: Many nursing assistants choose to continue their education to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN). This can open up more job opportunities and higher earning potentials.
Community Health Worker: Community health workers help individuals and communities to access healthcare services and provide basic health education. A nursing assistant's experience working with patients in a healthcare setting can be valuable in this role.
Medical Scribe: A medical scribe is a person who is trained to document patient encounters in real-time and assist physicians with electronic medical records. A nursing assistant's experience working with patients in a healthcare setting can be valuable in this role.
Hospice Aide: Hospice aides provide care and support for patients who are nearing the end of their lives, and their families. A nursing assistant's experience working with patients in a healthcare setting can be valuable in this role.
Rehabilitation Aide: Rehabilitation aides assist physical, occupational, and speech therapists in providing care and rehabilitation services to patients recovering from injuries or illnesses. A nursing assistant's experience working with patients in a healthcare setting can be valuable in this role.
Geriatric Aide: Geriatric aides provide care and support for older adults living in long-term care facilities or in their homes. A nursing assistant's experience working with patients in a healthcare setting can be valuable in this role.
Clinical Research Assistant: Clinical research assistants assist with the planning, coordination, and execution of clinical research studies. A nursing assistant's experience working with patients in a healthcare setting can be valuable in this role.
In summary, nursing assistants have several job opportunities available to them beyond traditional healthcare settings.These roles may require additional training or education but the experience working with patients in a healthcare setting can be valuable in these roles.