After completing from a C.N.A. program, many new graduates are interested in putting their skills to work and will be searching for certified nursing assistant employment opportunities. While most jobs are going to be in the long-term care industry, this offers C.N.A.’s the greatest chance of job flexibility. Opportunities to work 8 and/or 12 hour shifts are frequently available, allowing nursing assistants to work days, evenings, nights and weekends. Depending on shift chosen, some C.N.A.’s may also be eligible to receive shift differentials for working the evening and night shifts.
One of the best places new graduates can find certified nursing assistant employment is at their clinical site. Since C.N.A. programs at most community colleges and vocational schools usually have a clinical component, students spend their final semester working in a long-term care facility under the supervision of their instructors. If still a student, it may be wise to inquire about relevant employment opportunities with the unit’s nurse manager or charge nurse while still performing clinicals. He or she may be able to inform you regarding any current and future positions, and after observing your performance as a student and speaking with your instructor, may even be able to present a conditional job offer.
For experienced C.N.A.’s, finding certified nursing assistant employment opportunities is easier than for those who just graduated. A highly experienced C.N.A. may be able to be hired at a hospital and with additional training, may be able to become a patient care technician. Still performing C.N.A. duties, a P.C.T. may perform additional tasks to assist their supervising R.N. or other nursing staff. Additionally, many experienced C.N.A.’s are also able to find employment with staffing agencies. Traveling from site to site, staffing agencies provide vacation or illness coverage to hospitals, nursing homes and other care facilities. Employees are free to choose their own shifts and because employment is per shift, wages tend to be higher than employees with a regular, full-time position.
Another alternative for experienced C.N.A.’s wishing to find new certified nursing assistant employment opportunities is to cross-train as a home health aid. H.H.A.’s are usually employed by home health agencies and visit patients in their homes. Performing many of the same duties a C.N.A. does, home health aides also cook meals, clean houses and transport patients to and from doctor appointments. While not as high as a C.N.A. working for a staffing agency, home health worker wages tend to be as competitive as those offered by long-term care facilities.
{ 0 comments }
