36,924 Certified Nursing Assistant Jobs Nationwide
Certified nursing assistants help patients in health care settings, especially in nursing homes, hospitals and assisted living facilities. They are often responsible for assisting elderly or disabled people in carrying out basic functions, such as eating, bathing and getting dressed. They are sometimes required to change patients' bedding and help to move individuals, all under the supervision of registered or licensed practical nurses.
Skill Set
Similarly to registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, also known as nursing attendants or aides, need to have strong communication skills. They also have to be patient and kind when dealing with different types of patients, including more difficult ones. Having strong backgrounds in science and health can help certified nursing assistants to do well in the healthcare field.
Education: Nursing aides are required to undergo a certain amount of training in a post-secondary program during or after high school and take a state-issued certified nursing assistant exam. Some states also require nursing aids to undergo background checks and get re-certified on a regular basis, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career Path
Getting a two-year degree from an accredited school before going on to take a certification exam can help a nursing assistant to become more experienced and knowledgeable. A background in childcare can prepare an individual for the challenges of taking care of elderly patients. Through post-secondary programs, nursing aides get hands-on experience through supervised clinicals.
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