A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare worker that provides care to patients in their homes, in nursing homes, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. Nursing assistants on a healthcare team are supervised by licensed practical or licensed vocational nurses and registered nurses.
What Does a CNA Do?
These workers help patients with basic life activities, such as dressing, moving, eating, and staying clean. They offer support to nurses by taking blood pressure, temperature, and other vital signs, and sometimes dispensing medication. They work under the direction of onsite LPNs or RNs.
Why Become a CNA?
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CNAs are often the first step in a nursing career. They do not provide medical care. However, they know when to call nurses and can recognize red flags. Many CNA programs are certificate programs that are part of an LPN diploma to RN program.
Where Do CNAs Work?
The largest employers of nursing assistants are listed below.
| Work Location | Percent |
|---|---|
| Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities) | 37% |
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | 30% |
| Retirement communities and assisted living facilities for the elderly | 11% |
| Home healthcare services | 6% |
| Government | 4% |
How Much Do Certified Nursing Assistants Earn?
According to recent information from the BLS, CNAs make around $33,250 a year. annual salary, Depending on experience, the type of healthcare setting, and the region of the country,
What is the Job Outlook for CNAs?
As the U.S. population ages and the need for healthcare services, in general, continues to grow, the demand for CNAs will grow with it. Overall employment of nursing assistants should grow eight percent from 2020 to 2030. Additionally, there are currently about 192,800 projected each year over the decade. These openings come from retiring workers and workers changing jobs.
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