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Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Career Description:

Work under the direction of Nurses and Doctors
Give personal care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes and at home
Assist patients with daily living activities (bathing, dressing, walking, eating, shaving, changing and making bed, toileting etc.)
Take vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature) and provide skin care
Record vital signs and food intake and output
Observe patients’ physical, mental and emotional conditions and report any changes to Nurse or Doctor
Answer call bells, read charts, deliver messages, and greet and communicate with patients and families
May include some clerical work such as filing and making appointments

Work Environment:

Working Conditions:

Requires physical stamina (long hours on feet; patient, equipment moving)
Some risk of exposure to hazardous body fluids and diseases, infections from patient contact
Usually work indoors in close contact with patients and co-workers
Wear uniforms
May work days, nights, weekends and holidays; full or part-time
Typically work a regular schedule

Job Outlook:

Growth in employment opportunities in U.S. predicted to grow faster than average through 2014
Over 1.4 million CNAs employed in U.S.; over 40,000 work in Massachusetts
Approximately 500,000 job openings expected nationally between 2004-2014 (new and replacement positions); 28% growth rate
Approximately 1180 CNA positions predicted to be open annually in MA through 2008; faster than average growth rate expected through 2012

Career Advancement:

May expand skills by moving to critical care or emergency departments
May progress to lead nursing assistant or supervisory roles
Can advance into other healthcare careers; generally with more education and training

Earnings:

Nationally, the median wage for nursing assistants is $1,730 per month; Half of all nursing assistants earn $1,470-$2,060 per month or $17,640-$24,720 annually
Average salary in MA is $2,150 per month; Half of all nursing assistants earn $1,900-$2,410 per month or $22,800-$28,920 annually

Salary information is based on data extracted from the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development Career Information System, the Massachusetts Hospital Association “Pulse” website, and the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wages vary by employer, geographical location, experience and level of education. Salaries in the Boston area are generally higher than stated Massachusetts and National averages.

Education/Training Required:

Certified Nursing Assistant programs are offered through high schools, vocational-technical schools, and some community colleges
Programs vary in length based on whether they are full or part time
Training includes instruction and supervised clinical experience related to basic patient care
Program content includes medical terminology, nutrition, patient care procedures, interpersonal/communication skills, basic anatomy, safety and assisting with therapies
Nursing assistants must be certified by the state of MA
Certification requires completion of an approved training program of 75 hours or more; certification exam required; continuing education required to maintain certification

Prerequisite Educational Requirements:

Is this career for you?

Are you compassionate?
Do you have the desire to help people?
Do you work well as part of a team?
Do you have good communication skills?
Do you mind continuous repetition of some routine daily tasks?
Are you physically able to stand for long periods and lift up to 60 pounds?
Are you observant and flexible and a good problem solver?
Are you willing to put patients first and go out of your way to provide exceptional care to individuals with a wide variety of physical and emotional needs?

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