Explore Rewarding Nursing Assistant Careers During National Nursing Assistants Week

Explore Rewarding Nursing Assistant Careers During National Nursing Assistants Week

In May we celebrated National Nurses week and the men and women who assess our health, treat our aches and pains, and help us back to wellness. Now it's time to honor those who help nurses each and every day: the certified nursing assistants.

This 33rd annual event, which began June 10 and ends June 17, focuses on the role of nursing assistants and the important part they play in the health care system. They're often called "direct care" workers because they do just that: use hands-on skills to care for patients who can't care for themselves, particularly the elderly and disabled.

Think about it: if you've ever had a loved one who's spent significant time in a hospital or nursing facility, you've seen the work of certified nursing assistants first-hand. They're the ones who provide the human touches that become so important to someone who can't care for themselves. From feeding patients to helping them dress to making sure they have clean sheets to sleep on, certified nursing assistants instigate the healing process by attending to a patient's most basic needs.

Why Become a Certified Nursing Assistant?

If you've ever thought about joining the growing health care field, becoming a certified nursing assistant is a great place to start. Here's why:

It's Fast

To get started as a certified nurse assistant, you'll need a high school diploma (or equivalent) and to complete an accredited CNA program, which takes roughly 75 hours. This means you can be entering the workforce, gaining valuable experience, and bringing home a paycheck fairly quickly.

It's Secure

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the job growth for nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants will grow 19 percent through 2018, which is faster than the average for all occupations. (A majority of these positions will involve caring for the elderly as the population continues to age.)

It's a Great Starting Point

If you've thought about entering health care but aren't sure what it will entail, working as a certified nurse assistant will give you insight into the health care and nursing industry. Many certified nurse assistants segue their experience into careers as licensed practical nurses and registered nurses.

Ready to Find out More?

Check out this certified nursing assistant career profile for salary information, career details and more.

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