Those who are looking to expand their career into the medical field may want to consider becoming a CNA. This can be an incredibly rewarding career for those who want to join the field but cannot go to college for a full nursing degree. CNA stands for certified nursing assistant. However, the position is also called a nurse aide in many areas. These professionals assist nurses in many ways, including helping patients with dressing, bathing, eating, and more.
The runway to become a CNA is quite short compared to many other health-related careers, and it is a great way to enter the field. Continue below to learn more about becoming a CNA.
Starting a CNA Career at an Assisted Living Facility
The first step to becoming a CNA is to sign up for a CNA training program. Multiple entities, including colleges, the Red Cross, high schools, and more, offer these programs. The length of a CNA program can vary, with the average being somewhere between 4 to 6 weeks. A CNA program will have a few parts, including:
- Written/Theory – This is the study and knowledge portion of the program. The student will learn the fundamentals and healthcare information related to the position.
- Lab/Practical – This is where the student CNA will have to perfect their newly learned skills. Along with fellow classmates, they must practice patient care, bathing, feeding, transferring a patient, and more.
- Clinical Application – The clinical portion is where students will apply their new skills in a live setting. They will work with patients in a facility while being supervised by a licensed nurse/instructor.
While there are many healthcare facilities to be a CNA, assisted living is often an excellent setting for this career. Firstly, assisted living can be a perfect launching point for a CNA career. The patients in these facilities often don’t require the high level of care that other settings might.
This allows new CNAs to get their feet wet in their profession without immediately feeling overwhelmed by a more fast-paced healthcare setting. Moreover, CNAs will often deliver the clinical portion of their training in an assisted living facility. This means they will already be familiar with and may even be able to get a job at the facility where they trained.
Before You Go Searching for “Assisted Living Facilities Near Me”
The short runway and exciting opportunity of becoming a CNA may have some people jumping onto Google to search “assisted living facilities near me.” Some may be searching after finishing their training. This is one way to find a placement as a CNA, but a staffing agency like Cynamed can sometimes be a better way to find an ideal position. This way, the new CNA can be placed in a facility that fits their desires and with an agreeable pay rate.
Ready to Begin Your Career at Assisted Living Facilities?
If you are in CNA training or already certified in the Pittsburgh area, Cynamed is here to help you find your ideal placement in assisted living facilities. We know it can be difficult to find a placement that fits your ideal scene, so our goal is always to work with you.
In other words, your nursing career goals become our career goals. You can create your own schedule, and we will work with that schedule to find you the right fit. If you have any questions or want to work with us, you can reach us at 412-325-3420 or fill out the contact form on our website.
