Nursing Assistant Careers

A Nurse Assistant assists personnel with a variety of patient care activities and related services necessary in caring for the personal needs and comfort of patients. Assists with personal hygiene, takes vital signs and changes bed linens. May serve and collect food trays, provide for between-meal nourishment, and clean, sterilize, store and prepare other supplies. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and 0-2 years of related experience. Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.

Certified nurse assistants work under the supervision and management of licensed and certified nurses and physicians. CNAs are responsible for helping to provide patient care and are most often focused on carrying out tasks that help ensure patient physical and emotional comfort, such as feeding, bathing, changing and helping to move and transport patients. CNAs work closely with nurses to take patient histories, assess patient vital signs, prepare patients for surgery and to aid in the operation of medical equipment.

The U.S. Department of Labor expects opportunities for all medical professionals to increase significantly through 2016. While opportunities for highly trained and educated nurses will be the greatest, CNAs will have increased job opportunity because certified nurses assistants are integral to the operation of most medical facilities. Job opportunities for CNAs will be most abundant in hospital settings, doctors' offices and an specialized care facilities. CNAs entering the field can expect to earn about ten dollars an hour, while experienced professionals may earn more than $12 hourly.

In order to become a CNA, individuals must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and must enroll in an accredited certified nursing assistant certification program. CNA programs are offered at many community colleges and vocational schools. Some hospitals and private clinics may offer their own in-house CNA training programs.

The median expected salary for a typical Nurse Assistant in the United States is $26,166. This basic market pricing report was prepared using our Certified Compensation Professionals' analysis of survey data collected from thousands of HR departments at employers of all sizes, industries and geographies. A career as a Nurse Assistant is the best way to prepare and to gain experience for more challenging roles in the healthcare field.