Mariangel Esser and Juliana Moreno are certified nursing assistants with Myer C. and Ida Miller Hospice in Tulsa.
Helping us get a better perspective on this growing specialty are Mariangel Esser and Juliana Moreno, certified nursing assistants with Myer C. and Ida Miller Hospice in Tulsa. .
What does a CNA do?
Certified nursing assistants — also known as nurses’ aides, orderlies, patient care technicians and home health aides — are typically on the front lines of patient care. They usually work under the supervision of a nurse to provide assistance to patients with daily living tasks. CNAs are responsible for basic care services such as bathing, grooming and feeding patients. They also assist nurses and other health-care professionals with medical equipment, as well as checking patient vital signs.
Is this a growing field?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing assistant jobs, which include home health aides and psychiatric aides, should experience about 19 percent growth by 2018. Home health aides are expected to have the fastest job growth because many people prefer in-home treatment as a comfortable and cost-saving alternative to hospital or nursing home care. It should be noted, however, that assistant jobs in hospitals and nursing homes are still expected to grow faster than the average for all careers.
How much does an x-ray technician make?
According to payscale.com, salaries in this field vary depending on certification, experience and where the CNA works. Salary range on this web site was $9.27 to $12.16 an hour, or $19,704 to $26,840 a year for full-time employees.
What are the education requirements?
A CNA is considered a great entry point for those interested in pursuing a career in nursing. In addition to a high school diploma or a GED, you will be required to complete a six to 12 week CNA certificate program at a technical college, community college or medical facility. Classroom instruction in a certified nursing assistant program generally includes basic nursing skills, anatomy and physiology, nutrition and infection control. Students also gain plenty of hands-on-experience during clinical activities.
Where do they work?
Jobs in this field may take place in a variety of settings, including hospitals, doctor’s offices and nursing homes, and for home health and hospice agencies.
What are the traits of a good CNA?
Both Esser and Moreno agreed it’s vital your heart is in this job. “You have to enjoy, and you always need to have a smile,” said Moreno. Esser added that it takes a personal touch. “It’s not like a computer, which always does the same thing. People are always different, so you have to be helpful and know what it takes to help them.”
What’s your favorite part of this job?
“The smiles and all the thank yous I get. It makes me feel good that I am helping someone,” said Moreno. Esser said that’s especially true when working in hospice. “You really get close to the family. You get to help the patient and the family through a very difficult situation. When you go to a patient’s house, you get to know the patient and family because you learn a lot about the lives they live.”
What’s your least favorite part?
“Really, the only part I don’t like about this job is getting attached to someone and they pass away,” said Moreno.
