You should consider some interesting facts about nursing assistants if you are thinking of a career as a nursing assistant or know someone who works as a CNA. A CNA is someone who provides basic care (typically non-medical care) for patients in hospitals, nursing care facilities and home-health settings. They work closely with nurses and other members of the healthcare team to keep a patient safe and comfortable when they are ill or injured. There are probably many things you do not know about nursing assistants.
1. If you think a career as a certified nursing assistant is not an important career; think again. Nursing assistants are a vital part of the healthcare team for patients and clients in a variety of healthcare settings. You can make a difference in the lives of patients of all ages when working as a nursing assistant.
2. There are about 1.5 million jobs in the United States, filled by certified nursing assistants, nursing aides and psychiatry aides. Enrolling for an Online Bachelors in Healthcare Administration is a great first start.
3. The demand for qualified nursing assistants is expected to continue to grow over the next few years. In fact, within 10 years, the number of job positions is expected to increase by about 18%.
4. The history of nursing assistants actually dates back to the time of World War I. The American Red Cross created a program to train individuals to assist nurses during the war. The program was referred to as the Volunteer Nurses’ Aide Service.
5. Congress passed the Omnibus Reconciliation Act in 1987 to ensure that well trained and skilled individuals were hired to work as nursing assistants in nursing care and other healthcare facilities that are Medicare and Medicaid Certified.
6. A National Nursing Assistant week has been/will be observed for the 33rd time in the year 2010. Nursing assistants should be recognized for their hard work and devotion to providing excellent care for their patients and clients.
7. One of the states with the highest demand for certified nursing assistants currently is the state of Michigan. Many states throughout the United States have an increasingly high demand for qualified nursing assistants.
8. If you are a certified nursing assistant, it can improve your chances of being accepted into a nursing school program. In fact, some nursing schools require students to hold their nursing assistant certification before they can enter the program.
9. Although most nursing assistants earn between $20,000-$30,000 per year, some earn more than $35,000 annually. The state where a CNA is employed, their experience and additional skills and training are determining factors in the salary of a CNA.
10. About ¾ or more of all certified nursing assistants work on a full-time basis. Though there are some nursing assistants who work part-time or even per diem.
You will find that there is a lot that people do not understand or know about certified nursing assistants. CNAs are in high demand and play a very important role in the healthcare industry. It takes knowledge, skill and compassion to provide excellent care as a nursing assistant.
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