CNA Jobs Overview
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are crucial members of any healthcare team in both acute and post-acute settings. These trained professionals go by different names in different states:
- Licensed nursing assistant (LNA): New Hampshire, Vermont
- State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA): Ohio
- State Registered Nursing Assistant (SRNA): Kentucky
CNA jobs are performed under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Nursing assistants are responsible for hands-on care of patients including helping with daily living activities, checking vital signs, and in some cases, administering the medications that are important to the health and recovery of their patients.
There are more than 1.4 million nursing assistants in the United States, and with a job growth of 4% in the next 10 years, still more are needed. CNA jobs can be physically as well as emotionally demanding, but also incredibly rewarding for those who want direct interaction with patients. You can find many certified nursing assistant jobs in locations across the country, and in many settings, on Credenza’s job board.
CNA Education and Skills
To become a CNA, you’ll start by earning a high school degree or GED. Each state has different requirements, but in general the next step is completing a nurse assistant training program that is approved by your state nursing board. These programs are available from community colleges, hospitals, or even online. The final step is to pass the CNA certification exam. Each state’s test is a bit different, but it can include demonstrations of skills learned, plus written and sometimes oral sections. You will need to hold basic life support (BLS) certification for most nursing assistant positions.
If you want to advance your career, consider becoming a certified medication aide, medical assistant, or certified hospice aide, or continuing your education to go from a CNA to a registered nurse.
During all your education, remember that you’ll also want to learn the soft skills that will best help your patients. In many CNA job descriptions, employers often like the job candidates to be team players, have good attention to detail, be patient and compassionate, and be able to communicate clearly with patients, other caregivers, and the patient’s family.
Resume and Cover Letter for a CNA Job
Even if you are an experienced nursing professional, you’ll want to make sure your CNA resume and cover letter are both up to date and can display your skills and experience to their best advantage. Make sure your resume reflects the skills listed in the job posting. This helps show the hiring manager that you’ve got what they’re looking for. In your cover letter, demonstrate your passion for the role and why you’re interested in a CNA job with that particular facility.
Interviewing for Certified Nursing Assistant Jobs
Just like other professions, interviews for CNA jobs can make you a little nervous. But taking some time to go over common CNA interview questions and answers can help you feel more prepared. Remember to research the company, share your enthusiasm for patient care, and just be your honest self.
Salary and Benefits for a CNA Job
The average annual CNA salary is $41,270. But CNA jobs' salary expectations can be impacted by a variety of factors, including education, experience, facility type, and employer. The highest-paying CNA jobs are more likely to be held by professionals who have years of experience in their roles. Location also influences your paycheck — not only according to the population of the state in which you work, but also by the need for nursing professionals in that state. For instance, jobs for CNAs in Alaska and Oregon have higher average salaries than in Texas or Florida. These states pay the most on average to CNAs:
In addition to salary, don’t forget to investigate what benefits and perks are available to you. Many employers will offer a wide range including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement accounts, bonuses, discount programs, paid time off, and even free company merch.
Ways of Working
There are a lot of ways to work as a CNA. In addition to full-time or part-time CNA positions, you can also work on a contract, temporary, or per diem basis, which allows you to pick up shifts as you choose. There are even traveling CNA opportunities. You may also consider whether you want to explore certified nursing assistant jobs in acute care — such as at hospitals, urgent care centers, or doctors’ offices — or in post-acute care at an assisted living or skilled nursing facility, where you can really get to know your patients.
CNA Specialty Areas
You can choose which type of healthcare setting you'd like to work in. Examples include:
Healthcare Companies With Jobs for CNAs
Not only do nursing assistant jobs come in a variety of types, but there are also many different employers to consider as well. You may want to work for an academically driven healthcare center like Cedars-Sinai, a large care system like Select Medical or the Veterans Health Administration (VA), a group of long-term care communities like Sunrise Senior Living — or even as a per diem CNA at a wide range of facilities with Credenza.
Credenza Is Your Source for Fulfilling CNA Positions
There are so many types of CNA jobs near you these days that it can be a hassle to look through all of them. Need help? Find out how Credenza can match you with the latest nursing assistant jobs in your specialty.
