The healthcare industry relies heavily on certified nursing assistants (CNAs), who offer patients and elderly dependents critical support and care in various healthcare settings. While offering patient care is the primary duty of a certified nursing assistant (CNA), there are multiple career possibilities available for CNAs to expand their horizons and enhance their careers.
Experts at the CNA training institute in Long Island can help you discover a wide range of fascinating job prospects that go beyond the fundamentals of your work by obtaining other specialized skills and certifications and pursuing additional education.
In this article, we will explain career opportunities that would be beneficial for the career growth of a CNA. So keep on reading!
Licensed Practical Nurse(LPN):
A CNA’s natural route toward becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is to pursue a degree in nursing. LPN training adds to the CNA foundation by providing further knowledge and skills in patient care, medication administration, and fundamental nursing techniques. In medical facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and retirement institutions, LPNs with a scope of practice can offer higher-quality care, work more independently, and carry more responsibility.
Registered Nurse(RN):
Many Certified Nursing Assistants aspire to become registered nurses (RNs), which provides significant advantages in terms of professional growth and financial potential. CNAs can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to move on to the position of a registered nurse (RN). One could expect jobs as an RN to require more complex patient evaluations, critical thinking, medication management, and care coordination. RNs have many career options in pediatrics, intensive care, emergency medicine, and more.
Specialized Nursing:
CNAs may look into specialized nursing fields if they are interested in this particular healthcare field. Graduates can pursue additional education or certifications to become specialized CNAs in areas like tumors, geriatrics, mental health, or obstetrics. As they advance their knowledge and skills in a particular area to provide specialized treatment, specialized CNAs often work together with other healthcare professionals in their chosen sector.
Home Health Aide(HHA):
CNAs interested in working with their patients in their homes may consider becoming home health aides (HHAs). HHAs offer customized services to individuals who require assistance but prefer to remain in the comfort of their own homes. As an HHA, a CNA can assist patients with everyday tasks, medicine administration, companionship, and necessary medical procedures. This position offers a flexible work schedule and better chances for one-on-one connections with patients.
Hospice and Palliative Care:
Hospice and palliative care are two rewarding job options for CNAs. CNAs can work in hospice or in-home care settings, serving patients with critical illnesses or those needing end-of-life support and compassionate care. In difficult times, hospice CNAs focus on managing pain, offering emotional support, and ensuring a high level of comfort for patients and their families.
Trainer or educator for nurses:
CNAs may apply for positions as nurse educators or trainers if they have a flair for coaching and training. They may pursue education and obtain qualifications to work as instructors in colleges, vocational schools, or healthcare training centers. CNAs who leapt into higher education play a critical role in forming the future generation of healthcare professionals by imparting their knowledge and experience.
Positions in Medical Administration:
Medical administration positions are open to CNAs who prefer a more administrative and organized focus. These professions require duties like patient intake, scheduling, billing, and monitoring of medical records. CNAs may grow into medical office managers, medical coders, or medical administrative assistants with experience and additional training in healthcare administration or medical coding and billing.
Supervisor or manager of nurses:
A career as a nurse manager or supervisor is the ideal choice for CNAs with strong leadership and management abilities. These roles include supervising a group of medical specialists, ensuring smooth operations, coordinating patient care, and taking critical evaluations. Nurse managers and supervisors are essential in maintaining a supply of excellent care and promoting a pleasant workplace culture.
ER Technician:
An ER technician role can appeal to CNAs who appreciate helping patients but would also like to work in a fast-moving environment. In order to help doctors and nurses in an emergency room, an ER technician needs specific training. It requires higher-level medical expertise as well as rapid thinking.
CNAs who have previously served as EMTs can benefit from the transfer to the ER and get a chance to maintain similar tasks without going into the field. An ER technician tends to comfort patients in the emergency room, but there may be times when they need to assist the medical staff.
Conclusion-
CNAs have a strong healthcare foundation and several options to expand their careers beyond the basics. CNAs may discover significant positions in the medical industry, regardless of whether they decide to improve their clinical abilities, specialize in a specific field, pursue additional education, or explore administrative roles. CNAs may set up a successful and financially secure career path by consistently seeking professional advancement and grasping new possibilities.
Therefore, enrolling in a reputable CNA training institute in Long Island and starting training to obtain the required skills and knowledge can be a wise decision. If you are ready to take this crucial step to excel in the medical industry, contact Joyful Career Center, an accredited and licensed institute approved by the New York State Department of Education.
Their qualified instructors offer various in-demand and top-notch medical training programs to help the students establish their careers as successful healthcare professionals.
Want to know more about their training programs? Call 631-935-0440 to schedule a consultation today!