Finding CNA work

CNAs work in several kinds of healthcare settings, and the daily work differs in each one. According to BLS, nursing care facilities employ 534,270 CNAs, more than any other setting. In a nursing facility, each CNA is assigned a group of residents for the shift. The work includes bathing, dressing, feeding, repositioning and recording vital signs. CNAs report changes in a resident's condition to the charge nurse, and many residents are older adults who need long-term geriatric care.

Hospitals are the second-largest employer of CNAs. Hospital CNAs work on a specific unit, such as medical-surgical or rehabilitation, and assist nurses with patient care. Patients stay for shorter periods than in a nursing facility, so the patient mix changes often. Some hospitals hire CNAs as patient care technicians (PCTs), a title that can include added tasks the hospital trains for. Hospital systems such as Mount Sinai Brooklyn post nursing assistant positions for their inpatient units.

According to BLS, continuing care retirement communities and assisted living facilities employ 161,150 CNAs. Residents in assisted living are generally more independent, so the work centers on help with daily routines. Home health CNAs care for one client at a time in the client's own home. They travel between homes during the day and work with less direct supervision. For this reason, home health agencies usually ask for reliable transportation.

Employers schedule CNAs in several ways, and job postings use specific terms for each arrangement. Nursing facilities and hospitals provide care around the clock, so CNAs work day, evening and night shifts. Shifts commonly last 8 or 12 hours. Weekend and holiday work is common, and many employers rotate it among staff. Many employers also pay a shift differential for evening, night or weekend hours, and the amount varies by employer. Part-time and weekend-only positions are available as well, and people in school or with other jobs often take them.

A PRN position is an as-needed role. A PRN CNA joins a pool of staff and picks up shifts when the employer needs coverage, with no guaranteed hours. Local staffing agencies place CNAs in facilities that need short-term help. According to BLS, nursing assistants in temporary help services earn a median of $48,360 a year. Some CNAs cite incentive shifts and control over their schedule as reasons for PRN or agency work. However, these roles often carry fewer benefits and less predictable hours, so applicants should ask about both before accepting. Multi-week assignments in other cities are arranged as travel CNA contracts.

Home health positions are the closest alternative to facility-based work, involving travel to clients' homes.

Employers ask CNAs for several documents and checks before hiring. The first is an active listing on the state nurse aide registry. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sets federal rules for nursing homes. CMS rules require a nursing home to check the state nurse aide registry before hiring. Applicants can confirm their registry status before they apply.

Most employers ask for a current American Heart Association BLS card, run a criminal background check before the start date, and require a TB test and proof of immunizations. Applicants should keep these records together with the names of professional references.

A resume that lists training and clinical hours helps employers screen applicants quickly. Common interview questions focus on patient care, teamwork and reliability. Under 42 CFR 483.152(c), nursing facilities reimburse training costs pro rata for CNAs hired within 12 months of certification. Applicants who paid for training can ask about this when they are hired. Before accepting an offer, applicants can compare it with CNA pay in their state. The first thing to confirm is an active registry listing in the state where the job is located.