What jobs can I find after passing the CNA exam?

After passing the CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) exam, you will be qualified to assist with basic healthcare services in various medical facilities. These jobs are usually available in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and elderly care facilities. Below are some common job positions you can pursue after obtaining your CNA certification, and methods for finding these jobs.

Jobs You Can Get After Passing the CNA Exam

1. Hospital Nursing Assistant Responsibilities: As a nursing assistant in a hospital, you will be responsible for helping patients with their daily care, such as assisting with eating, bathing, changing bed sheets, and monitoring vital signs like blood pressure and temperature. Demand: Hospitals typically require a large number of CNAs to provide patient care, especially in emergency departments, medical wards, and surgical units.

2. Long-Term Care/Nursing Home Assistant Responsibilities: Caring for elderly or long-term ill patients by helping them with daily living activities such as bathing, feeding, and repositioning, as well as assisting with health monitoring. Demand: With an aging population, nursing homes and long-term care facilities have a significant demand for CNAs, making this one of the primary fields for CNA employment.

3. Home Health Aide Responsibilities: Providing care to patients in their homes, assisting with daily activities like personal hygiene, medication reminders, and accompanying patients to doctor appointments. Demand: There is a growing need for home health aides for elderly individuals or patients with chronic conditions who require long-term care.

4. Rehabilitation Center CNA Responsibilities: In a rehabilitation center, you will assist patients recovering from surgery or injuries by providing daily care and supporting their rehabilitation process. Demand: Rehabilitation centers often need CNAs to assist patients in their recovery, making this a key area for CNA employment.

5. Clinical Nursing Assistant Responsibilities: In clinics or outpatient settings, CNAs help with basic medical services like taking vital signs, preparing treatment materials, and assisting patients during checkups. Demand: Many clinics and outpatient care facilities are increasing their need for CNAs, particularly in family health and primary care settings.

6. Pediatric Nursing Assistant Responsibilities: Caring for sick or injured children, helping with daily activities, and assisting parents with the child’s care. Demand: Pediatric hospitals or clinics have a growing demand for CNAs, especially for those working with children with specific healthcare needs.

How to Find CNA Jobs

1. Search Through Job Websites LinkedIn: LinkedIn can help you network with professionals in the healthcare industry and find CNA job opportunities posted by hospitals, nursing homes, and healthcare providers. Indeed: Indeed is one of the largest job search platforms in the US, offering CNA positions across the country. You can filter job listings by location and other preferences. Glassdoor: Glassdoor not only offers job listings but also provides reviews and salary insights for different companies, helping you make informed employment decisions.

2. Contact Local Hospitals, Nursing Homes, and Healthcare Providers Apply Directly: Visit the websites of local hospitals, nursing homes, and healthcare institutions to check for open CNA positions and apply directly through their portals. In-Person Visits: You can also visit local healthcare facilities to drop off your resume and express your interest in working there, which might increase your chances of getting hired.

3. Attend Job Fairs and Recruitment Events Many healthcare job fairs are held throughout the year, offering job seekers an opportunity to meet potential employers and apply for CNA positions in person. Check with employment agencies, community service organizations, or career centers for upcoming recruitment events.

4. Get Job Referrals Through Training or Certification Programs Some CNA training programs have partnerships with local employers and provide job placement services to graduates. After completing your training and certification, these institutions may assist you in finding suitable job opportunities. State or regional nursing associations can also help you find job openings and understand the CNA job market.

5. Leverage Networking and Social Connections Networking is crucial in the healthcare industry. By connecting with other CNAs, nurses, doctors, or hospital administrators, you may be able to learn about job openings or receive recommendations. Attend local nursing association meetings or professional healthcare events to expand your network and gain access to job leads.

6. Use Career Development Centers and Employment Services Many career development centers and employment agencies offer free job search assistance, resume building, and interview preparation, all of which can help you secure a CNA position. Some states also have workforce development offices that provide job support services for CNA candidates.

7. Work as a Temporary or Contract CNA If you want to start working quickly, consider looking for temporary or contract work. Many healthcare facilities need temporary CNAs, especially during peak seasons like flu outbreaks or when patient numbers surge. Temporary staffing agencies or online platforms like Nursefinders or Staffing Solutions can help you find CNA jobs.

Summary

After passing the CNA exam, you can pursue various job opportunities, including positions in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, rehabilitation centers, and clinics. To find CNA jobs, you can use job websites, directly contact healthcare institutions, attend job fairs, and leverage career development resources. The demand for CNAs is significant in healthcare facilities, especially in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers, offering good job prospects in this field.