A Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) provides direct care to patients in nursing homes and clinics or extended-care facilities. CNA’s responsibilities include feeding and bathing patients and specimen collection. A CNA also participates in rehabilitation and therapy programs under the supervision of a Registered nurse.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects approximately 174,000 job opening for CNAs each year between 2022 and 2029. An aging population, along with a nationwide nursing shortage across all levels of nursing, translates to a high level of job stability throughout the end of the decade.
If someone’s goal is to become a nurse, starting out as a CNA is a great opportunity to explore the nursing field. They’ll get the chance to work alongside LPNs and RNs in a variety of healthcare settings, earning invaluable experience and skills along the way.