Nursing Assistant

A certified nursing assistant, or CNA, helps patients or clients with healthcare needs under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Introduction:

Nursing assistants, sometimes called nursing aides, help provide basic care for patients in hospitals and residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes. Orderlies transport patients and clean treatment areas.

Employment Opportunities:

Nursing assistants provide basic care and help with activities of daily living. They typically do the following:

• Clean and bathe patients or residents
• Help patients use the toilet and dress
• Turn, reposition, and transfer patients between beds and wheelchairs
• Listen to and record patients’ health concerns and report that information to nurses
• Measure patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature
• Serve meals and help patients eat

Career Opportunities:

• Nursing Assistant

Employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 18 percent from 2014 to 2024.

Salary:

The average wage for this career is $12.13 hourly or $25,230 annually.

Location and Hours:

• Lindsey Hopkins Technical College (Certificate – 1230 Hours)
• Miami Lakes Educational Center & Technical College (Certificate – 1230 Hours)
• Robert Morgan Educational Center & Technical College (Certificate – 1230 Hours)