The Ultimate Guide to Working as a CNA in a Nursing Home

Of the many exciting career opportunities for CNA nurses, the most popular and in-demand job position is working as a CNA in a nursing home. We often receive questions from students and CNA nurses regarding nursing home employment, training, and job prospects. In this ‘Ultimate Guide to Working as a CNA in a Nursing Home’ we will answer the most common questions from our readers.

WORKING AS A CNA IN A NURSING HOME

Table of Contents

• • What is the difference between assisted living centers and nursing homes?
  • What are the top nursing homes in the USA?
  • What does a CNA do in a nursing home?
  • How many residents per CNA are allowed in a nursing home?
  • What is the job forecast for CNA working a nursing home in the coming years?
  • How much money does a CNA make working at a nursing home?
  • What training is required for a CNA to work in a nursing home?
  • Do nursing homes offer free CNA training?
  • How do I become a CNA so I can work in a nursing home?

  What is the difference between assisted living centers and nursing homes?

  Both nursing homes and assisted living facilities offer accommodation and support services to people who require assistance with everyday tasks and living. These facilities both fall under the category of long-term care. The following are the main differences between these types of facilities:

  1. Level of care: Assisted living centers are designed for individuals who need help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, but do not require around-the-clock medical supervision. Nursing homes, on the other hand, are designed for individuals who need more comprehensive medical care and supervision.
  2. Services: Personal care, meals, transportation, as well as social and recreational activities, are all provided by assisted living facilities. Nursing homes offer more extensive medical services like medication management and rehabilitation in addition to the services of an assisted living facility.
  3. Cost: Assisted living centers are typically more expensive than nursing homes as they offer a wider range of services and a higher level of independent living. Generally speaking, nursing homes may be more affordable, but they may also require residents to pay additional fees for certain services such as private rooms or special therapies.
  4. Atmosphere: Assisted living centers are often designed to feel more like a residential community, with individual living units and a focus on promoting independence and socialization. Nursing homes may have a more institutional or medical feel, with shared rooms and a higher level of constant medical supervision.

  It is strongly recommended to carefully consider the needs and preferences of the individual when deciding between an assisted living center and a nursing home. Both types of facilities can provide valuable support and care for individuals who need assistance with daily activities, but the level of care and services offered may be different. In summary, assessed living facilities offer more independence and socialization, while nursing homes offer more medical care and treatment options.

  What are the top nursing homes in the USA?

  The “best” nursing homes in the US are difficult to identify and rank as the needs of each resident vary greatly. The “best” nursing home for one resident may not be the recommended choice for another resident, depending on their unique requirements. The level of care and services offered will differ greatly amongst facilities. For example, if a resident is in need of significant physical therapy, one nursing home may rank better at PT than another. When assessing nursing homes it is important to take a number of things into account such as the amount of support and care offered, the availability of services like therapy and rehabilitation, and the facility’s general setting. Atmosphere, cleanliness and staff is another important factor to consider when selecting a nursing home.

  You can find and compare nursing homes in your area using a number of trusted resources. Care Compare is a government website run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and Medicare.gov that enables you to look up nursing homes in your region and compare them based on a number of criteria, including staffing levels, care quality, and health inspection history. For more information and tools on assessing nursing homes you can also go to the website of the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care (formerly the National Citizens’ Coalition for Nursing Home Reform). Remember to do your own research (DYOR) and not blindly trust a review website, which are often incentivized via advertising and promotion to rank specific facilities at the top of an area. It is recommended that you consult non-biased government websites for official rankings and review criteria.

  To locate a facility that suits your requirements and preferences, always make the time to investigate and compare nursing homes in your area. To obtain a better grasp of the care and assistance offered it is also a good idea to visit the facilities you are thinking about and chat with staff and residents.

  What does a CNA do in a nursing home?

  Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a vital role in the care and support of residents in nursing homes. Their duties may include:

  1. Providing basic care: CNAs can help residents with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, grooming, and using the restroom. Additionally, they might aid residents with moving about, getting into and out of bed, and going to and from the restroom.
  2. Monitoring vital signs: CNAs are often tasked with keeping an eye on residents’ vital indicators, such as their blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration rate. They monitor this data to detect changes in a resident’s health and alert the supervising RN or LPN to any suspected issues.
  3. Assisting with medical procedures: CNAs can help RNs and LPNs with a range of medical procedures, including catheterization, injections, and wound care. They must adhere to appropriate infection control procedures and be aware of any possible complications that may arise during post-procedure care.
  4. Providing emotional support: CNAs spend a lot of time with residents and may give people who are feeling lonely or downhearted emotional support and company. Additionally, they might offer patient education and aid in residents’ and their families’ understanding of their medical conditions and available medical options.
  5. Maintaining a clean and safe environment: CNAs may be in charge of keeping residents’ homes tidy and secure. This can entail keeping resident spaces and equipment clean and hygienic, correctly disposing of dangerous materials, and making sure that everything is in functioning order.

  CNAs typically work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and are responsible for providing a wide range of care and support to residents in nursing homes.

  How many residents per CNA are allowed in a nursing home?

  Depending on the institution, the type of care being offered, and the specific requirements of the residents, the number of residents per CNA in a nursing home might change. Although particular staffing ratios can change, nursing facilities must generally have a set number of employees on hand to care for residents at all times. For example, in New York, 3.5 hours of care per resident per day is required, as per legislation passed by former governor Andrew Cuomo.

  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) state that nursing homes must have enough nurses on staff to devote a minimum of 2.75 hours per day to caring for each resident. This care may be given by certified nursing assistants (CNA), licensed practical nurses (LPN), or registered nurses (RN). Again this may vary from state to state, according to their specific legislation.

  The actual ratio of residents to CNAs, however, may vary based on the specific type of facility and the requirements for that tier of residents. For instance, a nursing home facility may require more employees to accommodate the demands of its residents who require more intensive care, such as with a hospice setting or a very geriatric population. On the other hand, a nursing home with a lower percentage of patients requiring sophisticated care might be able to do with fewer nurses and CNAs, such as a facility with more of an elderly assisted living setup.

  In general, nursing homes should have enough nurse and caregiver staff to guarantee that residents get the care they need to preserve their health and wellbeing in a comfortable living environment.

  

  CNA nurse caring for an elderly man in a nursing home.

  What does the future job market look like for CNAs working in nursing homes?

  The employment prognosis for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) engaged in nursing homes is likely to continue favorable as the need for long-term care and assisted living facilities is anticipated to increase. CNA employment is expected to grow by 11% between 2019 and 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which is faster than the average for all other occupations the BLS tracks. Given the anticipated increase in need for nurses, this presents a compelling case for becoming a CNA.

  Perhaps the most significant factor of the increasing demand for CNAs in nursing home facilities is the aging of the population. The demand for CNAs and other healthcare workers who can aid and support elders is anticipated to rise as more people live longer and need long-term care, as well as with the massive baby boomer cohort retiring and aging.

  Overall, job security for CNAs working in nursing homes is expected to be very strong in the coming years. Those will certification and strong resumes will see increased opportunities for CNA positions over the next decade and beyond.

  How much money does a CNA make working at a nursing home?

  A variety of variables can affect a Certified Care Assistant’s (CNA) pay while working in a nursing home. The facility’s location, the employee’s background and education, and local CNA demand are among the most significant of these factors. As of May 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the median annual salary for CNAs was $28,530. However, a more updated range shows salaries averaging in the low-$30s for base pay, excluding benefits and overtime. The range is seen from less than $21,620 per year for the lowest 10% of earners to more than $39,820 per year for the wealthiest 10% of earners from the latest national BLS data.

  Wages for CNAs often vary significantly by location. For example, CNAs in some states may earn higher salaries due to a higher cost of living or a higher demand for CNAs. This is also impacted by location within the state which translates to demand, such as rural vs urban settings. It is also worth considering that CNAs who have advanced training, multiple certifications, or extensive job history are often able to earn higher salaries than those who do not. Do not underestimate the importance of a strong resume and relevant experience to further your chances of being hired by a nursing home or other medical facility.

  Depending on the institution and the employee’s job status, CNAs may also be entitled for benefits including health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans in addition to their base pay. In order to gain a better knowledge of what to expect from the position, don’t be afraid to respectfully and professionally discuss compensation and perks with a possible employer throughout the job application and interview process.

  What CNA training is required to work in a nursing home?

  To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in a nursing home, individuals must complete a state-approved training program and pass a certification exam. The specific requirements for CNA training and certification can vary by state, but most programs include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.

  CNA training programs cover a range of topics, including:

  1. Basic anatomy and physiology: CNA nurses must have a basic understanding of the human body and how it functions. Generally, this includes knowledge of the different body systems such as the circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems and their respective functions. While a CNA does not diagnose any illness or condition, they operate under the supervision of a nurse to help take care of the patient during treatment.
  2. Common medical terminology: CNAs should be familiar with the language used in healthcare settings, including common terms and abbreviations. This will be covered in the CNA training, coursework and examination.
  3. Patient care: Certified nursing assistants must be able to provide basic care to patients, including assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. They should also be able to take vital signs and assist with medical procedures under the supervision of a nurse.
  4. Communication and interpersonal skills: CNAs must be personable and able to communicate effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals. They should also be able to provide emotional support and establish positive relationships with patients and their families. While not required in any official capacity, an epithetic personality may be better suited for a CNA role as it involves direct interaction and care for their patients.
  5. Infection awareness, prevention, and control: CNA nurses must be familiar with proper infection control protocols including hand hygiene, sterilization techniques, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and more. In a hospital, nursing home or hospice environment infection can spread rapidly among immunocompromised patents if not actively managed and controlled.

  In addition to classroom instruction, CNA training programs usually include a clinical component, in which students have the opportunity to practice their skills in a healthcare setting under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). Additionally there are online CNA training options for those that are not able to easily attend in-classroom instruction.

  Once an individual has completed a CNA training program they must pass a certification exam in order to become a CNA. The exam consists of a written portion and a skills demonstration, and individuals must pass both parts in order to be certified. Certification requirements may vary by state, so it is recommended to check with the appropriate regulatory agency in your state for more information.

  Do nursing homes offer free CNA training?

  There are some nursing homes that offer free CNA training to those interested in becoming CNAsinterested in becoming CNAs. Some nursing homes may offer on-the-job training programs for individuals who are willing to work for the facility in exchange for training. These programs are comprised of a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, and may allow candidates to earn their CNA certification while working at the nursing home.

  Depending on the particular nursing home or medical system, there may be specific requirements for those who participate in their specific training programs. For example, they may require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent (such as a GED), pass a background check, or meet certain physical or medical requirements. Remember to review in detail the requirements of any training program you are considering before applying as they vary from state-to-state.

  There are other organizations and institutions in addition to nursing homes that may offer free or low-cost CNA training programs . These may include vocational schools, community colleges, and healthcare facilities. It is worth exploring these options if you are interested in becoming a CNA and are looking for affordable training opportunities.

  

  Nurse taking care of a resident in senior center care facility.

  How do I become a CNA so I can work in a nursing home?

  1. Meet the requirement criteria: You must meet the requirements set forth by your state in order to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA). These can include having a high school diploma or GED equivalent, passing a mandatory background check, and meeting particular physical or medical requirements.
  2. Enroll in a CNA training program: To become a CNA, you must complete a state-approved training program. These programs typically include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience and may be offered by vocational schools, community colleges, and healthcare facilities.
  3. Pass the CNA certification exam: You must pass your state’s CNA certification exam after completing the training required to become a CNA in your state. You must pass both portions of the exam—a written section and a skills demonstration—to become officially certified as a CNA.
  4. Obtain CNA certification: Once you have passed the CNA exam for your state you will receive your official CNA certification. You may need to pay a fee to obtain your certification and renew it periodically, as required by your state.
  5. Find a job as a CNA: After you have passed the exam and become a CNA nurse you can begin looking for job opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. Be sure to strengthen your resume as best you can and take on relevant experiences to better prepare you for the job. Practice your composure and responses to the interview process as competition for CNA positions can be strong, especially in today’s medical focused job market.

  Note that the specific requirements for becoming a CNA may vary by state, so always check with the official medical regulatory agency in your state to confirm all information and questions prior to applying for CNA training.

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