Why You Ought to Consider a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Home Health Aide (HHA) Job
If you’ve been thinking about starting or changing a career, but don’t have an advanced degree, then you ought to consider training as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Home Health Aide (HHA). Both of these roles offer a great way to enter the healthcare industry – one of the fastest growing industries in the world, and the largest employer in the United States. One of the key reasons for this growth is the aging population in the United States.
An Aging Population Will Need Help to Stay Healthy and Safe
According to the US Census Bureau, in less than two decades, older adults are projected to outnumber kids for the first time in U.S. history. A survey of older Medicare beneficiaries revealed that 66% have difficulty with their basic needs like getting dressed, and half of these individuals need help from a caregiver or depend on assistive devices. These needs can be addressed by the HHA and CNA.
CNA and HHA, Similarities and Differences
The main job of a CNA and HHA is to help others. Both the CNA and HHA help patients with activities of daily living (ADL). The six basic ADLs are eating, bathing, getting dressed, toileting, transferring, and continence. ADLs are important not only for a person’s quality of life but are also a determinant of insurance coverage for assistance. Because of their daily contact with people for whom they care, the CNA and HHA can form meaningful friendships with their patients and the patients’ families.
While both the CNA and HHA provide personal care, the CNA may give more care for a person’s medical issues. The CNA’s duties may include managing patients with dementia, checking vital signs and administering medication.
The typical work environment for an HHA is the home where a single person is cared for. The CNA can also work in a home with one patient, but may also work with many patients in a clinic, nursing homes or hospice, and care facilities. The CNA may work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and as a CNA you may decide to pursue an LPN or RN career.
The typical, basic requirements for both the HHA and CNA include:
- A High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
- Training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid
- A drivers license for the state where you will work
- A state-mandated certification
The salary for an HHA and CNA will depend on experience and job location, although a CNA can earn more than an HHA. In Philadelphia, Pa, for example, the average experienced HHA may earn about $24,000/year while the average experienced CNA may earn over $32,000/year.
A career in healthcare may offer you a rewarding and stable job in the years ahead. Contact us today to learn more about how to get started as a Home Health Aide or Certified Nursing Assistant.
This article originally posted on HealthcareLearningAlliance.com
