Pros and cons of being a CNA

Certified nursing assistants hold an important position in the medical facilities. The career of a nurse aide is rewarding and gratifying. This job provides you a mental satisfaction, as you are working for the well-being of the society. But at the same time, it is physically challenging too. If you are planning to pursue this career, then you should be aware of the pros and cons of being a nursing assistant. This article focuses on both, pros and cons of being a CNA.

Pros of being a CNA

As a certified nursing assistant, you enjoy the following advantages:

• For becoming a nurse aide, a diploma in high school or GED is sufficient.
• The duration of the nurse aide program is very short. After obtaining a certification from the concerned state, you may work as a nursing assistant in any medical facility.
• If you wish, you may even continue your higher education in the field of nursing while earning.
• Most of the medical facilities and institutes offer a free nursing assistant training to the aspiring candidates. You may also apply for scholarships or grants. So you need not spend much money for pursuing this career.
• Good career opportunities are available in this field. A growth of twenty percent, between the years 2010 and 2020 was projected by the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) of U.S.A, in the job opportunities for nursing aides.
• Due to the shortage of certified nursing assistants in U.S.A., these professionals receive high salary packages. As a nurse aide, you may earn from $23,000 to $30,000 per annum.
• Besides a good salary, you may obtain other perks also, like life insurance, medical insurance, excellent over time, sick leaves, paid holidays, etc.

Cons of being a CNA

Although the job of a nursing assistant is rewarding, it has some disadvantages also.

• Nurse aides have a very busy schedule. They ought to perform several tasks that are of repetitive nature. Sometimes, it becomes difficult to perform all the assigned tasks, due to lack of time.
• Certified nursing assistants must deal with the patients of different behaviors, which is a very difficult task. Many a times, these professionals have to face abuses from annoyed patients, which is very intimidating.
• Sometimes, they have to work for long hours and in rotational shifts.
• The entry-level CNAs are paid low, but higher than minimum wages.
• Nursing assistants are required to deal with the dying patients and their family members, which lead to an emotional imbalance.

Thus, the job of a nurse aide is pleasing, as well as demanding. You should compare both the pros and cons, before pursuing a career as a certified nurse aide.