CNA placement within the healthcare community provides many options for the caregiver. Hospitals, emergency rooms, hospices, long term care facilities, assisted living facilities and private homes are all places which need licensed caregivers. A wide variety of shifts and packages are available which may include health insurance, over time or additional pay for night shifts. Many facilities also require part-time help and people who are willing to be on call, working what is referred to as a PRN shift, meaning, as needed.
The duties and responsibilities of a CNA are basically the same regardless of where they are employed. Checking vital signs, assisting with dressing and toileting, transferring patients and comforting them are all part of the duties which will be performed in these settings. One very important aspect of being a caregiver regardless of where you are employed is empathy and respecting the patient. For workers in a hospice setting this is a vital component as patients deal with a variety of issues.
As more and more patients rotate in and out of a variety of health care settings, the grouping is often called a health care continuum. This refers to the fact that a patient may transfer from a hospital to a nursing home or assisted living facility and possibly back again, or possibly into another type of care. Each facility and each patient will have the ability to address unique situations featuring what is best for the resident. The CNA in a hospital setting may only interact with a patient for one shift, whereas in a hospital or long-term facility they will get to know the patient. Choosing the facility where you feel the most comfortable working will result in better job satisfaction. The work itself is often the same, however for some people it is very distressing to work in a hospice or nursing home setting and they may prefer working in a hospital or emergency room.
A CNA may choose employment within the client’s home performing duties through an agency or independently. These arrangements generally include helping with the same duties as within a care facility, toileting, meals, taking vitals, changing bedding and dressing among others. These shifts may only be an hour or two apiece with the caregiver working for a several clients throughout the day, or they may be longer shifts for people who require round the clock care. Assisted living facilities may allow or possibly require residents who need additional care to find and hire their own caregivers. Doctors may request that patients receive 24 hour care for a set length of time either through a nursing home or at home as a condition of being released from the hospital.
CNA placement options exist and should be thoroughly examined prior to employment. Taking into consideration the hours which work best with a nursing assistant’s home schedule as well as their ability to work in different settings should be considered when applying for positions.
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