by The Dynamic Career Coach

Career Paths for CNA’s

CNA’s now have more career opportunities than ever. All certified nurses aide programs teach students how to provide direct patient care, and many programs are now offering additional training designed to broaden the career path of the CNA.

Here are 5 career opportunities for certified nursing assistants.

1. Restorative Aide

Restorative Aides work in tandem with nursing and rehabilitation. These specialized aides assist patients/resident by helping them maintain their highest level of independence. These position are typically in long-term/skilled nursing care. Restorative aides are trained to do range of motion exercises, assist with transfers, assist patients with ambulation and help with feeding/monitoring patients who are special diets. These positions are great for CNA’s who enjoy hands-on patient care and have an energetic personality.

CNA picture-1

2. Unit Clerk

Unit Clerks help the nurses stations run smoothly.  From responding to call lights at the desk, helping distribute faxes, lab reports and communicating with the nurses, this position is best for someone who enjoys multi-tasking. Organization and clerical skills are a must.

Portrait Of Female Nurse Working At Nurses Station

3.  Activities Assistant

For fun-loving CNA’s, working as an activities/recreation assistant is a dream job. From helping the activities director plan daily events, to coordinating the day’s offerings, this job puts you in spotlight to delight and entertain residents and patients. This position is perfect for a creative mind who enjoys social settings.

Portrait of happy female nurse reading book for senior man at nu

4. Healthcare Concierge

This job is perfect for hospitable, customer service-focused CNA’s that enjoy elevating patient experience. A healthcare concierge acts as a liaison to newly admitted patients/residents in a post-acute setting. They are there to make sure the transition from hospital to rehabilitation center or nursing home is a smooth one. From getting new admissions an extra pillow, to helping the family navigate their new surroundings, this position is becoming increasingly popular as healthcare and hospitality merge together.

5. Scheduling Coordinator

For CNA’s who love a fast pace and thrive under stressful conditions, being a staffing coordinator is for you! This position is responsible for the day-to-day scheduling of employees in a healthcare setting. If someone calls out of work for the day, it’s the responsibility of the scheduling coordinator to find someone to cover the open shift. It is a constant challenge, but very rewarding. Note: it may require on-call hours.

These are just a few examples of alternate positions, perfect for CNAs.  There are many more opportunities for certified nursing assistants in a variety of healthcare settings. Check our current openings page for these positions and many more.

Thanks for reading!

 

 

by The Dynamic Career Coach

Why Do They Call It Work?

Just like all who wander are not lost, not all who are employed, work. No, I am not referring to your lazy co-worker who manages to do as little as possible. I am referring to those visionaries out there who have figured out a way to do what they love, and get paid for it.

Stop rolling your eyes. I am serious. 

There is a way to do what you love and pay the bills. There is a way to find joy in your vocation. There is a way to turn your calling into a career. Most of us spend more time at “work” than we do at “home” and most of us are miserable.

Why is that?

Most of us adults are brain-washed into believing we have to settle. It’s true. But things don’t begin this way. At first, we pick what interests us. Remember that obsession you had with playing the clarinet? You knew you were destined for Julliard and it turns out, it was simply a passing fancy, as was playing the saxophone and cello. Then there was soccer, or maybe baseball. And then you pepper in an art class here and there. Looking back, you tried it all and it shaped who you are.

Then for most, it’s off to college where there is some room for exploration, but soon you are faced with a multiple choice list of majors. You pick what you think you will enjoy. You select what speaks to you. And then…you hope for the best.

Within 4-6 years, you are certified as an expert in your chosen field, given the paper to prove it. And this is when it all starts. You look for jobs. Sometimes, you find the perfect career.

Sometimes you don’t. And there you are with bills to pay and mouths to feed. You are trapped on the hamster wheel. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. You can find the perfect career. You can do what moves you.

You can be one of “those people” who never work a day in their life, because they truly love what they do.

The only difference between you and them, is that they don’t settle.

Why should you?

steve jobs

(Photo credit, Pinterest)