Nursing Assistant

Your Fit

Income

$48K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

4.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Nursing Assistant?

A Nursing Assistant, also known as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), provides basic care to patients and assists them in daily activities. They work under the supervision of nursing staff to ensure that patients' needs are met in various healthcare settings.

Sample job titles:

Certified Nurses Aide (CNA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Assistant (PCA)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Nursing Assistant.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Nursing Assistant earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Nursing Assistant.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$37K per year	$42K per year	$48K per year	$53K per year	$57K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $17K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Nursing Assistant do?

Work environment

Nursing Assistants typically work in environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and sometimes in patients' homes. They have physically demanding roles, often involving moving patients and being on their feet for most of their shift.

Quick task list

Helps patients with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
Takes and records vital signs like blood pressure and temperature.
Assists with patient mobility, including moving and positioning patients.
Provides basic patient care, such as changing bed linens and preparing rooms.
Communicates with nurses about patient conditions and care.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Geriatric Care Assistant: Specializing in caring for elderly patients, understanding their specific physical and emotional needs.
Pediatric Care Assistant: Focused on providing care to children in medical settings, requiring a gentle and comforting approach.
Rehabilitation Assistant: Assisting patients who are recovering from injuries, surgeries, or chronic illnesses.
Home Health Assistant: Providing care in a patient's home, often involving more comprehensive and personalized support.
Hospice Care Assistant: Working with terminally ill patients, focusing on comfort and quality of life.

Description

Nursing Assistants play a critical role in the healthcare system. They provide essential support to nursing staff, ensuring that patients receive the care and attention they need. This role requires not only technical skills in basic patient care but also strong interpersonal abilities, as CNAs are often a primary point of contact for patients.

The job can be highly demanding, both physically and emotionally, as Nursing Assistants work with patients in vulnerable states. However, it can also be extremely rewarding, offering the opportunity to make a significant difference in patients' lives.

The demand for Nursing Assistants is expected to grow as the population ages, making it a stable career choice. The role also offers a pathway to further nursing education and career advancement for those who wish to continue their professional development.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a positive impact on patients' lives and well-being.
Building relationships with patients and their families.
The opportunity for career growth and further education in nursing.

You might make a good Nursing Assistant if you are...

Compassionate and empathetic, with a desire to help those in need.
Physically strong and able to assist with patient mobility.
Patient and resilient, capable of handling challenging situations with grace.
Detail-oriented, ensuring all aspects of patient care are met.
A good communicator, able to effectively liaise between patients and nurses.

Pros:

High demand and job stability in the healthcare sector.
Rewarding work with direct patient interaction.
Opportunities for career advancement and further education in nursing.

Cons:

Physically demanding and potentially stressful work.
Emotional challenges in dealing with ill, injured, or elderly patients.
Lower pay compared to other nursing roles and potential for irregular hours.

How to become a Nursing Assistant

Typical education

Becoming a Nursing Assistant usually requires completing a state-approved education program, which can take several weeks to a few months, followed by passing a competency exam to obtain certification.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Health Sciences to understand basic human anatomy and health care.
Psychology to develop an understanding of human behavior and mental health.
Physical Education to maintain the physical fitness required for the job.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at hospitals, nursing homes, or community health events.
First Aid and CPR certification programs.
Leadership roles in clubs or sports to develop teamwork and communication skills.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in a state-approved Nursing Assistant training program.
Gain hands-on experience through internships or part-time work in healthcare settings.
Prepare for and pass the state certification exam for Nursing Assistants.

More resources

National Network of Career Nursing Assistants - Provides information and resources for Nursing Assistants.
American Red Cross CNA Training - Offers comprehensive training programs for aspiring Nursing Assistants.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - Detailed occupational information and resources for Nursing Assistants.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) - Provides information on accredited nursing education programs.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.