Traveling CNA jobs is a wonderful way for CNAs to discover unknown nations as a work while using their skills to help others.
Responsibility of CNAs:
CNAs or Certified Nursing Assistants are nursing professionals who deal with patients directly with the guidance of registered nurses and other staff of the medical field. Their duties can be summarized into three main areas:
Meeting Patients’ Basic Needs: This is a core responsibility of CNAs. They assist patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as:
- Bathing, dressing, and grooming
- Using the toilet
- Eating and drinking
- Moving around (ambulation)
Promoting Patient Comfort and Safety: CNAs are responsible for monitoring the overall health conditions of the patients by:
- Monitoring vital signs (depending on the facility and state regulations)
- Answering patient calls and requests
- Positioning and transferring patients so that they wouldn’t get bed sores, and providing them with proper care and comfort.
- Disinfecting rooms and organization of space
Communication and Observation: CNAs’ role is the link between patients and nurses in the following ways:
- Make sure nurses immediately informed of any changes in the patient’s physical condition or behaviors.
- Questions and concerns expressed by patients should be communicated to nurses.
- Empathizing with them and providing emotional support and companionship to individuals impacted by diseases.
In essence, CNAs are the backbone of patient care, ensuring patients’ physical comfort, safety, and emotional well-being. The tasks of a nurse may vary according to the characteristics of a healthcare space, but these core principles remain the same.
Benefits of Traveling CNA Jobs:
Traveling CNA jobs offer a unique blend of professional and personal advantages. Here are some key benefits to consider:
See the World (or the Country): This is what makes traveling CNAs unique and catching. You get to interact with distinct places, cultures, and lifestyles while you do so with CNA work.
Boost Your Career: On-the-job travel CNA positions enable you to work in different healthcare facilities and care for patients with unique medical needs. It gives you more diverse experiences, develops your career and might lead you to promotion faster, in the healthcare field.
Get Paid More: Travel CNA positions typically offer higher wages than traditional CNA jobs. This can be a significant financial advantage, allowing you to save more or pay off debt faster.
Enjoy Benefits Packages: Numerous travel NCP agencies offer their employees benefits packages like medical insurance, subsidies for accommodation, or even continuous education reimbursement.
Flexibility and Control: Many of the travel CNA jobs offer you a chance to choose your assignments by place, time length, and hospital/facility. The special feature about this form of travel is that you can decide the time of your work and can experience your trips.
Break from Routine: If you feel like the idea of a traditional CNA job is not the most interesting thing to do, travel CNA positions are the perfect way to make a change and have new and exciting experiences in new environments.
Here are some additional benefits to consider:
- Tax Advantages: In some occasions, travel CNAs may claim a tax credit on travel costs.
- Personal Growth: You can challenge yourself and get out of your usual routine at the same time, hence traveling can positively affect your personality and help you to grow.
Undeniably, there are always challenges to adapt to such as living far away from home and adjusting to new places as well. On the contrary, travel CNA jobs might be a very attractive option for those individuals who are adventurous and adaptable.
Requirements of CNA Jobs:
To become a Travel CNA, there are certain prerequisite requirements you’ll need to meet. Here’s a breakdown of the key things you’ll need to have:
Licensing and Certification:
- Active CNA License: CNA certification is required. It should be in good standing and the license should be a valid one, issued by the state in which you will be working.
- License Reciprocity: Sometimes you may even get a license in another state by transferring your CNA license through reciprocity agreements. Then, there are states that do not participate in reciprocity, so you need to conduct research requirements for every state you want to work in.
Experience Requirements:
Minimum Experience: Most of the CNA travel agencies would expect a candidate to have a minimum of three months of hands-on working experience as a CNA. This can range from 6 months to a year, depending on the agency and specific job requirements.
Additional Certifications:
- Basic Life Support (BLS): The type of BLS certification that is usually included in the job requirement of a travel CNA is the basic one. This will allow you to have experience in all emergencies.
- Other Certifications: Some agencies or facilities may have specific “Certificates Requirements”, which deal with particular patient populations like geriatrics or pediatrics.
Skills and Qualities:
- Adaptability: Being flexible and able to adjust to new environments, routines, and patient needs is crucial for travel CNAs.
- Communication: Effective communication skills are imperative for working together with nurses, the rest of the healthcare staff, and patients that come from different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
- Time Management: Travel CNAs may be required to be time savvy so that they can meet patients’ needs effectively and finish their duties.
- Compassion and Patience: Like any other caregiving role, empathy and patience are both key elements that enhance the relationship with the patients and the quality of care.
Additional Considerations:
- Physical Requirements: In this profession, an individual needs to be in a proper physical state, as this is a physically demanding job.
- Clean Background Check: Usually, the majority of travel nurses agencies will insist on you getting the criminal background check done.
- Travel Considerations: Make yourself ready for the fact that travel includes life outside your comfort zone; it also might be that you will work on weekends and holidays.
Complying with those criteria will help you to go into the job market well-prepared and hopefully with a good chance of landing your first CNA job. Don’t forget to investigate the particularities involved – both agency and state-wise requirements indicated for travel as a CNA.
Salary of Traveling CNAs:
Travel CNA Jobs are typically hourly. CNAs can earn an average of $1,088 per week based on Vivian Health data (May 2024) [Vivian Travel CNA Salary ON vivian.com].
Where to Find Traveling CNA Jobs?
Travel Nurse Staffing Agencies:
- This is a primary route for many travel CNAs. Major travel nurse staffing agencies often have CNA positions available alongside registered nurse opportunities. such as Travel nurse staffing agencies
- Do some research and find development firms with a track record of successful CNA placements in travel jobs.
Job Boards:
General job boards like Indeed and SimplyHired can be a good starting points. Look up for words like TRAVEL CNA, CNA TRAVEL JOB or specific locations that you are interested in.
Healthcare Facilities:
The larger healthcare facilities, such as hospital systems or nursing home chains, may directly hire CNAs. Seek for career opportunities through their career sites or contact the human resource department.
CNA Associations and Networking:
- Professional associations for CNAs may offer job boards or resources for finding travel CNA positions. Networking with other CNAs can also lead to job opportunities.
- Consider joining the National Association of Certified Nurse Assistants NACNA.
Social Media:
LinkedIn groups for travel nurses and CNAs to seek information on job postings and networking for potential jobs connections can be a great help.
CV For Traveling CNA Jobs:
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are Travel CNA Jobs?
CNAs or Certified Nursing Assistants are nursing professionals who deal with patients directly with the guidance of registered nurses and other staff of the medical field.
What are the benefits of Travel CNA Jobs?
Traveling, competitive pay, and chance to gain experience in diverse healthcare settings are some benefits of Travel CNA jobs.
What are the requirements to become a Travel CNA?
1- Active CNA license
2- Minimum experience (usually 6 months to 1 year)
3- BLS certification (often required)
4- Adaptability, communication, and time management skills etc.
Is travel CNA a good career option?
Yes, for adventurous and adaptable CNAs who have a goal to roam around the country, to strive in their careers, and to potentially earn more.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, working as a traveling CNA offers several advantages. CNAs get to travel and explore various cultures while working. CNAs require credentials such as Basic Life Support (BLS), a current license, and some work experience in order to attain these positions. The keys to succeeding in these professions are compassion, communication skills, and adaptability. Traveling CNA positions are available via employment boards, hospitals, staffing companies, and social media.