Level of Responsibility
As a certified nurse aid, you will be responsible for providing basic medical care and also assist those patients in long-term health care facilities. This may include assisting patients bathe, reposition/turn bedridden patients, transfer patients on wheelchairs and help patients with eating. At times, you will be asked to assist in serving meals or recording patients’ health concerns and report medical details to nurses. The more responsibilities a nurse aid has, the more likely he/she is going to get a higher salary.
Type of Healthcare Facility
A CNA can be employed to work at different healthcare facilities including nursing homes, hospitals, scientific research facilities, rehabilitation centers, clinics, community healthcare facilities, elderly homes and surgical facilities among others. These healthcare facilities may be private, local or state-owned facilities. There are those facilities that have a higher demand of nurse aids, due to increased number of patients. The amount of salary you will earn will depend on the type of healthcare facility you will be employed to work at, and the level of expertise you will be required to have to work at the facility.
Location of a Healthcare Facility
The location also has a considerable impact on the CNA salary. Nurse aids working at facilities that are situated in nonmetropolitan areas have difficulties in gaining access to sufficient healthcare, elevating the demand for high quality nursing care. The average CNA salary at the top paying nonmetropolitan areas is higher than the national average. However, the salary offered in nonmetropolitan areas is lower compared to the one offered in metropolitan areas. This is because CNAs working at metropolitan areas may have more responsibilities due to an increased number of patients.
Level of Training
Those that have gone through a higher level of training are expected to earn a higher salary compared to those that have acquired some basic CNA training only. Registered nurses as well as those working in full nursing license will take home a higher salary than those that do not possess relatively high skills. It is also important for you to note that the salary of certified nursing assistants vary by state. When enrolling in a CNA training facility, it is important for you to be aware of the salary limits of your respective state.
