As a virtually recession-proof segment of the U.S. economy, healthcare jobs are plentiful. A rapidly aging population combined with seniors who have already retired has caused a shortage of healthcare workers, including Certified Nursing Assistants and Certified Nurse Aides. As someone working outside the healthcare industry, knowing how to begin a career as a certified caregiver isn’t always easy. If you’re still having trouble getting started, these tips from the pros can help you land that dream job you’ve always wanted.
Why Do People Become Caregivers?
Your reasons for wanting to become a certified caregiver may differ from those of somebody else. Either way, you’ll need to determine if you have what it takes.
Ask yourself these questions first:
- Do I like helping other people?
- Do I want a job with variety?
- Do I want a job with a flexible scheduling?
- Do I want a job that’s fast-paced and challenging?
- Will I be able to work in a wide variety of healthcare settings?
- Can I handle the physical aspects of the job?
- Can I use this job as a stepping-stone for other career-advancement opportunities (Nursing school, etc.)?
If you answered “yes” to all these questions, caregiving could be the right career pathway for you.
What People Skills Will I Need?
However, being a certified caregiver also means relying on a complex set of people skills. After all, you will not only be dealing with clients or patients but with family members as well.
Successful caregivers possess these essential skills:
- Compassion
- Empathy
- Patience
- Adaptability
- Conflict management
- A strong desire to learn more
- Calm and cool under pressure
How Do I Get Certified?
The terms that apply to caregiving positions vary by state and include Certified Nurse Aide, Certified Nursing Assistant, or State Registered Nurse Aide. Once you determine what your title will be, the next step is reviewing your specific state’s training and certification requirements.
Every state is different, and the testing reflects what a caregiver is permitted to do under the state requirements. Some states allow aides to perform medical responsibilities – for instance, administering medications – while others are very restrictive.
Next, find a testing and training location in your state. Examples of testing and training sites include nursing schools, employers that many want to hire you, the Red Cross, CNA training centers, or even online.
Along with passing the written examination, you may be required to undergo a criminal background check and practice certain job-related skills in front of an evaluator.
Where Can I Find Job Opportunities?
Once you’re certified, it’ll be time to investigate places to work. Professional caregivers work in a variety of settings, including home care agencies, home healthcare agencies, nursing homes, assisted living communities, clinics, hospitals, and more.
Each state is different concerning what you legally can and cannot do while assisting patients or clients. The best place to view your state’s requirements is through the AARP Long Term Services and Supports State Scorecard.
Before speaking with any employer, compile a list of potential interview questions and practice your answers beforehand in front of a large mirror.
How Can Senior1Care Help?
At Senior1Care, we support aspiring caregivers in Indiana by providing them the means to get trained and certified. Legacy CNA Training is a Certified Nursing Assistant training school that our home care agency owns and operates.
Many of our graduates have gone on to work for Senior1Care while enjoying long and highly gratifying careers. Under the leadership of Senior1Care, Legacy CNA Training continues to grow and now operates in two Indiana locations – Carmel and Mishawaka.
Benefits of enrolling in our Legacy CNA Training include:
- Immediate employment opportunities in Indiana
- Frequent class offerings
- Accelerated CNA training
- The highest pass rate in Indiana
To learn more about Legacy CNA Training, including class schedules, student testimonials, and questions about tuition, click here now.
Join Our Amazing Team in South Bend, IN, Today!
If you are interested in an exciting, challenging, and fulfilling career in the rapidly growing home care industry, Senior1Care would like to speak with you. Due to our expanding client load, we are currently seeking qualified candidates to fill several open caregiving positions in South Bend, IN.
We offer competitive pay, flexible hours, great benefits, performance bonuses, and the opportunity to work in a positive environment while surrounded by fellow compassionate professionals. Whether you’re a CNA, nurse, therapist, or another type of healthcare professional, we’d love to hear from you. What are you waiting for? To learn more about how to pursue an exciting career opportunity with Senior1Care today, please visit us at www.senior1care.com.
