The difference between a permanently placed CNA and a traveler comes down to, realistically, what you want out of the job.
There are a lot of opportunities available when becoming a travel nurse. However, it’s less clear what the difference is between traveling and permanently placed nurses and why one option is better than the other. This predicament also extends to others in healthcare, like assistants. Realistically, the answer is that it depends on what you want out of the experience.
For now, we’d like to focus on CNAs or Certified Nursing Assistants, what it means to be a traveling CNA, and how to become one.
What is a CNA?
CNAs help patients with direct health care needs, often under the supervision of a nurse. Certified nursing assistants may also be called nursing assistants, nurse’s aides, or patient care assistants. CNAs help with the many physical and complex tasks for patient care.
Responsibilities of a traveling CNA
There is a lot of need for CNAs in different hospitals. Typically, CNAs help with the many physical and complex tasks of patient care such as the following:
- Take vitals
- Lifting and moving patients
- Bathing patients
- Serving and helping with meals
- Facilitating patient care
- Communicating with the health care staff about patients
- Providing companionship and friendship
- Being on call to provide aid
Where traveling CNAs work
There are many facilities where traveling CNAs can work and reasons why they’re needed in each.
- Long-term CNA and short-term CNA care facilities: nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, etc. Lots of CNAs are needed to cover shifts and ensure that there isn’t a coverage gap.
- Hospitals: Hospitals need CNAs more than they would like to express. The shortages that the hospitals face need CNAs to relieve burnout, provide coverage during gaps in scheduling, and fill in for leaves of absence.
- Private homes: CNAs can work as private nurses for elders who require help at home. They can provide safety, clean houses, help with daily activities, bathing, etc. CNAs are incredible for elders who need an extra set of hands.
How to become a traveling CNA
The training process of becoming a traveling CNA is like the standard CNA license. Below are the initial steps you’ll need to complete before moving forward with placements.
Education
No college degree is needed to receive a CNA certification, but there is a process. You do need to obtain a high school diploma or a GED to take the classes required. Every state has its requirements, but generally, they are the same courses of action.
Besides passing a CNA certification exam, you will need to complete a state-approved theory CNA training course, which can be done in community colleges, organizations like the American Red Cross, or even online. Afterward, there is a minimum of 75 hours of in-person clinical requirements. During the CNA training, students will learn about infection control, documentation, vital signs, direct patient care, anatomy and physiology, legal and ethical issues, and end-of-life care.
These programs also require a list of paperwork, including:
- Social security card
- Clean background check
- Proof of education
- ID card
In addition to the typical required paperwork, employers will also need a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record since a traveling CNA will spend significant time moving from home to home.
Getting Licensed
Once you pass the courses, you will have to get certified or, in some states, licensed as a CNA. This requires an exam; and, most times, a background check.
Finding placements as a traveler
Whether fresh into the biz or looking for a change, this is where staffing agencies like Blu Medstaff come into play. Travel CNA and nursing assignments are typically listed on healthcare recruitment sites, job boards, and through specialized healthcare travel agencies.
Perks of being a traveler
Travel CNAs have many perks that urge you to try out the position:
- Freedom is your next most significant advantage. You have the privilege of choosing assignments in different cities, create flexible scheduling, contract lengths, types of specialties you want to work with, and salary requirements. Planning your work helps you have enough time for your private life.
- You get additional perks (excluding salary) like reimbursements, daily stipends, bonuses, healthcare insurance, and tax breaks.
- Having the opportunity to travel lets you explore different locations, have new work experiences, and meet new people. This exposure can have a positive impact on your career growth.
Things to consider
The healthcare industry, in general, is a stressful field, and becoming a traveler can add pressure. It’s essential to discern that the lifestyle fits your preferences outside the opportunity to travel.
Here are some things to consider:
- Are you ok with extreme traveling? If not, consider asking for limited travel assignments.
- When are you ready to start? Always verify if the CNA job asks you to start ASAP.
- If you are looking for full-time opportunities, convey that to your employers.
- Discuss payment methods and what your salary will be. Most commonly, the pay is hourly, so confirm that the payment is included or excluded from your additional benefits. You can also ask your recruiter to help you navigate these conversations.
Travel with Blu Med
Does being a traveling CNA sound like a fit for you? We know there are many choices when it comes to healthcare staffing, and choosing one that suits you can be overwhelming, so we appreciate anyone who puts their faith in us to get them where they want to go, the right way. Let us find the perfect placement to help nourish growth not just professionally but personally as well.
What are you waiting for? Find a CNA assignment with Blu Medstaff today and snag that sweet, sweet referral bonus!
