Being a Nursing Assistant can lead to a Career as a Nurse

Being a Nursing Assistant can lead to a Career asa NurseA Nursing Assistant certificate allows you theopportunity to secure employment at entry levelin the medical field. This position requirescompassion and dedication to assisting others. Italso requires a high level of effectivecommunication as well as attention for detail.Most people entering the Nursing Assistantprofession find it to be a rewarding andchallenging career. However, many choose to useit as a building block for becoming a Nurse.

The program for becoming a Nursing Assistant isvery fast compared with the time it takes to earna degree in Nursing. Therefore, many see it as alogic choice to gain experience in the medicalfield. It is an excellent idea for those that aren抰 sure if Nursing is for them. It is better tospend four to twelve weeks in training to find outthen to spend two or more years working on aNursing degree.There are individuals who must maintainemployment while pursuing their education degreefor financial reasons. For individuals in thisposition, completing the Nursing Assistantprogram offers them a way to secure employmentthat is related to what they are going to schoolfor.Others choose to advance their career once theyhave been working as a Nurse Assistant becausethey see many of the tasks Nurses are responsiblefor. It is a level of responsibility they wish to

acquire. Since they work so closely with theNursing staff, it is a perfect opportunity toexplore more of what takes place. Others have asincere desire to further their education, butfor a variety of reasons have not been able to.There is a significant pay difference betweenworking as a Nursing Assistant and having a degreeas a Nurse. The dollar amount varies based onlocation, but on average the difference is $4 to$9 per hour more. It doesn 抰 take long at all forthe overall income difference to be seen. Nursingassistants often decide that they want to work inthe medical field, but definitely want to be paidmore for their work. Of course, the level ofresponsibility differs greatly between a NursingAssistant and a Nurse.Working at a medical facility as a NursingAssistant can work to your advantage when youdecide to pursue a degree in Nursing. It mighthelp you get into the program if there is more

interest in the program than enrollmentopportunities.Due to the continuous demand for qualifiedtrained professionals in the area of Nursing,most medical facilities will support you in yourefforts to further your education. They willoften adjust your work schedule to accommodateyou whenever possible.Tuition assistance programs are offered by manyemployers in the medical field. They work in avariety of ways. Some will cover a percentage ofyour tuition; others will pay up to a particulardollar amount. Often, you will be required toagree to work for them for a particular length oftime or have to reimburse them for any tuitionpaid on your behalf. Others won 抰 pay anythingwhile you are attending school, but will offertuition reimbursement upon completion of yourNursing degree.

Another advantage of working as a NursingAssistant prior to obtaining your degree inNursing is you will have an edge over other recentgraduates. You will have work experience to offerin combination with your degree while many otherswill only have their degree.Employers like to maintain their qualityemployees. If you are able to show outstandingwork ethic as a Nursing Assistance, it is verylikely they will offer you a position as a Nurseupon your completion of your degree. This oftendepends on the job openings at the medicalfacility you work for.Your certificate and work experience as a NurseAssistant can help make career opportunitiesappear. It may peak your interest in returning toschool to work on your Nursing degree for avariety of reasons. It can help you be acceptedto a Nursing program, as well as help you secureemployment after completing your Nursing degree.

PPPPPWord Count 693