Working in the healthcare with patients is something that is rather demanding and often times can test your mind as well as your emotions. There are many paths to take whether you are a CNA or a HHA. Being a certified nursing assistant and a home health aide are probably the most demanding jobs simply for the fact that you are the primary care giver as far as their everyday activities. You are the one that has the most contact with them and therefore you are tried each and every day both physically and mentally. Not only do you have to help with ADLs, but you also have to support them emotionally. There may be a time that a patient is dying and they need the support to stay happy and comfortable. This can be a test for sure and therefore there are certain skills needed to work as a CNA/HHA.
Educational Requirements
Typically, there is not a need to have a high school diploma to earn your HHA certification. You are for the most part going to earn your training on the job as you go and it is offered by a licensed nurse. Aides that are experienced may also teach you the ropes in the facility. As a HHA, you are going to be cleaning, cooking, changing bed linens, offering companionship, and running errands if needed. For the most part, you are going to be working in a home setting, which means in the patient's home.
You are going to be trained as to how to react to certain situations and in certain circumstances with patients. You will be taught basic first aid and how to use a defibrillator if needed. There are some employers that will take you under their wing so to speak to train you the way they like their aides to be.
Getting Your HHA License
There is a 75-hour course that you are going to have to take in order to become a certified home health aide. You will also need to complete a competency test which is a state exam showing that you have the necessary skills to work in the state you are currently in. Your training is going to include taking vital signs, medical terminology, basic nutrition, and controlling the spread of infection.
Earning Potential
Working as a home health aide has an hourly starting wage at about $9 - $10 depending on where you work. Working for home health companies is not going to pay as much as working in a nursing home. The more experience you have, the higher the pay is going to be. There are even some aides that earn well over $12 or $13 an hour. You can expect pay raises with experience and over a period of time of being with one company.
Beginning a career in the medical field is exciting and proves to be challenging. You need to be prepared to deal with difficult patients and to be going for long hours at times.
For more great information about cna training & certification we have a range of great tools and resources on our website http://certifiednursesassistantcenter.com so visit us today.
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