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No healthcare operation is perfect. Every healthcare professional and facility works overtime to prevent medical or equipment errors, but the margins in healthcare are always incredibly thin. When an error results in further injury or costly consequences, facilities must recognize what went wrong, and examine how they can avoid these “healthcare incidents” in the future. This is why incident reports are so important, for the success of any reputable healthcare facility. To help facilities with improving their operations, facilities need to make sure their incident reporting is as effective as it can possibly be.

 What is an Incident Report?

For the uninitiated, an incident report is the collation of data regarding the healthcare incidents that take place in a hospital, physician’s office, or other healthcare setting. In theory, this allows facilities to examine the most commonly occurring incidents, isolate their root cause, and address them for better patient AND HCP safety. Most incident reports are filed by HCPs working directly, as they are commonly first-hand witnesses (or even victims) to the various hazards in the workplace. This includes nurses, doctors, and physicians. That being said, anyone can submit an incident report, such as patients, staff, patient families, and more.

What are the Obstacles to Good Incident Reporting?

Incident Reporting is only as good as the culture of the workplace and the system in place. If there is no convenient or timely reporting system in place, then most HCPs will simply not bother. On a similar note, if your facility has a track record for ignoring incidents, then HCPs will decide it is not worth it. More pressingly, facility personnel and residents to avoid getting blamed and ostracized.  A number of issues can prevent HCPs from reporting incidents, but these are the most pressing.

What can be done?

If a facility wants to facilitate effective Incident Reporting, a couple of key measures must be taken.

Make Reporting More Convenient

 If facilities invest to make Incident Reporting as hassle-free and convenient as possible, more HCPs will bother to report. A great way to achieve this is by going digital. It does not get more convenient than incident reporting through your phone or various electronic devices. Adopting a mobile application specifically for incident reporting, or effectively integrating incident management software that collects and synthesizes data efficiently are just some of the measures you can take.

Communicate with Staff Throughout the Process

Proper communication can resolve most of the problems that plague incident reporting systems. You want your staff to know where they can report incidents while encouraging them to do so when necessary. Make it clear that this is for the good of the company, and that they will not be punished for presenting a problem that can be prevented in the future. Congratulate them for pointing out problems or concerns before they can get worse in the future.

Give Running Updates on Facility Measures

When you start addressing these problems, you must also communicate what is being done and how the facility will do it. Seeing tangible results convinces HCPs of the effectiveness of the incident reporting system.

Be Transparent

You want your staff to feel involved with the facility’s processes. Share the statistics and findings with your staff. This not only makes them more involved but makes them cognizant of these potential risk factors as they provide care. This benefits everyone involved and encourages staff to notify problems whenever they are recognized, rather than avoiding the process altogether.

Working in healthcare spaces is an ongoing process. HCPs are expected to keep up with constantly changing technologies, knowledge, and best practices. This is why licenses have continuing education requirements that RNs or LVNs have to complete, if they want to maintain an active license status. If you want to excel as an HCP, however, you need to go beyond this. You want to continually seek growth, as you walk along your HCP path. Whether you are a Registered Nurse or a Licensed Vocational Nurse, you should always be seeking constant improvement. For the sake of your career and continued success, here are a number of key strategies with which you can improve as an HCP.

Invest in your education

You need to proactively seek opportunities to learn and improve your knowledge of healthcare and more specifically your field. There are a number of outlets available to you, to accomplish this. Subscribing to academic journals, looking for conferences and seminars held by medical leaders and experts, or earning additional certifications are just a handful of ways this can be done. The advent of the digital world has also expanded your options list, in this regard. HCPs can listen to podcasts or attend webinars from world leaders in healthcare. As long as you are seeking out opportunities, they will always be there for you.

Make professional goals for yourself

As a healthcare professional, it can be far too easy to “settle” in your station. This type of professional stagnancy is the perfect way to inhibit your growth, however. If you want to evolve, you must set attainable goals. Make sure to set goals that are measurable. For example: say you want to pick up a new certification. Figure out what you need to do, where you need to go, and how long it will take to achieve this landmark goal. You want to create attainable, smaller goals that eventually lead to bigger ones. Before you can even consider pursuing your master’s degree, for example, you need at least two years of clinical experience. This mix of bigger-picture goals and small landmarks will guide your professional growth, and ensure that you never stop evolving.

Open your mind to learning

Healthcare is an endlessly broad and evolving field. With so many concepts, procedures, and information, it is hard to internalize it all. Not even the most accomplished veterans in space know everything. Regardless of your experience level or station, HCPs must open their mind to any opportunities they can find, to learn. Do not be afraid to admit that you do not know something, even if it is in your field of expertise. Instead, ask questions whenever applicable. Even if you have to repeat a question, it is better than proceeding as if you knew all the answers. It is better than getting the medicine dosage wrong or forgetting a patient’s blood type. When patient lives are on the line, ego must be set aside for the greater good.

Double-check

This may seem like a simple suggestion, but it can save your life. HCPs are expected to be extremely precise with the information they handle. For example: if you are handling medications for a patient, you have to provide them at the right time, dosage, and variant. Getting any of these wrongs, even by just a little, can lead to fatal consequences at worst. If you get your orders from your supervisors, and you are unsure as to whether or not you got something wrong, do not be afraid to double-check. See if you are providing the correct medications at the right time, dosage, route, and to the correct patient. When you make double-checking a habit, you are far less likely to commit these small yet disastrous mistakes.

Embrace technology

As was mentioned earlier, technology in the healthcare industry is evolving at a rapid pace. Hospitals are using smart beds which automatically track a patient’s condition or automatic IV pumps which administer intravenous drips at a precise level. Nursing records have long been transitioning from print to electronic formats, and HCPs can now access them at any time with their facility’s Nursing Portal. All of this information can be overwhelming if you are not prepared. Instead of rejecting progress, you want to embrace technology and its benefits. Take the time to read about new facility implements if you have not fully wrapped your head around them. Even if you have, consider taking the time to help your less tech-savvy contemporaries. The transition can be a rough experience, especially for older HCPs who are far less acclimated to the digital world.

HCP work is an extremely competitive field. Whether you are a CNA, LVN, or RN, you are competing for a limited number of roles with hundreds (if not thousands) of fellow applicants. If you want to land the healthcare position of your dreams. To give themselves an edge, many HCPs often opt for additional certifications. These are earned by attending short, specialized training programs that train you in a facet of nursing.

The benefits are twofold. You gain desirable skills and credentials that help your resume stand out, from a sea of CVs. Beyond this, they represent a chance for growth. You get to develop your knowledge and competencies in very specific areas. This lets you grow in skill as an HCP and may potentially show you career paths you did not consider.

Whether you are looking to bolster your resume or advance your career, these are the most desirable certifications for RNs, LVNs and CNAs.

RN

Critical Care Nursing (CCRN)

Before you can sign up for this certification, you need one of two requirements: 1,750 hours of direct care for acute and/or critical adult patients or 2,000 hours of such direct care within the last 5 years, along with an examination. This course teaches you how to handle a variety of acute/critical injuries and illnesses, across different specializations. This makes CCRN a popular certification, regardless of your specialization.

Management of Assaultive Behavior (MAB)

HCPs will be required to interact with patients who are dealing with stress, loss or crippling physical conditions. Naturally, they can become prone to hostile behaviors or volatile mood swings, depending on their current situation. MAB trains you on how to de-escalate these situations in a calm and level-headed manner. This certification shows your managers that you care about patient safety and maintaining peace, in the workplace.

Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)

 Though two years of prior emergency nursing experience is recommended, it is not required. This course will empower you with the knowledge and skills needed to provide lifesaving care, under pressure, to all age demographics. This certification will make you more hireable to emergency departments in various settings.

CNA

 Certified Alzheimer’s Caregiver (CAC)

 Certified nursing assistants commonly handle patients with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. These conditions cripple a patient’s capacity to carry out even the most basic tasks, such as eating, communicating, or remembering things. CAC certification will train you on how to provide the best possible care for such patients in long-term care settings while communicating with patient families. You will need CNA/LPN/RN certification and 6 months of direct care experience with dementia patients, in order to avail of these programs.

Certified Medication Aide (CMA)

 Administering medications is not a task that just any CNA can take up. You are required to follow the physician’s orders by letter, including when to give the medications, how to give them, and in what doses. Small mistakes can lead to serious consequences. CMA certification allows CNAs to take on these greater responsibilities in the workplace, while potentially opening the door for future career advancement. To qualify for the certification exam, you need to graduate from a program accredited by either the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Refer to the American Association of Medical Assistants page for more details.

Certified Nursing Assistant- Advanced (CNAA)

 The CNAA allows CNAs to further advance and hone their caregiving skills. This course was created to prepare nursing assistants for greater, more specialized roles in home health settings, long-term care facilities and more. You will be trained in reading vital signs, caring for wounds, patient safety and more. To qualify for the CNAA, you need to fulfil a number of educational requirements including the completion of an accredited CNA program, and one year of salaried experience as a CNA in a recognized setting. Once you graduate, you must pass the certification exam provided by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN.)

 LVN

IV Therapy

Though LPNs are typically expected to administer IVs, there are certain limitations. IV Therapy certification allows you to further hone this critical skill while making you more desirable as a hire for hospitals, long-term care facilities, and more. As the fastest method of transferring medications or blood products, this is an in-demand skill that transfers to a variety of different settings. You will be taught how to handle all kinds of IV equipment, different kinds of IV fluids, calculating infusion flow rate, and more.

Wound Care Certification (WCC)

As an LVN, you will be expected to treat different kinds of wounds. From hospitals to acute care facilities to physician offices, wound care is a desirable trait in every healthcare setting imaginable. This is why WCC is such a popular option for LVNs, as well as HCPs of all levels. You will be taught how to treat skin and wounds at a much higher proficiency level. There are numerous requirements, depending on your condition, and they are all listed on the official WCC site.

Pharmacology (NCP)

With this degree, LPNs will be taught how to administer and handle drugs in a safe manner. The course material covers (among other things), medical assessments, all the drug classifications, and the proper procedure for handling intravenous fluid (IV) drips and proper dosage for medications.

Certified Medication Aides have valued members of any hospital team. As demand for CMAs increases, more HCPs are at least considering making the shift and finding jobs within this role.

This is easier said than done, however. Between all the options, as well as the competition, finding CMA jobs can be a surprisingly challenging endeavour, no matter how skilled or qualified you are.

For first-time job seekers or Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) looking for a change of scenery, this guide is here to help. We will show you how to find CMA jobs in your area, how to give yourself an edge in job applications and more.

What is a CMA?

Chances are, you probably know what a CMA is if you are reading this article. On the off chance that you do not, here is a quick rundown.

Certified Medication Aides are responsible for administering medications, orally or topically, to patients in healthcare settings. In essence, they are Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) with additional training and certifications. As a medication provider, you need to give medicines at the physician-prescribed times and dosages. If these instructions are not followed in the letter, the consequences could be unfortunate at best and fatal at worst. In addition, some medications need to be handled carefully, lest they suffer certain side effects. CMAs are also in charge of education. If patients can take medicines themselves, CMAs are there to remind them about how, when and how much to consume.

CMA work requires a certain amount of focus and attention to detail. They need to document every time a patient takes their medication, how much they took and when they took it. They are also expected to monitor changing patient conditions on a regular basis. If potential side effects or allergic reactions to medicines are found, then CMAs are responsible for reporting this to their supervisors, nurses, physicians, or doctors as soon as possible. They also need a level of communication and emotional intelligence. HCPs as a whole need to connect with their patients, relay medicine instructions and improve the quality of care in general. Additionally, this communication comes in handy when they collaborate with pharmacies to make sure the medical supplies are sufficiently stacked. Relatedly, audits must be performed to ensure that the supply is not expired and that everything is properly stocked.

How are the Outlook for CMA jobs?

CMA jobs are set to have a bright future. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), medical assistant roles will see a 16% rise between 2021 and 2031. This is considerably faster than average and means that around 117,800 new jobs will be produced within that time span.

Why are CMA roles rising so much? Between aging demographics and chronic patients in need of additional medical support and the anticipated turnover for CMAs (and health professionals in general), demand is set to spike while supply drops. As a result, hospitals en masse will be scrambling to make up for the deficit.

What is the salary for CMA jobs?

The process of becoming a CMA is relatively faster, compared to other nursing roles. In exchange, CMA jobs pay relatively less than many of their counterparts. The BLS census places the average medication aide salary at around $37,190 per year. For reference, the Registered Nurse salary sits at $77,600 within the same time span. Salaries can change depending on location, work experience, and additional certifications, but you have to keep this factor in mind.

Why become a CMA, in this case? The lower barrier to entry is appealing to individuals who want to work and gain experience in healthcare as soon as humanly possible. Additionally, you can eventually build yourself up for greater nursing roles in the future. Working as a CMA lets you earn money to save for your degree and accrue work experience that will look good on any application. If you have the bandwidth to balance work and study, this is a career path worth considering.

How can I land a CMA role?

You cannot expect a CMA role to land on your lap as soon as you graduate. As soon as possible, you want to work on making your applications and sending them to as many facilities as possible.

Whether you are a fresh graduate or a veteran CMA looking to land a new role, here are a couple of key strategies that will help you in your search.

Gain work experience whenever you can

Facilities prioritize CMA applicants with proven knowledge and an extensive background in the field. Employers commonly look for at least one year of CMA working experience. This may seem difficult for fresh graduates, but you will have your fair share of opportunities. While you are studying as a CMA, you can expect to carry out a set amount of clinical rotation hours. Capitalize on these opportunities, learn as much as you can from your supervisor, and do not be afraid to list these hours on your resume. Another way you can gain this experience is through the Vitawerks app. CMAs can pick up shifts from a variety of facilities in their area. Not only will you accrue more time on the job, you get to test the waters with different facilities with varying operations, principles, and values. This experience will help you figure out what you prioritize in your career path, over the long run.

Look through job listings online!

 Right now, most healthcare facilities advertise their job openings online. Full-time offers are commonly posted on sites like Indeed and Glassdoor while temporary shifts in your area can be booked when you sign up with VitaWerks. Things do not stop there either, as you might find job openings posted on your local hospital’s official website. What matters is that you are applying to as many facilities as possible. Cast as wide a net as possible, but do not skimp out on research as well. After all, you do not want to provide your sensitive information to a nefarious source. Lastly, do not settle for the first offer that is sent your way. Consider your options, do your research on the facility, and do not be afraid to reject it for whatever reason. You are in control of your career path.

Apply for additional certifications.

Optional certifications speak volumes, on a CMA resume. They prove that you took time to hone valuable clinical skills. On top of this, it shows your commitment to growing as a medication aide and providing the highest quality care that you possibly can. To this end, there are countless optional certifications that are available to you. First Aid Certification, Advanced Aid and CPR, and Basic Life Support are just a few pertinent examples. Pay attention to what is listed on job descriptions, as well. If certain certifications pop up regularly as either requirements or optional qualifications, look into taking those classes for yourself. Unlike your CMA certification, completing these courses should not take that long at all.

Network, network, network

There is nothing wrong with taking advantage of every resource available to you. While studying for your CMA or taking CNA shifts, you want to network with other HCPs as much as possible. There are countless benefits to a strong professional network, you can get alerted to CMA job opportunities as soon as they are open. If possible, your connection may refer or recommend you to a facility looking for quality CMA work. With a job network, you become a more visible asset to the healthcare community at large. As you are competing for CMA openings, these margins can make a huge difference in the long run.

Apply to VitaWerks for CMA shifts.

At VitaWerks, you can find CMA openings posted from the finest healthcare facilities in your state. We make it our priority to protect the HCPs we partner with and connect them with the best job opportunities available. Our nurse champions will ensure that you find rates well above the market average with hospitals that match your temperament, specializations, skills, and professional priorities. Compared to a lot of staffing agencies, the matchmaking process is extremely fast thanks to our matchmaking technology. Set your own hours and work as you please, to achieve the work-life balance you deserve. As we mentioned earlier, picking up shifts with VitaWerks is a great opportunity for you to gain CMA experience from a variety of different settings. Whether you work full-time or part-time, the choice is yours.

Certified Medication Aides are an integral part of any functioning hospital. With the way the industry is trending, these CMAs will only increase in demand as time goes on. 

You may know about the profession in a broad sense, but do you know the specific tasks assigned to medication assistants? Perhaps you are interested in becoming one yourself, but you do not know where to start. That different states have different CMA requirements complicates things further. 

 For anyone interested in making the transition to a CMA role, this guide will tell you everything you need to know. Below, we will go over med tech requirements, salaries, and the steps needed to gain certification, among other things.

What does a CMA do? 

The full scope of a medication aide’s authority greatly depends on state legislation. Regardless, you will generally be expected to carry out the following duties. 

Put simply, a certified medication aide is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) responsible for administering oral or topical medications to patients in the hospital. Unlike other nurse assistants, CMAs have the certification and training to administer said medications safely, at the right time and in proper doses. If not administered properly, many hospital medications can have potentially disastrous side effects. Because of this, CMAs have to thoroughly document the dosage and time that the medication was administered. Additionally, they have to properly teach patients how to consume their medicine safely, on their own. 

What qualities are expected of a CMA? 

CMAs are expected to monitor a patient’s reaction to the medications, as time passes. If any sudden changes or adverse effects appear, they have to report them as soon as possible to their supervising nurse, physician and medical provider. If needed, they can be tasked to collect biological samples for further analysis. Outside the clinic, CMAs are expected to collaborate closely with pharmacies to ensure that the necessary medications are always available. Since medications can run out or expire, they also have to perform medication audits to ensure that the supply is fresh enough to use and properly stocked. 

What is the outlook for the CMA? 

The future of the profession is exceedingly bright. From 2021 to 2031, The Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects that CMAs are expected to grow by about 16% percent. For reference, this translates to 117,800 new job openings within that time and is considerably faster than average. A number of factors will contribute to the steady demand for these kinds of healthcare workers. Older patients are expected to need more detailed medical tests for conditions like type 2 diabetes. Prenatal tests for genetic conditions have also risen in prominence, thus raising the demand for such nurses even further. Finally, veteran CMAs are expected to leave the industry en masse in the future. This leaves hospitals with vacancies they are in a rush to fill. 

CMA salaries do lag behind their contemporaries, relatively speaking. Currently, the BLS pins the average medical technician salary at around $37,190. Thankfully, per diem, CMAs will have the opportunity to earn even higher than this. With the help of VitaWerks, they can secure the best-paying shifts from the finest facilities in their area. This is all while working at their own pace and dictating their own hours.

How can I become a CMA? 

As we mentioned earlier, different states have specific requirements for becoming a CMA. That being said, the step-by-step process is generally the same, in the broad strokes. 

Step 1: Fulfill educational requirements

Before anything else, aspiring med tech nurses need to obtain their high school diplomas. Certain Med Tech programs will require a number of prerequisite courses, such as Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and English. Even if they do not, completing such courses will look extremely favorable on your resume. 

Step 2: Acquire your CNA certification

Once you fulfil the entry-level educational requirements, you can start applying for postsecondary CMA programs. To qualify for the certification test, you need to enroll in a course that is accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). While most programs are 9 to 12 months long, you can optionally opt for a 2-year CMA program that will reward you with an associate’s degree. 

Step 3: Acquire CNA certification

As we mentioned earlier, a CMA is essentially a CNA with the authority to administer medicine. Before you can become the former, you need to acquire the credentials of the latter. You can find a number of good quality CNA programs at community colleges, Red Cross branches, medical educational institutions and even some hospitals. Regardless of where you live, you want to make sure that the lessons you are taking are state-approved. If not, then you will not be eligible for a CNA, and you would have wasted your time and hard-earned money. 

Step 4: Earn your CMA certification

Once you graduate from your CMA lessons, you can start applying for CMA certification training. To qualify for such programs, you usually need to complete a minimum amount of hours of clinical practice as a CNA beforehand. 140 hours is a common benchmark, but the exact requirements will depend on the state you live in. In a majority of states, you will have to pass a Medication Aide test right after graduation. To make sure your program is preparing you sufficiently for the test, you want to check if they provide a complete curriculum. Good CA training programs will cover the following 

• The legal, ethical and regulatory dimensions of medicine administration 
• Record-keeping and communicating in a healthcare setting.
• The side-effects, interactions and variants of medications.
• How to safely administer and handle medicines.

Apply for CMA jobs 

If you passed your respective Medication Aide examination, then congratulations! You are officially a CMA. Your work has only begun, however, as now it is time to start looking for CMA jobs. Certified Medication Aides can usually find work in (among other places) hospitals, long-term care facilities, care homes, rehabilitation facilities and occasionally even home healthcare services. If you were already working in a facility beforehand as a CNA, you can inquire about whether or not you can shift into a CMA role. 

To increase your hire ability, you want to gain at least one year of relevant CMA experience. In the middle of your training program, you can expect to carry out a certain amount of clinical rotation hours. Take advantage of this, along with any opportunities that arise in your regular facility of employment. Facilities are looking for knowledgeable and skilled CMAs who have comprehensive knowledge of relevant pharmacological and medical terminology, complete with the skills necessary to adapt quickly and contribute as soon as possible.

Continue your education

When you are a CMA (or any kind of HCP for that matter) learning becomes a continuous process. You have to continuously study and take in information in order to stay on top of healthcare best practices that are always changing. As healthcare continues to digitize and modernize, this only becomes more important. This constant learning is also vital if you want to continue practising. Both your CMA and CNA degrees will need to be renewed after a certain period of time. 

While the requirements and renewal period both vary depending on which state your practice is in, you will typically be required to complete a certain number of Contact Hours. A number of these can be fulfilled with clinical bedside work, while the rest has to be fulfilled through lectures and refresher classes. If you are trying to reactivate an expired license, there is a good chance you could end up repeating entire courses. In order to avoid stress, contact your State Board of Nursing as soon as possible, and inquire about the CMA and CNA renewal requirements 

What are the state-specific requirements? 

As was previously mentioned, the process for becoming a CMA will differ greatly from state to state. The process in Colorado will not be the same as the process in Nevada, California, Ohio and a number of other states. For your convenience, this is a list of official state resources that contain the step-by-step procedure and requirements necessary in order to become a CMA. If your state is not listed here, you can contact your State Board of Nursing or access their official website for more information. 

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin

Is CMA work worth it? 

There is no denying that CMA work is as physically and mentally demanding as any other HCP role. In addition, CMAs are typically paid less than their other counterparts. If you are prepared for its unique rigors and challenges, however, then there is a lot to gain from the CMA route. If you are a CNA looking to take an extra role or someone who wants to get into HCP work as early as possible, then it is worth considering at least. The work experience will look incredible when you start applying for further education, whether at an Associate’s or Bachelor’s level. 

You may have heard of the State Tested Nurse Assistant (STNA). As an entry-level role, becoming an STNA is seen as a viable stepping stone on the path to becoming a Registered Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN.) The low cost of entry and relatively short training period have made it a popular choice for healthcare hopefuls looking to break into the workforce at the earliest opportunity. 

What do STNAs do, however? How can you become one? And what would your career path look like, moving forward? For the answer to all these questions and more, read on. 

What is an STNA? 

In reality, “State Tested Nursing Assistant” is a label that is only used in Ohio. Every other state refers to them as either Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) or Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs). They are also known as Nursing Assistants (NAs) and Nurse Aides. Any information regarding any of the listed designations also applies to STNAs. 

Under the supervision of an RN or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), STNAs can be expected to handle direct care duties. In other words, they are primarily responsible for assisting patients with regular daily tasks that they are unable to complete themselves, due to their condition. 

What does an STNA do in their shift? 

 The “direct care tasks” umbrella encompasses a broad list of tasks and responsibilities. Within a single shift, an STNA can expect to carry out the following workplace duties: 

• Assisting patients who need help with eating food and drinking beverages. This could mean using gastrostomy and nasogastric feeding tubes, if necessary.
• Dressing and bathing unencumbered patients.
• Helping patients with their personal grooming, such as nail trimming, hair brushing, shaving or dental care. 
• Buying supplies. 
• Aiding their supervising nurses with certain medical procedures and gathering the necessary materials from them. 
• Treating and caring for wounds.
• Answering phone calls for patients who cannot speak at the moment. 
• Moving patients from room to room or otherwise repositioning them. 
• Cleaning the room and periodically changing the bed linen to promote a healthy healing environment.
• Helping outpatients with their bowel movements and excretions. 
• Keeping track of a patient’s vital signs. If any dramatic changes are found, STNAs have to report to their supervisors or superiors at the earliest possible opportunity. 
• Documenting and updating patient information throughout the process. 

The scope of your responsibilities will depend on what your supervisor requires on that day, as well as the facility you work in itself. 

How much are STNAs paid? 

Nationwide, CNAs earn around $30,290 a year, according to a census conducted by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Keep in mind that this is an average. This roughly translates to $14.56 per hour. In practice, CNA salaries can vary according to experience, additional qualifications and (most pertinently) location. In Ohio specifically, STNAs earn around $28,453 a year or $13.68 an hour, according to ZipRecruiter. According to their database, the 95th percentile can earn up to $35,194-$37,023 while the 4th percentile can earn as low as $16,911-18,739.

Where do STNAs work? 

State Tested Nurse Aides can find work in a variety of different healthcare settings. Per the aforementioned BLS census, a majority of STNAs operate in nursing care facilities, which include adult daycares, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation facilities, and more. These facilities admit the type of patients that are in the most need of direct care services. Meanwhile, 32% of STNAs find work in standard hospitals, local, state or private. A smaller percentage of STNAs find work in government facilities and home healthcare services. 

What is the outlook for STNAs? 

The future looks bright for STNAs and CNAs in general. Between 2021 to 2031, the BLS predicts that the American pool of STNAs will increase by 5%, which is around as fast as the average growth rate for jobs in America. For reference, this translates to 64,900 new STNAs within that time. It is clear that STNAs are in high demand at the moment, and that demand will only continue to grow in the future.

Why is this the case, you may ask? A number of factors play into this. With a good chunk of the patient population continuing to age and increased awareness of chronic conditions that need constant treatment (including diabetes and cardiac conditions), there will be an increased need for extensive healthcare services. As the demand rises, the need for more STNAs to carry out direct care duties increases as well. 

How do you become an STNA? 

Like with salary, the process of becoming an STNA will depend on where you live. That being said, the general process is fairly similar across various states. For our purposes, we will dive into Ohio’s requirements, since STNA refers to nursing assistants in that area. 

Apply for an STNA Training Program: To become an STNA, you first need to attend a state-approved training program. Before you are admitted, you need to complete a criminal background check. You will not be accepted by programs if they find that you have a history of crimes, such as (but not limited to) drug possession, theft or violent acts. You can click here to find the full list of violations that will disqualify you from eligibility. 

You also need to present any requirements a school will ask of you. In Ohio, your High School or GED Diploma is technically not required; a handful of institutions will ask you for it, however. At the bare minimum, you will be asked to present your Social Security Card (for American citizens) or your ITTN number (if you are not an American citizen.) Any additional document requirements will depend on the school you apply to. Some schools will ask for your vaccination record, physical exam, state ID or TB test, but not all of them will. 

Complete your STNA Training Program: Compared to similar programs in America, Ohio is actually one of the shortest. You will be expected to complete 75 contact hours. 59 of them will be completed by attending lectures, while the remaining 16 are carried out in clinical rotations. In total, it usually takes around 3 weeks to complete on average. Meanwhile, the tuition fee will cost you around $593. 

Pass the Certification Test: As soon as you graduate from your training program, you are allotted at least four months to pass the STNA certification test. To take the test at all, you will have to pay a $104 entrance fee. $78 will cover the practical skills portion, while $26 is for the written section. Your school will usually register you for the exam, but if that is not the case, you can also contact the D&S to book your test directly. You can also contact them if you have to reschedule or otherwise run into any issues. 

Students are allotted 3 attempts to pass the test. Failing to pass the test three times means retaking your STNA lessons from the start. Every time you retake the test, you have to pay the full fee all over again. The best way to avoid this is simply by studying for the STNA test thoroughly. Luckily, there are a wealth of learning materials available to you. From Youtube instructional videos to the D&S’s official practice tests to STNA physical reviewers available at your local bookshop, you will not be at a loss while you look for review material. Just remember to search for material that is specific to tests in the Ohio area.

Look for work: If you passed the exam, then you are officially becoming an STNA! Congratulations! You can expect to receive your certification in short order. Once that is settled, you can finally begin sending applications in short order. 

Is becoming an STNA worth it? 

STNAs can start working in healthcare earlier, compared to most other healthcare professions. This lets you gain real and practical experience that will carry over into your work or school applications. Although the pay will be lower than your contemporaries, you can work your way up to more lucrative healthcare positions. Down the road, you can even progress your career with further education such an Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing programs in order to take on greater nursing roles. Unlike a lot of nursing students, STNAs can also earn significant income and work while they study and better themselves. 

To be clear, State Tested Nurse Aide is not always the correct path for every hopeful HCP. That being said, it is just as valid a nursing journey as any other. Many excellent nurses have started as STNAs, and never looked back. The STNA career path is not a walk in the park. It is a physically demanding and mentally draining profession that makes STNAs stay on their feet for the bulk of their shift. The rigors of HCP work require a certain kind of mindset and will ask a lot of you. If you are willing to accept all this, however, then the potential rewards are numerous. 

Working per diem as a nurse gives you the opportunity to work where you want to work. Provided their certifications are recognized or the correct paperwork is done, nothing is stopping you from choosing any facility within your area.

Between rates, professional opportunities, and specific experiences certain cities undoubtedly have a lot to offer for HCPs. How does per diem work for nurses in each city? How much do per diem nurses make, depending on the city? What is there to experience off the clock?

To get you started on your travel nursing experience, we have listed a handful of the best cities for travel nurses.

(All the rates listed below are credited to Vivian Health.)

Los Angeles, California

Average Annual Pay: $2,779

The Greater LA Metropolitan Area is one of the top cities for travel nurses. It boasts some of the best healthcare facilities in the world. HCPs who take shifts here will get to work directly with cutting-edge nursing technology and will get to learn from some of the best nursing professionals in the nation. Between the UCLA Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCI Medical Center and more, you will not have to look hard for exciting nursing opportunities.

Whenever you are not working per diem as a nurse, you can enjoy LA’s countless attractions. Between the scenic beaches, tourist attractions like Universal Studios and a bustling nightlife filled with clubs, restaurants and bars, you will find no shortage of things to do in the City of Angels, Just be sure to party responsibly!

Boston, Massachusetts

 Average Annual Pay: $3,036

Boston is another top city for travel nurses. The city boasts some of the best research facilities, hospitals and medical universities in the country. UMass, Harvard Medical School, and Tufts are just a couple of institutions ranked at the upper percentile of medical schooling. You will not have a difficult time landing a shift at some renowned, advanced healthcare facility, like the UMass Memorial Medical Center or Boston Children’s Hospital.

When you are off the clock, the city is rich with historical landmarks and attractions. In baseball season, sports fans can enjoy a game at the iconic Fenway Park, which houses the Boston Red Sox and the infamous Green Monster. Taking the “Freedom Trail” will take you through 16 iconic landmarks: from Park Street Church to the Granary Burial Ground, to the Massachusetts State House and more.

Seattle, Washington

 Average Annual Pay: $2,513

Even when it rains (and it rains often), Seattle provides endless opportunities for those working as per diem nurses. The University of Washington Medical Center is one of the most nationally well-regarded facilities, but there are many other great hospitals. HCPs can expect rich professional experiences at Swedish Medical Center, Virginia Mason Medical Center and more.

No matter how cloudy things get, there are still many sights to see. The iconic Space Needle observatory provides a gorgeous (if vertigo-inducing ) birds-eye view of the entire city. Seattle is also the centre of a constantly-growing tech industry, with companies like Amazon and Microsoft basing their headquarters there. For organic foods and fresh, locally sourced produce, Pike Place Market stands as one of the oldest farmer’s markets in all of America.

San Francisco, California

Average Annual Pay: $3,185

 Northern California is no less stacked than Southern California when it comes to high-end facilities. The San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center (SFGH) provides almost 20% of all of San Fran’s inpatient care. The UCSF Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center and Sequoia Hospital also stand at the forefront of medical innovations.

SF is not just a top city for travel nurses. Between the scenic bayside view of Pier 39, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and countless fantastic restaurants, there is much to do in the Bay Area. During baseball season, you can stop by Oracle Park which houses the San Francisco Giants and McCovey Cove.

One major downside is the steep price of housing in San Fran. As long as your agency is assisting you, or you are availing of cheaper short-term housing solutions, you should be fine.

Podcasts are excellent entertainment for nurses on the go. You can put one on on the trip to work, during downtime, or lying in bed.

From news podcasts to more lighthearted affairs, the right podcasts can provide you with insight, perspective and even a couple of laughs. 

With this in mind, we have gathered a short list of excellent podcasts worth your time. 

Shift Talk

Many people fall into the trap of “depersonalizing” nurses and healthcare workers; reducing them to mere figures in the chart or statistics in a report. Shift Talk buckles this notion by exploring the challenges faced by nurses both on and off the job. 

The podcast tackles heavy topics, such as the burnout and depression induced by COVID-19 to harassment in the workplace. In season 2, the host interviews nurses working tirelessly to provide equitable healthcare to those in need.

Shift Talk can provide much-needed solidarity and perspective for nurses going through tough times. It reminds us that every nurse faces similar challenges and with the right approach these obstacles can be overcome. 

Nurses on Fire 

With updates twice weekly, Nurses on Fire is a podcast for nurses “ready to build wealth but who may not know where to start.”

From recognizing signs of money fraud to paying off debt to creating intelligent side hustles and more, nurses can enjoy 100+ episodes of relevant financial tips, advice and tricks. 

We live in challenging times, financially. Building wealth, investing and planning for the future has never been harder than it is now. For nurses looking to secure their financial future, Nurses on Fire is a podcast well worth listening to. 

Nurse Speak 

From the minds of the popular Instagram account Nurselifern, Nurse Speak tackles the silly, everyday tales from nurses around the world.

 No matter where you come from, you can relate to the first-year struggles and quirky patient interactions relayed here. 

The podcasts mentioned so far have been fairly serious affairs. If you are looking for more easy, lighthearted listening, look no further than Nurse Speak. 

The Nursing Podcast 

2 or 3 times a week, The Nursing Podcast answers questions from students and offers preparation tips for NCLEX examinees. This is supplemented with general career advice and perspectives from multiple guests. 

For freshly-graduated RNs, the NCLEX-RN may seem like an intimidating endeavor. With sufficient preparation and the right materials, however, anyone can pass this certification exam. 

This podcast may not be the most useful for active nurses. If you are preparing for the NCLEX or know someone who is about to take the certification test, however, it is well worth listening to. 

The Art of Emergency Nursing

Emergency nursing is one of the most important and challenging departments in nursing. Kevin MacFarlane makes it his mission to let their stories be heard. 

The Art of Emergency Nursing takes listeners through the turbulent day-to-day challenges of Emergency Nursing. The podcast is a loving tribute to the men and women who save the lives of countless people, as a matter of course. 

You can expect numerous guest speakers from various backgrounds, on each episode. MacFarlane himself offers his unique insights as a 15-year Emergency Nurse Veteran. 

Nursing Uncensored 

Cut from a similar cloth to Nurse Speak, Nursing Uncensored is equal parts informative, hilarious and heartwarming. Host Adrianne Behning provides valuable information and actionable tips, packaged through humorous stories and an informal tone.

Nurses from various ethnic, racial and gender backgrounds often chime in to provide their raw and relevant nursing experiences. From activism to bigotry, to student debt, no topics are off the board with Nursing Uncensored. 

Public Health On Call

Nursing is in a constant state of flux. Between medical technological advances and legislation changes, it is hard to keep track of where the industry is heading and what it currently is. 

Public Health On Call is a quality health news podcast, for the nurse who wants to stay plugged in. From the latest COVID information to public health access, the podcast provides all the latest news in a quick and digestible manner. 

Nurses are in their scrubs for 8 to 12 hours daily, every workday. For their sake, we made a list of the top scrubs providers for nurses and their best models. 

Our healthcare heroes deserve functional work outfits that seamlessly blend comfort and style.

Wonderwink

For women nurses looking for comfortable form-fitting nurse outfits, have you covered? Since the scrubs are cut closer to your shape, nurses can enjoy a flattering, form-fitting look without sacrificing comfort. Their polyester, spandex and rayon fabrics were designed to provide nurses with comfort throughout the day.

WonderWink Women’s Origins Bravo Scrub Top is listed with a respectable 4.1 stars with 15,000 reviews. Customers have praised the brand for the quality of the product relative to the price. 

Cherokee

When it comes to scrub brands, Cherokee is easily among the most popular out there. This is for a good reason, as the company consistently releases high-quality nursing outfits for both men and women.

The fabric blend produces a light-breezy feel that still remains stretchy and durable in a washing machine. Their scrubs blend a combination of comfortability, utility and durability. 

On Amazon, the Cherokee Women Scrubs Top Workwear Revolution V-Neck WW620 boasts a 4.6 rating over 28,000+ reviews. 

Figs

Though Figs is a smaller company, relative to the ones previously mentioned, this does not mean that they cheap out on quality. This up-and-coming brand follows a direct-to-consumer approach to blend form functionality with sleek designs. For the style-inclined nurse, it does not get any better.

FIGS Chisec Scrub Top for Men is rated a respectable 4.4 stars over 1,716 reviews. Users rave about the quality of fabric and how it softly stretches to fit your form, compared to other brands. 

The major catch is the price tag, which sits at $48.00. If you are willing to pay extra for higher quality that will last, Figs is at least worth considering. 

Jaanuu

With a job that can get as stressful and demanding as nursing, at the very least you want scrubs you will feel comfortable in. Jaanuu consistently provides some of the most comfortable, flexible scrubs in the market, thanks to their FUSEryx technology. 

None of the comfortability compromises on quality in other areas, as Jaanuu scrubs are wrinkle and fade-resistant.

Jaanu’s Women’s 3-Pocket Scrub Top is among the most highly rated in their cataloge. Users can even customize their outfits, based on their preferred colors. 

Dickies 

On top of Jeans and other casual apparel, Dickies is also one of the leading providers of professional-quality nursing scrubs. 

With its four-way stretching fabric, athletic styling reminiscent of workout gear and machine-friendly fabrics, there is a reason Dickies is one of the most popular brands for male nurses 

Users all over have raved about the Dickies Dynamix Scrubs for Men. With a 4.6 rating on Amazon and a $31.98 price point, this is a great choice for HCPs looking for quality scrubs. 

On paper, America provides tantalizing opportunities for registered nurses (RNs) abroad. With the US nurse shortage in full swing, there should be no lack of work openings for foreign-born HCPs.

The reality is more complicated than that, however. Thanks to current immigration policies, foreign nurses have to jump through numerous hoops before they can even practice.

To make life easier for aspiring overseas nurses, we have made this guide. Provided that you fulfil every requirement and go through the right channels, your dreams of working in America will eventually come true.

Meet the basic requirements

As mentioned earlier, there are numerous education requirements for nurses.

At the most basic level, all nurses have to meet the following professional and educational standards:

• Graduation from an accredited nursing program in your country of origin (Associate’s Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
• An RN license
• At least two years of RN experience

In most states, you will also be required to take A Foreign-Educated Nurses (course) that is split between 120 hours of clinical rotations and 120 hours of lessons.

Take an English proficiency test

Most foreign-born nurses also have to take an English proficiency exam. Depending on where your country of origin, you may have to take one of the following:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)

The only exceptions to the rule are nurses who come from primarily-English speaking countries, such as:

• United Kingdom
• New Zealand
• Ireland
• Canada, sans Quebec
• Australia

Fulfil NCLEX requirements and pass the exam

 To become a US nurse, you need to pass the NCLEX-RN, which is the certification test for registered nurses. To take this, foreign nurses must fulfil a number of different requirements. This includes the aforementioned education requirements for a nurse.

You have to submit an application to take the test to a State Board of Nursing, along with the required documents and related fees. Afterwards, you have to verify your foreign nursing license, and educational history and you have to fulfil a criminal background check.

Keep in mind some states have specific requirements you also have to fulfil. On a related note, how much your nurse salary is will also depend on which state you work in.

While waiting for your application, take the opportunity to study for the test. At least two months will give you ample time to study and prepare. Luckily, there are many reviewers available online.

Once the State Board of Nursing approves of your application, you can register for the NCLEX-RN at Pearson Vue and schedule your exam at an approved testing centre. After you take the test, you will receive your results in 48 hours.

If you pass the test, then congratulations!

Link up with a reputable nursing agency

If you cannot be directly recruited by a hospital, you want to refer to a reputable nursing agency. Good agencies can sponsor your VISA application and help you find work. Refer to reviews or input from your nurse friends, to find the best agency for you.

Acquire your VISA

Even after you secure your certification and employment, you still need a VISA. Green card holders enjoy full citizenship rights, which include the ability to live and work in America permanently.

With the right endorsement from an employer or your agency and a VisaScreen certificate, naturalization can be sped up.

The application process ends with an interview with the US embassy. After a few days or weeks, you will find out if you passed. If you did: congratulations! You can now practice as a US Nurse.