Choosing the right workplace as a new CNA graduate is a crucial step towards a fulfilling and successful career. Consider these settings and their suitability:

 

Long-term care facilities (nursing homes and assisted living)

High demand for CNAs, ample opportunities to gain hands-on experience with basic patient care skills, and potential for building meaningful relationships with residents. Excellent choice of work to start gaining CNA experience. 

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Rehabilitation Centers

Opportunities to help patients recover from surgery, injury, or illness, assisting with therapy exercises, monitoring progress, and aiding in personal care. Working closely with therapists and other medical staff provides learning opportunities.

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Hospitals

Opportunities to work with a diverse patient population and learn from other healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses. Hospitals may offer higher salaries and benefits. Hospitals often prefer CNAs with experience due to the fast-paced and varied work environment.

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Home Health Agencies

Lower stress environment, slower pace of work, and the chance to build closer relationships with a single patient. May offer more flexibility in scheduling. May not be suitable for new CNA as it typically requires working independently with less direct supervision, so experience may be preferred. 

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Psychiatric Hospitals/units

Require CNAs to support patients with mental health needs, requiring empathy, patience, and strong communication skills. 

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Hospice Care

Focuses on providing palliative and emotional support to patients and their families, often involving end-of-life care. Can be emotionally challenging but also rewarding.

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Traveling CNA Agencies

Offer flexibility, competitive pay, and exposure to various work environments, but require a self-motivated individual comfortable with travel.

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Adult Day Care Centers

Slower pace of work, less intensive patient care, and a consistent daytime schedule (typically 9 am to 5 pm). Patients may have mental or physical disabilities requiring a CNA with patience and empathy. 

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Private Practices

Less intensive care, daytime shifts, and focused duties such as assisting staff with stocking supplies, prepping patients, and recording medical histories. Competition for positions can be high, and experience may be required. 

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Government facilities

 (e.g., Department of Health and Human Services, Veterans Health Administration, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Department of Defense): Varying work environments and duties depending on the specific agency. Some positions might be harder to find than traditional CNA jobs.