As a nursing assistant, you may be interested in exploring career development opportunities to advance your skills and knowledge, as well as your career. This chapter provides an overview of continuing education and career advancement opportunities, advancing to other healthcare careers, professional organizations and networking opportunities, and pursuing higher education or nursing degrees.
Continuing Education and Career Advancement Opportunities:
Continuing education and career advancement opportunities can help you advance your skills and knowledge, as well as your career. Examples of continuing education and career advancement opportunities include:
1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) bridge programs: These programs allow you to advance your education and training to become an LPN, which can open up new career opportunities.
2. Continuing education classes: Taking courses to improve your skills and knowledge in specific areas, such as wound care or mental health.
3. Specialty certifications: Earning certifications in specialized areas, such as geriatrics or hospice care.
Advancing to Other Healthcare Careers:
As a nursing assistant, you may decide to pursue other healthcare careers that align with your interests and skills. Examples of healthcare careers that may be of interest to nursing assistants include:
1. Registered Nurse (RN): RNs provide more advanced patient care and have a broader range of responsibilities than nursing assistants.
2. Medical Assistant: Medical assistants work in clinics and physician's offices, assisting with patient care and administrative tasks.
3. Pharmacy Technician: Pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies, assisting pharmacists with dispensing medications and managing inventory.
Professional Organizations and Networking Opportunities:
Professional organizations and networking opportunities can help you connect with other healthcare professionals and stay up-to-date on industry developments. Examples of professional organizations and networking opportunities include:
1. National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA): An organization that supports healthcare assistants with education, certification, and advocacy.
2. National Network of Career Nursing Assistants (NNCNA): An organization that provides support, education, and advocacy for nursing assistants.
3. Local nursing assistant associations: Joining a local nursing assistant association can provide networking opportunities with other healthcare professionals in your area.
Pursuing Higher Education or Nursing Degrees:
If you are interested in pursuing higher education or nursing degrees, there are a variety of programs available to help you achieve your goals. Examples of higher education and nursing degree programs include:
1. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): An ADN program is a two-year degree program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.
2. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A BSN program is a four-year degree program that provides more in-depth nursing education and training.
3. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): An MSN program is a graduate-level nursing program that prepares students for advanced nursing roles, such as nurse practitioner or nurse educator.
Overall, career development opportunities are plentiful for nursing assistants who wish to advance their skills and knowledge, as well as their career. This chapter provides an overview of continuing education and career advancement opportunities, advancing to other healthcare careers, professional organizations and networking opportunities, and pursuing higher education or nursing degrees.
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The Comprehensive Guide to a Career as a Nursing Assistant
Sachbücher"The Comprehensive Guide to a Career as a Nursing Assistant: A Step-by-Step Approach to Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant" is a comprehensive resource for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare as a certified nursing...
