Are you looking for a meaningful career in healthcare?
Caring Staff Nursing Agency is a leading provider of Nursing Assistants, both Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNAs). We give you an unlimited amount of opportunities as well as the tools you need to build your skill set and grow in the field of healthcare.
In this post, we'll go over the two most common Nursing Assistant roles we offer at Caring Staff — Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) and Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNA).
You'll learn about the responsibilities of the role, the difference between CNAs and GNAs, the requirements of becoming a Caring Staff Nursing Assistant, and benefits that come with it.
Certified Nursing Assistants
Certified Nursing Assistants, often referred to as CNAs, are nursing assistants who work under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).
Their primary responsibility is to provide basic care to patients, ensuring their comfort and well-being.
Some common tasks performed by CNAs include assisting with daily activities (bathing, dressing, grooming), taking vital signs, transferring patients, and providing emotional support.
What You'll Do
Grooming and bathing patients with low mobility
Preparing each patient room with necessary items like blankets, pillows, medical equipment, and bathroom needs
Helping patients eat and take medications
Making sure they have regular meals and proper medication dosages
Monitoring vitals and patient behavior and reporting them to the nursing and medical staff
Assisting patients with mobility needs, transferring them from wheelchair to bed
Turning or adjusting patients in bed to prevent bedsores or other discomfort
Exercising patients by helping them walk
Minimum Requirements
Requirements vary from state-to-state, but in general, CNAs must have the following:
Must hold an active CNA license
Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
The ability to pass a background check
Have a recent negative TB test (2-Step PPD or QuanitFERON TB Gold Blood Test)
Must be able to provide immunization history
Geriatric Nursing Assistants
Geriatric Nursing Assistants, or GNAs, are specialized nursing assistants who primarily work with elderly patients.
Their role is similar to that of CNAs, but with a specific focus on geriatric care. GNAs receive specialized training to address the unique needs and challenges associated with caring for older adults.
They possess the knowledge and skills to assist with age-related issues, such as dementia care, mobility concerns, and end-of-life support.
A GNA certification is not always required, however, this varies from state-to-state.
For example, in Maryland, CNAs without a GNA certification are unable to work at long-term care, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, etc. without a GNA certification, because the patients and residents at those types of facilities require care that comes with the specialized training that GNA certified Nursing Assistants receive.
Read here on How To Obtain a GNA License in Maryland.
What You'll Do
Grooming and bathing patients with low mobility
Preparing each patient room with necessary items like blankets, pillows, medical equipment, and bathroom needs
Helping patients eat and take medications
Making sure they have regular meals and proper medication dosages
Monitoring vitals and patient behavior and reporting them to the nursing and medical staff
Assisting patients with mobility needs, transferring them from wheelchair to bed
Turning or adjusting patients in bed to prevent bedsores or other discomfort
Exercising patients by helping them walk
Minimum Requirements
Requirements vary from state-to-state, but in general, GNAs must have the following:
Must hold an active CNA and GNA license
Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
The ability to pass a background check
Have a recent negative TB test (2-Step PPD or QuanitFERON TB Gold Blood Test)
Must be able to provide immunization history
The Key Differences Between CNAs and GNAs
Scope of Practice
While CNAs provide care across various healthcare settings, GNAs typically work in long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and assisted living centers. GNAs often develop expertise in geriatric care due to the population they serve.
Training and Education
CNAs and GNAs undergo different training programs. CNAs complete state-approved nursing assistant programs, which typically last for several weeks.
On the other hand, GNAs receive additional specialized training in geriatric care, equipping them with the knowledge necessary to address the unique needs of elderly patients.
Certification Requirements
CNAs and GNAs have distinct certification requirements. CNAs must pass a competency exam after completing their training program to become certified.
GNAs, in addition to being certified as CNAs, must complete additional coursework focused on geriatric care and pass a separate GNA certification exam.
Benefits
Work Environment
Employee of the Month Recognition
Unlimited Support from Your Recruiting and Staffing Team
Career Advancedment Opportunities
Compensation
Competitive Pay Rates
Weekly Pay
Bonus Opportunities
Holiday Pay and Holiday Bonuses
W2 Employee — Your Taxes Are Paid For By Us
Wellness
Flexible Scheduling
Pick Up Shifts From the Convenience of Your Phone
Employee Discount Program — Save BIG on Theme Parks like Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Six Flags, Hotels, Car Rentals, Movie Theater Tickets, and more
Culture and Diversity
We pride ourselves on being a company that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion by recognizing, respecting and celebrating our differences, encouraging everyone we employ to be their true and authentic selves.
We are LGBTQ+ friendly, and we have internal and clinical staff that come from all different kinds of ethnic and religious backgrounds.
At Caring Staff, our core values are:
Compassion
Integrity
Kindness
Generosity
We currently offer CNA and GNA roles in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Virginia.
The more Caring Staff grows, the more we'll be able to expand into other states, and the more opportunities you'll have available to you!
Looking for a Nursing Assistant position that pays you well, but also allows you to achieve the perfect work-life balance? Apply now at www.thecaringstaff.com to get started.
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