Whether you're exploring CNA jobs near you as a potential new workplace or considering taking CNA as a medical career in the future, it pays to learn about these different workplaces along with the general tasks you’re expected to do if you decide to become a CNA. Or if you’re already one, this list will help you decide which workplace works best for you!

1. Hospitals

One of the most common workplaces for CNAs is a hospital. It provides you with a fast-paced environment where you’ll encounter different types of patients. CNAs in hospitals are usually under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). Because of the nature of work in hospitals, they usually require full-time CNAs, which means you’ll end up receiving benefits, job security, and access to different types of medical professionals! Common tasks CNAs perform in hospitals include:

• Taking charts and monitor patient’s vital signs, temperature, or blood pressure

• Transferring patients from beds to wheelchairs and vice versa

• Turning or repositioning bedridden patients 

• Attending to patient calls and alerting nurses to emergencies

• Helping patients with their hygiene and serving meals

Many students ask if hospitals hire new CNAs. It varies per hospital but generally, hospitals like to see at least 6 months to one year of work experience before hiring a CNA. Almost all hospitals also require CNAs to pass the state exam. Some Dreambound alumni have gone on to work out of a hospital immediately after passing their exams.

According to leading job sites, as of June 2024, the average hourly pay of Hospital CNAs is around $23 which can translate to about $48,231 a year! If you want to learn more, you can ask us or your school for recommendations about hospitals employing CNAs!

2. Nursing homes

Nursing homes are the most popular facilities for CNAs. Nursing homes are long-term care facilities and must provide care 24/7 to patients, shifts for CNAs may vary as well as their tasks. CNAs are principal caregivers in nursing homes and their jobs could be difficult mainly because CNAs are expected to perform strenuous physical responsibilities such as manual lifting and turning of residents. CNAs are also at the forefront of any types of infections or diseases and, sometimes, even patient aggression.

Common tasks CNAs perform in nursing homes include:

• Feeding, bathing, dressing, and grooming patients as needed

• Serving meals, keeping the patient’s room clean and tidy, making bed

• Monitoring and observing changes in a patient’s condition or behavior

• Documenting the patient’s food or liquid intake

• Taking vital signs as needed

Certified nursing assistants in nursing homes usually work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurses. As of July 2024 based on trusted data on different job sites, CNAs in nursing homes earn an estimated average hourly rate of $18 and an average annual salary of $37,041.

3. Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living facilities are housing facilities for patients who have disabilities or older adults who still prefer to live independently. These places provide medical and personal assistance while prioritizing a patient’s sense of independence, with minimal focus on assisting with activities of daily living (ADL). Unlike nursing homes, these types of facilities provide some level of care, promoting a home-like environment and focusing less on nursing and more on supporting residents in maintaining a safe environment that will help them live autonomously. In this work setting, you are most likely to work directly with a director of nursing (DON). Common tasks CNAs perform in this type of facility include:

• Making daily rounds to residents

• Changing bed linens, giving showers or baths, or assisting with dressing as needed

• Documenting key details such as any change in the health of the resident

• Assisting with escorts to beauty shops, physical therapy, dining room, and other activities

• Promote and help patients participate in fun activities for socializing

• Keep track and help with medications

The salary for CNA roles in assisted living can differ based on your location and experience. The average hourly pay for CNAs working in assisted living facilities is slightly lower than for CNAs working in nursing homes. They earn an average hourly rate of $17 and an average yearly salary of $36,075. Many CNAs also have health benefits for being a full-time staff, along with extras like onsite meals, paid leave, and 401k plans.

4. Home Healthcare

In home healthcare, CNAs work with patients who choose to remain and receive care in their own homes instead of staying in hospitals or assisted living facilities. Home healthcare provides CNAs with an opportunity to work directly with a patient one at a time. As a CNA, you might encounter patients with similar difficulties as those found in hospitals or nursing homes. Home health service agencies prefer hiring experienced CNAs to first-time CNAs since this type of work environment has no direct supervision from RNs. 

CNAs working in home healthcare can work alongside home health aides (HHA) or personal care aides (PCA). Sometimes, both a home health aide and a certified nursing assistant can even help the same person, especially after surgery. The patient might need special medical care at home after leaving the hospital, which a CNA can give. Meanwhile, a home health aide can help with everyday tasks like cleaning, driving, and shopping.

Common tasks CNAs perform in home healthcare:

• Monitoring and maintaining a patient’s hygiene 

• Tracking patient condition, documenting patient care procedures, reporting to a supervising nurse

• Helping with meal preparation, transportation, light housekeeping or laundry

• Administering or preparing medication

According to reliable job site data as of May 2024, home healthcare CNAs typically make around $19.23 per hour, which adds up to an average annual salary of about $40,000.

5. Hospice

Hospices are healthcare facilities that provide palliative care for terminally ill patients. The primary focus of hospices is to provide comfort and quality of life by reducing the pain and suffering patients experience while living in the facility as well as attending to their individual wishes. Common tasks for a CNA in hospices include:

• Feeding the patient and providing nutritional support

• Assisting the patient with bathing, dressing, and grooming

• Maintaining a clean space for the patient

• Moving and turning bed-bound patients

• Spending significant time with patients and offering emotional support

As per job site data from July 2024, hospice care CNAs typically make around $18 per hour, which adds up to an average yearly salary of about $37,426.

6. Schools

Schools hire CNAs to accomplish administrative and simple medical responsibilities under the supervision of a licensed school nurse. As you might expect, you’ll be working mostly with students in this work setting. Common tasks for a CNA in a school:

• Providing first aid to students

• Keeping student files of any health-related records or visits to the school clinic

• Contacting parents when the student gets sick in school

• Helping with emergency care when necessary

• Assisting the school nurse with health-related presentations, training, health assemblies, and more

School nurse assistants can earn a higher average salary. In this work setting, you can expect an average hourly rate of $22 and an average annual salary of $45,928.

7. Clinic

Clinics hire CNAs to assist a physician in treating patients with the supervision of a lead nurse. Sometimes you may also work directly under the supervision of the physician. This is a less demanding job for a CNA compared to a nursing home or a hospital. CNAs who have extra training and certificates can work in special clinics. Here, they can do tasks like drawing blood and doing heart tests or electrocardiograms.

CNAs in clinics often do tasks like:

• Preparing the examination room

• Checking patient vital signs

• Providing basic medical care

• Recording a patient’s medical information

• Fulfilling administrative duties as needed

8. Travel CNA

Not surprisingly, a traveling CNA is one of the most sought-after jobs for aspiring nursing assistants, especially if you’re someone who likes to travel. We've written a guide on how to become a travel CNA to help you know the specific details of entering this field!

A traveling CNA typically goes to a patient’s house to visit and monitor the patient’s health, assess their health conditions, and assist with their daily tasks as needed. This is similar to a home health care agency except in this case you may be asked to travel out of your home base. Common tasks of a travel CNA include:

• Helping patients with bathing, feeding, or grooming

• Monitoring and administering medicine

• Recording important changes in a patient's condition

• Taking preventive measures to control infection

Travel CNAs can earn a lot! They have varying hourly rates, averaging $23-27. As for the average annual salary, they can earn an estimated $44,606 to $55,223!

9. Government

This one surprises most people but the government is one of the largest employers of CNAs. Federal, state or local agencies employ CNAs that provide stable and unique career opportunities. Below are some government agencies that hire CNAs:

• Department of Defense (DOD)

• Bureau of Prisons (BOP) within the Department of Justice (DOJ)

• Health & Human Services (HHS)

• Veterans Administration (VA)

Fact: The Veterans Administration employs CNAs and other healthcare professionals to staff their 135 nursing homes, Veterans centers at 232 locations, 153 medical centers, 47 counseling centers, over 900 ambulatory and community-based outpatient clinics, and 108 home-care programs!

Because jobs in the government are highly coveted jobs, they hire CNAs with experience in the field. Landing a government job as a CNA requires not only a lot of experience but also excellent skills, and the right attitude. In the end, your decision to work in any of these job settings will vary depending on your experience, the location of the facility where you live, and your personal interests.

If you’re interested in becoming a CNA and starting a rewarding and fulfilling career in healthcare, look for classes on Dreambound!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest-paying CNA job?

The top-earning job for a CNA is a Care Manager. They coordinate patient care, create plans for treatment, and liaise with healthcare professionals. This role requires advanced skills and experience which translates to higher pay.

Can CNAs work internationally?

Yes! CNAs can work abroad. They perform common tasks to aid doctors and patients in foreign places. They can work in hospitals, care homes, and clinics. Sometimes, they even help patients in their homes.

How many hours does a CNA work in the USA?

In the US, a CNA shift is about 40 hours a week. If they work 8-hour shifts, they typically work for 5 days and then get 2 days off. They might work on weekends if they're in a hospital but usually have weekdays off if they're in a clinic.

What state pays CNAs the highest?

DC pays the highest salary to CNAs, averaging $47,860 yearly as of May 2023. The BLS also places Alaska and California as the 2nd and 3rd highest-paying states for CNAs.

What state needs CNAs the most?

California currently has the highest demand for CNAs, with over 105,750 job openings as of May 2023. As for the 2024 results, the official data is still unknown.