Your career is an important component of life, but as many professionals already understand, your career is not THE most important element of life. While you may be passionate about your career choice, if this profession doesn’t support genuine work-life balance, then you’ll soon find yourself wading through the murky waters of exhaustion.
For most people, the best careers are those that not only satisfy your professional mind, but are supportive in all areas of your life. If your career doesn’t allow you the opportunities to enjoy every part of your complex world, then it’s time to look for a change.
Certified Nursing Assistants, or CNAs, are among the top-rated medical professionals who experience genuine work-life balance. In fact, the flexibility and versatility of a CNA Career is one of the primary reasons why it’s become one of the most popular entry-level healthcare careers.
So, just how flexible is a career as a CNA? Let’s take a glimpse into the various reasons why this career offers such dynamic and beneficial flexibility.
CNA Career Work Schedule Flexibility
As with many healthcare careers, Certified Nursing Assistants can enjoy a variety of work shifts. Whether this be the standard 9-5 weekday shift, or the impact-ful overnight/graveyard shift, CNAs are able to customize their work schedules to better suit their life and needs.
Of course, the amount of flexibility offered by an employer depends on the type of workplace. For example, private practices, such as primary care physician offices, tend to operate on a relatively standard daytime schedule. This means, you’ll typically be done with work by 5pm and will have the evening and night to spend time with friends, family or attend school. Working in a hospital, however, provides greater flexibility in terms of scheduling. You may request non-traditional shifts, such as evening-into-early morning hours or the standard graveyard shift.
Workplace Flexibility
Along with having ample flexibility with your schedule, you’re also able to enjoy work in a variety of locations. One of the biggest misconceptions of the CNA career field is its limited to nursing homes and hospitals. While these are two of the largest employers of Certified Nursing Assistants, they aren’t the only options available.
This high-demand career offers extreme versatility in terms of workplace. You can find yourself working in a private practice that specializes in specific forms of treatment, such as a weight loss clinic, or you can work for schools and universities.
Along with a variety of practice specializations, the need for effective CNAs isn’t isolated to only a handful of cities. If you love to travel, then this career option may be for you. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, you’ll have relatively flexibility to relocate and move without worrying about being unable to locate a job.
Financial Flexibility – In Demand Career Means Great Pay
While a Certified Nursing Assistant isn’t the highest paid medical profession, since there is a current nursing shortage throughout the United States, this means guaranteed work with the possibility of overtime. If you’re looking to maximize your income, consider specializing in a specific realm of healthcare. Or, as many CNAs ultimately end up doing, return to school to become an LPN/LVN or a Registered Nurse.