Are you intrigued by the medical field and looking to explore a career in various medical and healthcare settings? Do you possess a compassionate heart and a desire to help others? If so, a career as a Travel Certified Assistant (CNA) might be the right fit for you. 

A travel CNA can be a rewarding career path for many seeking potential jobs in the medical and healthcare field. Additionally, travel CNAs can choose their locations and work hours, providing a flexible job opportunity. Here is a general overview of what to expect as a travel CNA.

What Is a Travel CNA?

Certified Nursing Assistants are vital members of healthcare teams, providing essential care to patients under the supervision of registered nurses or licensed practical nurses. They assist with activities of daily living (ADL), such as bathing, dressing, and eating, for patients unable to perform these tasks themselves. CNAs also assist nurses with medical tasks such as taking vital signs and changing wound dressings. 

While CNAs work in one facility, travel CNAs travel and work in different healthcare settings. These could include hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, or patients’ homes. They are on-the-go caregivers, bringing their skills and compassion wherever needed.

What Are the Job Roles of a Travel CNA?

As a travel CNA, your responsibilities would be similar to those of a traditional CNA, but with a few differences. Your role will expect you to handle the following tasks:

• Providing Personal Care: ADLs such as bathing, grooming, and toilet use. You must adapt quickly to different environments and cater to your patient’s needs.
  
• Assisting with Mobility: Many patients require help moving, such as getting out of bed, walking around the facility or home, and getting in a wheelchair.
  
• Monitoring Vital Signs: Travel CNAs monitor vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, and temperature under the supervision of a registered nurse.
  
• Offering Emotional Support: Travel CNAs spend time with their care patients and provide emotional support and companionship. Your patients will have few opportunities for socialization, and communicating with them can help their mental and emotional well-being.
  
• Collaborating with Healthcare Team: Travel CNAs work closely with other medical professionals, such as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and other healthcare professionals. 

How To Become a Travel CNA

Becoming a travel CNA is an achievable goal for those who are passionate about healthcare and eager to explore new horizons. All states require aspiring CNAs to complete the training program with a high school diploma or GED. Here are the steps you need to take:

1. Complete a CNA Training Program: Enroll in a state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant training program. These programs typically last a few weeks to a few months, including classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training.
   
2. Pass the Certification Exam: After completing your training program, you must pass an exam to become a certified CNA. This exam tests your knowledge and skills in patient care, infection control, and safety protocols.
   
3. Gain Experience: While it’s not always required, having some experience as a traditional CNA is beneficial as it gives you real-world experience before transitioning into a travel nurse role. 

4. Consider Specialized Training: As industry practices constantly change and some travel CNA positions require additional certifications or training, you may want to seek continuous education. You can also specialize in working with specific patient populations.
   

Apply for Travel CNA Positions: You can apply through medical staffing agencies once you feel ready to transition to a travel CNA role. These agencies connect healthcare professionals with temporary assignments across various locations.

Benefits of Becoming a Travel CNA

For many people, becoming a travel nurse is a fulfilling career decision with many perks. Some of these benefits include:

• Adventure and Exploration: For those interested in a career that involves going to different locations, being a travel CNA allows you to explore new cities, towns, and regions while providing healthcare assistance.
  
• Flexible Schedule: Travel CNAs often have the flexibility to choose when and where they want to work. This flexibility allows for a better work-life balance and the ability to accommodate personal preferences and obligations.
  
• Competitive Pay: Travel nursing positions typically offer higher pay rates than traditional CNA roles because of the added task of travel. Additionally, many agencies provide competitive compensation packages.
  

Professional Growth: Working as a travel CNA exposes you to various healthcare settings and patient populations, helping you develop valuable skills and expertise. It’s an excellent way to broaden your professional horizons and advance your career.

Start Your Career as a Travel CNA with MEDRelief Staffing

The role of a travel CNA offers a unique blend of adventure and professional growth. Whether you’re a seasoned CNA looking for a change of scenery or someone just starting their career in healthcare, becoming a travel CNA could be the right fit for you.

At MEDRelief, we’ve helped countless professionals find great jobs in the medical industry. We welcome you to consider a job role as a travel CNA and reap the benefits of this smart career move. Contact MEDRelief Staffing today to start your journey toward becoming a travel CNA.