CNA: How to Grow Your Skills for Healthcare Advancement

Being a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is one of the most rewarding roles in healthcare. As a CNA, you directly impact patients’ well-being by assisting them with daily activities and monitoring their health. CNAs play a vital role in patient care, often serving as the backbone of healthcare teams. But that doesn’t have to be the final stop on your professional journey—it can be the foundation for something greater. You can grow skills and advance in the healthcare field.

Whether you aim to deepen your clinical knowledge, expand your responsibilities, or advance into higher roles like LPN or RN, knowing how to grow your skills is key. With the proper training, mindset, and opportunities, you can turn your CNA experience into a springboard for long-term career success in healthcare.

Why CNAs Should Focus on Growing Their Skills for Healthcare Advancement

While your skills as a CNA are foundational to patient care, acquiring new skills, certifications, and experience can provide a wide range of career advancement opportunities. Upskilling can help you move into leadership roles, become a specialized nurse, or explore administrative opportunities within healthcare settings.

In this guide, we will explore the necessary steps for CNAs to grow their skills for healthcare advancement. We’ll cover the key areas of upskilling, including certifications and leadership opportunities, and how Beem can support your journey by providing financial assistance for education, certifications, and unexpected expenses.

The Role of a CNA and Why Upskilling is Essential for Career Advancement

CNA Responsibilities

As a CNA, you are responsible for various patient care tasks, such as monitoring vital signs, assisting with daily living activities (e.g., bathing, dressing, feeding), and providing patient comfort. Your role may also include observing changes in patient conditions and alerting healthcare providers to potential issues. While these duties are essential, there are many other skills that you can develop to increase your responsibilities and earning potential.

Why Upskilling is Important

Even though CNAs play a crucial role in healthcare, the career has a natural ceiling unless you pursue additional skills and certifications. As healthcare facilities become more specialized and technology-driven, there is an increasing demand for workers with advanced skills. You can qualify for roles with more responsibility, better pay, and long-term career stability by upskilling.

Upskilling enhances your clinical abilities and gives you access to management and administrative roles. Whether you aim to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), a nurse manager, or a healthcare administrator, upskilling can provide the necessary tools to take on those roles.

Key Skills Needed for Career Advancement in Healthcare

1. Clinical Skills

To move from a CNA to higher-level roles, you’ll need to deepen your clinical knowledge and broaden your expertise. These specialized clinical skills are invaluable for expanding your role in the healthcare setting:

Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR

As a CNA, having BLS and CPR certifications is essential. These skills are often required for more advanced roles like LPN or nurse supervisor. In addition to saving lives in emergencies, this certification boosts your credibility and career prospects.

Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy is the art of drawing blood. Many CNAs specialize in this area, as phlebotomists are highly sought after in hospitals and outpatient centers. Phlebotomy certification programs are available and can be completed quickly, adding value to your skill set.

Wound Care

Specializing in wound care allows you to manage patients with chronic wounds, burns, or surgical sites. Wound care specialists are in demand, particularly in long-term care or home healthcare settings. A wound care certification can set you apart and provide better job security.

2. Soft Skills

While clinical skills are vital, soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and leadership are just as crucial for career growth.

Leadership and Team Management

You will need strong leadership abilities to become a supervisor or a charge nurse. Leading a team of CNAs, managing schedules, and overseeing patient care require excellent leadership and organizational skills.

Communication

As a CNA, you need excellent communication skills to interact with patients, families, and the healthcare team. As you progress to supervisory roles, you must communicate effectively with your team and management to ensure smooth operations.

Empathy and Patient Advocacy

Empathy is key in healthcare. As a CNA, you are the first point of contact for many patients, so understanding and advocating for their needs is essential. This skill can help you transition into roles that require more patient interaction and leadership.

3. Time Management and Organizational Skills

Healthcare is a fast-paced environment. As a CNA, you must be able to manage multiple tasks at once, such as assisting with patient mobility, performing basic medical procedures, and maintaining documentation. Good time management and organizational skills help ensure you’re providing the best care while keeping everything in order.

Effective time management becomes even more crucial when taking supervisory or leadership positions. You should balance overseeing patient care, managing CNAs, and liaising with other departments or healthcare professionals.

Training and Certifications for Career Advancement

1. CNA to LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse)

Becoming an LPN is one of the most popular career paths for CNAs. LPNs have more responsibility than CNAs, including administering medications, conducting assessments, and overseeing patient care. The pathway from CNA to LPN typically requires completing an accredited program and passing the NCLEX-PN exam.

This certification opens up higher-paying opportunities and the chance to work in a broader range of settings, such as clinics, hospitals, or nursing homes.

2. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) could be a great option if you enjoy administrative duties and patient care. CMAs perform clinical and administrative duties, such as taking patient histories, preparing exam rooms, and handling patient communication.

The CMA certification allows you to expand your responsibilities and work in medical offices or outpatient clinics.

3. Geriatric Nursing Certification

As the population ages, the demand for specialized geriatric care is rising. Geriatric nurses manage chronic conditions and ensure that elderly patients receive comprehensive care. By specializing in geriatric nursing, CNAs can move into leadership roles within long-term care facilities, hospices, or home healthcare settings.

How Beem’s Everdraft™ Can Help Fund Your Upskilling Journey

Training and Education Costs

Upskilling is an investment. However, the cost of certifications, training programs, and exam fees can be burdensome for many CNAs. From LPN programs to phlebotomy training, the expenses can add up quickly, especially when managing your regular work schedule.

How Everdraft™ Eases Financial Pressure

That’s where Beem’s Everdraft™ comes in. It provides instant cash advances of up to $1,000 with no interest, credit checks, or income restrictions, allowing you to cover training costs and other financial needs. Whether you need help paying for certification exams or covering personal expenses while you study, Everdraft™ can help ease the financial burden of advancing your career.

The feature ensures that financial concerns don’t hold you back from pursuing the career you want. It gives you the flexibility to focus on your education and growth without worrying about immediate financial strain.

Behavioral Insights: Staying Motivated During Career Advancement

1. Setting Achievable Goals

When transitioning to higher roles, it’s necessary to set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). Whether completing a certification or gaining experience in a supervisory role, break down significant goals into smaller, achievable tasks. Each milestone you complete will bring you closer to your ultimate career objective.

2. Tracking Your Progress

Use digital tools or journals to track your learning progress and celebrate small wins. Whether passing a certification exam or completing an advanced training course, tracking progress keeps you motivated and focused.

3. Building Resilience

Advancing your career takes time, and setbacks are inevitable. Staying resilient is key to pushing through difficult times. Remember, each step forward is progress, and setbacks are part of the learning process. Overcoming obstacles and staying focused on your long-term goal will help you build confidence in your skills and abilities.

Real-Life Success Stories: CNAs Who Have Advanced Their Careers

Case Study 1: Sarah’s Journey to Becoming a Nurse

Sarah worked as a CNA in a long-term care facility for several years. She realized she wanted to become a nurse and pursued an LPN certification. However, the tuition was steep. Using Beem’s Everdraft™, she covered her nursing school application fees and exam costs without worrying about finances. She graduated in a year and now works as a registered nurse in a hospital.

Case Study 2: Mark’s Success as a Healthcare Administrator

Mark worked as a CNA in an assisted living facility for over a decade. He has always wanted to take on a leadership role and has pursued a healthcare management certificate. Juggling work and study was challenging, but with Beem’s Everdraft™, Mark could cover educational costs and manage unexpected personal expenses. Now, Mark manages a team of healthcare professionals and oversees operations in a healthcare facility.

Overcoming Common Roadblocks to Career Growth

Lack of Experience

If you lack experience, start by seeking opportunities within your current position. Volunteer to train new CNAs, take on leadership responsibilities or ask for feedback from supervisors on your performance. Experience doesn’t always come from new jobs; it can also come from expanding your role in your current job.

Financial Constraints

Many CNAs find the costs of further education and certifications daunting. With Everdraft™, you can access funds to cover educational costs without taking out loans or putting a strain on your savings.

Balancing Work and Study

Juggling work, study, and personal life can be challenging. Use time management tools and set aside dedicated hours for your studies. Taking small steps consistently will help you reach your goal without burning out.

Read related blog: Will AI Take Over Nursing Jobs

Take the First Step Toward Your Healthcare Career Advancement

Becoming an LPN, CMA, or geriatric care specialist can significantly improve earning potential and career satisfaction. You can advance your healthcare career by obtaining the proper certifications, gaining leadership experience, and setting achievable goals.

Remember, Beem is here to support you with the financial flexibility you need to pursue your certifications and career advancement. Whether paying for education, certifications, or training materials, Everdraft™ can provide the support you need to succeed. Download the app now!

Start planning your future today and take the first step toward becoming the healthcare professional you’ve always wanted to be.

FAQs on CNA Career Advancement

How can I transition from a CNA to a higher healthcare role?

To transition from a CNA to a higher healthcare role, you can pursue certifications like LPN, CMA, or specialized certifications in geriatric care or phlebotomy areas. These certifications will help you move into roles with more responsibility and higher pay.

What certifications should I pursue to advance as a CNA?

LPN, Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), wound care certification, and phlebotomy certification can help you advance. Many CNAs move into LPN or geriatric care roles, requiring specialized certifications.

How can Beem’s Everdraft™ help cover the cost of healthcare certifications?

It provides instant cash advances that can cover educational and certification expenses, helping you access the funds you need without taking on debt. Whether for books, exam fees, or course costs, Everdraft™ can support you financially.

How long does becoming an LPN after being a CNA take?

Becoming an LPN typically takes one year of coursework at an accredited program. After completing the program, you must pass the NCLEX-PN exam.

What are the best training programs for CNAs looking to upskill?

Some of the best training programs include LPN programs, Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certifications, wound care training, and geriatric nursing certifications. Many of these programs can be taken online or part-time, allowing you to continue working while learning.