The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a growth rate of 20 percent between 2010 and 2020 for personal care assistants. Could you be a PCA nurse?
With the health care industry booming, it's no surprise that various kinds of nursing jobs are in demand. One popular choice that has plenty of opportunities is a PCA nurse, also known as a personal care assistant nurse or a certified nursing assistant.
The need for PCA nursing is expected to grow 20 percent between the years 2010 and 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Becoming a nurse is easier than it sounds. There are many education options available. The education needed to become a nurse is far less rigorous than that required for other nursing careers, as PCA nursing involves basic patient care.
PCA nurses are trained in everyday tasks like cooking, which is a necessary skill in caring for patients with restricted diets. They are also taught essential safety lessons such as emergency lifesaving measures. Most importantly, you must be able to safely wash and dress patients, many of whom are in a fragile state or have limited mobility.
The requirements for PCA nursing vary by state, with some requiring only on-the-job training and others requiring formal education and training. Depending on the location, a person interested in becoming a PCA nurse may be required to have a high school diploma or the equivalent before beginning training.
Some locations require prospective nurses to pass competency evaluations to ensure they have the knowledge and abilities required for the tasks they will have to complete. Various states also conduct background checks on job seekers in the field as well.
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To better their chances of being hired, nurses should look at becoming certified in their field of work. Those interested in PCA nursing can pursue careers at nursing homes or hospitals, as many of these facilities offer on-the-job training. In such cases, a person would be hired and would then learn the duties of a nurse through short-term training at the facility by an established worker.
Attending in-person classes is another option for anyone interested in becoming a PCA nurse. Personal care assistant schools are typically run out of community colleges, home health care agencies, vocational schools and other establishments. These programs typically last for several weeks with a specified training hour requirement, typically 75 hours. Many of these programs are tightly scheduled, and absences can severely impact a student's stance.
Obtaining an online nursing degree is a great idea for those with limited time in their schedule for attending classes regularly. These courses can be all online courses or a hybrid course with some in-person class sessions. Browsing patient care assistant programs online should be done with care, however, as requirements vary by state.
From learning on the go with online classes to regular classroom sessions with instructors, there are many ways to become a PCA nurse. With so many options available, finding the right fit for training is easy for prospective students. Opportunities for advancement can vary by education level, however, and as previously stated, prospective students should check the requirements for PCA nursing in their state.
Reply! is a great source for locating a PCA nursing program in your area.
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