Do you need to hire a CNA? Learn everything you need to know about CNA job descriptions, where to find CNAs and the skills you should look for in a CNA.
CNAs are trained professionals who provide personal care services to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and private homes. They help with activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and feeding, as well as providing companionship and emotional support.
When considering hiring a CNA, it is important to find someone who is reliable, compassionate, and has the necessary skills and training. In this article, we will share everything you need to know about hiring a CNA.
Quickstart Guide to Hiring a CNA
- Go to ZipRecruiter and sign up for their free trial. CNA job listings are among the top 20 job titles and categories on ZipRecruiter, which means that they are one of the most popular career choices out there! Post your first job for free, etc. ZR is consistently ranked the best job posting site by our team so we stand by our recommendation.
- Go to our page CNA job description, steal the template, customize for your needs, and post it on Ziprecruiter.
Post Your First Job Free With ZipRecruiter Start with ZipRecruiter today to find the best candidates out there.
How To Hire A CNA In 3 Steps
1. Write A Compelling Job Description
The first step in hiring a CNA is to write a clear and detailed job description. This will help potential candidates understand what you're looking for and whether they're a good fit for the position. When writing your job description, be sure to include:
- Job title and duties
- Required qualifications (such as certification, experience, and skills)
- Schedule and hours
- Pay rate
- Benefits (if applicable)
Make sure your job description is easy to read and understand. Use bullet points and headings to break up the text and make it more scannable.
If you need some guidance, take a look at our CNA job description. Feel free to customize the job description to fit the needs of your company.
A well-written job description can help attract the right candidates for a CNA position by providing a clear and accurate representation of the job responsibilities, required qualifications, and salary range. It can also help eliminate unqualified applicants, saving time and resources for both the hiring manager and job seekers. By being specific and concise, a good job description can attract candidates who are a good fit for the role and the organization.
Did you know that job descriptions that clearly outline job responsibilities and qualifications receive 30% more applications than those that don't? And if you include salary information, you can receive up to 75% more applications! (source: LinkedIn)
But it's about more than just attracting more candidates. A well-written job description can also help set clear expectations for the job, prevent misunderstandings and conflicts between the employer and employee, and even help with performance evaluations. A survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that 72% of HR professionals believe that a well-written job description is essential for attracting the right candidates, while 65% think that it is important for legal compliance.
So, don't underestimate the power of a good job description! Take the time to make it shine and attract the right candidates for the job.
2. Create a Referral Program
One of the best ways to find a great CNA is to ask for referrals. Reach out to your current employees, colleagues in the healthcare industry, and anyone else you know who may have connections to CNAs. Let them know you're hiring and ask if they know of anyone who would be a good fit.
You can also consider reaching out to local nursing schools or training programs. They may be able to connect you with recent graduates who are looking for work.
Here are 6 steps to create a referral program to find eligible candidates:
- Define the message and goals of your referral program.
- Identify potential referral sources, such as current employees, industry contacts, and professional organizations.
- Determine the incentives for referrals, such as bonuses or time off.
- Develop a clear and simple process for submitting referrals.
- Promote the referral program through various channels, such as email, social media, and company meetings.
- Track and measure the success of the referral program to make necessary adjustments.
By following these steps, you can create an effective referral program that can help you find the right candidates to fill your open CNA position.
3. Post The CNA Job Online
Finally, post your job online. There are several job posting sites and websites that cater specifically to the healthcare industry. Here are a few to consider:
- ZipRecruiter
- myCNAjobs.com
- iHireNursing
When posting your job online, be sure to include all the information from your job description. You may also want to include some information about your company culture and what makes it a great place to work.
By following these steps, you can find the right CNA for your healthcare team.
Why Hire A CNA?
1. Patient Care
CNAs are trained to handle basic care tasks such as bathing, feeding, and dressing patients. They can also help with mobility, turning and positioning, and monitoring vital signs. By having CNAs on staff, nurses and doctors can focus on more advanced needs, and patients receive the care they need.
2. Cost-Effective
Hiring CNAs can be a cost-effective way to provide care to patients. They often earn a lower wage than nurses, which can help reduce labor costs. Additionally, having CNAs on staff can help prevent readmissions and complications, which can save money in the long run.
3. Improved Patient Satisfaction
CNAs can help improve patient satisfaction by providing compassionate care and meeting their basic needs. When patients feel cared for and comfortable, they are more likely to have a positive experience and feel satisfied with their care.
4. Staffing Flexibility
CNAs can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies. They can also work different shifts, which can help provide staffing flexibility and ensure that patients receive care around the clock.
5. Career Advancement
For individuals interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, working as a CNA can be a great first step. CNAs can gain valuable experience and skills, and many go on to become registered nurses or other healthcare professionals.
If you want to become a CNA, our first tip is to update your resume. Check out the best resume writing services to get professional resume help.
What Does It Cost To Hire A CNA?
Hiring a CNA can be a cost-effective solution for healthcare facilities that need additional staff to provide quality care for their patients. The cost of hiring a CNA can vary depending on several factors such as location, experience, and education. In this section, we will explore the costs associated with hiring a CNA.
Salary
According to ZipRecruiter, the typical salary range for a CNA is between $10.34 to $28.85 per hour, with the average wage being $19.31 per hour. This range can vary depending on the location, experience, and education of the CNA. For example, CNAs with more experience and education may command a higher salary than those with less experience and education.
Recruitment Spend
Recruiting CNAs can also be costly for healthcare facilities. The recruitment spend includes the cost of job boards, applicant tracking systems, job fairs, and other recruitment channels. The myCNAjobs.com website offers a cost-per-hire calculator to help healthcare facilities estimate their recruitment spend. The calculator takes into account the monthly average spend on recruitment channels and the hourly wage or salary of the recruiter's time to source candidates.
If you need help with recruiting, check out our guide on recruitment strategies to attract top talent.
Other Costs
In addition to salary and recruitment spend, there may be other costs associated with hiring a CNA. According to a report by the National Healthcare Retention & RN Staffing Report, the average cost of replacing a CNA is $3,500. These costs can include training, background checks, drug tests, other pre-employment screenings, and lost productivity. These costs can vary depending on the healthcare facility and the state in which it operates.
Additionally, turnover rates for CNAs can be high, with some estimates suggesting that up to 50% of CNAs leave their jobs within the first year. Therefore, investing in retention strategies, such as training and development programs, can be a cost-effective way to reduce turnover and retain skilled CNAs.
Skills To Look For In A CNA
When looking to hire a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), it is important to consider the skills they possess. A CNA is responsible for providing basic care to patients and assisting them with daily activities. Here are some skills to look for when hiring a CNA:
Attention to Detail
One of the most important skills a CNA should possess is attention to detail. They must be able to accurately record important information about the patient, such as vital signs, medication schedules, and any changes in their condition. This information is crucial for nurses and doctors to provide the best care possible.
Mobility Assistance
A CNA should be able to assist patients with mobility issues. This includes helping them move around, transfer from one place to another, and use mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs. They should also be able to identify any potential mobility issues and take steps to prevent falls or injuries.
Physical Therapy
CNAs who possess skills in physical therapy can be a great asset to your team. They can assist patients with exercises and stretches prescribed by physical therapists, monitor their progress, and report any concerns to the healthcare team.
Interpersonal Skills
A CNA should have excellent interpersonal skills. They should be able to communicate effectively with patients and their families, as well as other members of the healthcare team. They should also be able to demonstrate empathy and compassion towards patients who may be going through a difficult time.
Time Management
A CNA should be able to manage their time effectively. They will be responsible for multiple patients with varying needs, and it is important that they can prioritize their tasks and complete them promptly.
Where To Find CNAs
Employers looking to hire CNAs have several options for finding qualified candidates. Job posting sites are a popular choice for employers to post job openings and attract potential candidates. Here are four job posting sites that employers could use to find CNAs:
Job Posting Sites
Job posting sites like ZipRecruiter and myCNAjobs.com are great places to find CNAs. On job posting sites, you can post job openings and receive applications from potential candidates. Some sites also offer a resume database feature, which allows employers to search for and contact potential candidates directly.
You can post your first job on ZipRecruiter for free!
Post Your First Job Free With ZipRecruiter Start with ZipRecruiter today to find the best candidates out there.
Reach Out To Local CNA Training Programs
By contacting local training programs, hiring managers can tap into a pool of potential candidates who are already trained and certified as CNAs. This can save time and money in the hiring process, as well as ensure that candidates have the necessary skills and qualifications for the job. Additionally, many training programs may have job placement services or career fairs that can help connect hiring managers with qualified candidates.
Work With A Medical Recruiter
Medical recruiters have access to a wide network of healthcare professionals, including CNAs, and can help connect hiring managers with qualified candidates who meet their specific needs and requirements. Additionally, medical recruiters can help with the entire hiring process, from sourcing and screening candidates to negotiating offers and onboarding new hires.
To find medical recruiters, search online for medical recruiting firms or agencies that specialize in healthcare staffing. You can also ask for referrals from colleagues in the healthcare industry, such as hospital administrators or HR professionals.
Additionally, attending job fairs or industry events can be a great way to connect with medical recruiters and learn more about their services. You can also search for medical recruiters on professional networking sites such as LinkedIn, where you can view their profiles and connect with them directly.
Attend Networking Events
By attending events such as job fairs, industry conferences, and healthcare meetups, hiring managers can connect with a diverse group of professionals who may be interested in CNA positions. These events provide opportunities to meet candidates face-to-face, learn more about their skills and experience, and even conduct on-the-spot interviews.
Additionally, networking events can be a great way to build relationships with candidates and stay in touch with them as they progress in their careers.
Alternatives To Hiring A CNA
A hiring manager may want to look for alternative options to hiring a CNA for a variety of reasons. One reason may be a shortage of qualified CNAs in their area or industry, which can make it difficult to find suitable candidates for open positions.
Additionally, the cost of hiring and training a CNA can be high, and some employers may be looking for more cost-effective solutions to manage their staffing needs.
Finally, some employers may be looking to provide more flexible or personalized care options for their patients, which may require alternative staffing models or technology solutions. By exploring alternative options, hiring managers can find creative solutions to meet their staffing needs and provide high-quality care to their patients
One option is to hire a personal care assistant (PCA), who can provide similar services to a CNA but may not require the same level of training or certification.
Another option is to use technology, such as remote monitoring systems or wearable devices, to help patients manage their care and reduce the need for in-person assistance.
Additionally, some employers may be able to shift responsibilities to other staff members, such as nurses or medical assistants, who may be able to provide some of the services typically provided by a CNA.
While these options may not be suitable for every situation, they can provide some flexibility for employers who are struggling to find qualified CNAs or who need to manage costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a private duty CNA near me?
To find a private duty CNA near you, you can start by asking for recommendations from friends, family, or healthcare professionals. You can also search online for agencies that provide in-home care services and contact them to inquire about their CNA services.
What is the average salary for an in-home CNA?
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for an in-home CNA is $19.31 per hour in the United States. However, the salary may vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the employer.
Where can I find a caregiver to hire?
You can find a caregiver to hire by searching online job boards, such as ZipRecruiter, Indeed, or Care.com. You can also contact local home care agencies or healthcare facilities to inquire about their caregiver services.
What is the difference between a CNA and a caregiver?
A CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) is a healthcare professional who provides direct patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. A caregiver, on the other hand, is a non-medical professional who provides assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, in a patient's home.
What is the best way to find a CNA for hire?
The best way to find a CNA for hire is to contact local healthcare facilities, such as nursing homes or hospitals, and inquire about their job openings. You can also search online job boards, such as ZipRecruiter or CareerBuilder, or contact home care agencies that provide CNA services.
Who offers the highest pay for CNAs?
According to ZipRecruiter, the highest-paying employers for CNAs are hospitals, with an average yearly salary of $35,000 - $43,000 in the United States. However, the salary may vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the employer.
Bottom Line
When it comes to hiring a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), the first step is to write a clear and detailed job description. This will help potential candidates understand what you're looking for and whether they're a good fit for the position. A well-written job description can also help set clear expectations for the job, prevent misunderstandings and conflicts between the employer and employee, and even help with performance evaluations.
To attract the right candidates, make sure your job description is easy to read and understand and includes all the necessary information such as job title, duties, required qualifications, schedule, pay rate, and benefits. You can also ask for referrals and consider posting your job online on job posting sites and healthcare-specific websites. By following these steps, you can find the right CNA for your healthcare team and provide high-quality care to your patients.
If you need to consider alternatives to hiring a CNA due to a shortage of qualified candidates, high costs, or more personalized care options, etc., there are viable alternative options that employers can explore, such as hiring a personal care assistant (PCA), using technology solutions, or shifting responsibilities to other staff members. These options can provide flexibility and cost-effectiveness for employers who are struggling to find qualified CNAs or who need to manage costs. While these options may not be suitable for every situation, they can provide creative solutions to meet staffing needs and provide high-quality care to patients.
Find your next hire by posting your job opening on ZipRecruiter today!
