Welcome to the world of senior healthcare, where your journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) marks not just an entry point, but a gateway to a career filled with growth and opportunities.
The role of a CNA is more than a job, it’s a significant step into a long and rewarding healthcare career.
The need for dedicated healthcare professionals such as CNAs has never been more in demand. As 2024 continues, we face a pressing shortage of CNAs and care partners who can make a meaningful impact and be the cornerstone of our senior living communities.
At The Kensington Redondo Beach, we recognize CNAs’ vital role and are committed to supporting their career growth.
We invite you to explore certified nursing assistant jobs in our senior living community.
The role of CNAs in senior living communities
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are the backbone of the daily operations in all senior living environments such as assisted living and memory care communities.
At the heart of the role is a commitment to providing comprehensive, hands-on support to residents, ensuring their comfort, well-being, safety, and dignity.
In senior living communities, CNAs often outnumber nurses, playing an essential role in the day-to-day care of residents.
More than just caregivers, CNAs are care partners, integral to the well-being of the elderly and those with memory loss.
The responsibilities of CNAs include:
- Personal care: Assisting with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Feeding assistance: Providing help with meals, ensuring that nutritional needs are met, and catering to specific dietary requirements.
- Mobility support: Assisting residents with walking, transferring, and using mobility aids.
- Emotional and social support: Engaging with residents, offering emotional support, and encouraging participation in community activities. CNAs often form close bonds with residents, becoming a trusted and familiar presence in their lives.
- Communication: Serving as a key liaison between residents, families, and nursing staff. CNAs often provide updates on the condition and needs of residents, ensuring a collaborative care approach.
Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in California after certification
In California, the road to becoming a CNA requires completing the state-approved training program and passing a competency examination.
Once you’ve become a CNA, the gates open to a variety of healthcare career opportunities further down the road.
Many CNAs begin their careers with a focus on direct patient care in senior living communities or skilled nursing centers, acting as a springboard to more specialized healthcare roles.
CNAs could advance their career path to become:
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
- Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)
- Registered Nurses (RNs)
- Physician Assistants (PAs)
- Doctors (MD)
Some CNAs use their experience to gain admission into prestigious PA programs, while others transition into medical school, or branch into areas such as occupational therapy, sonography, or specialized nursing fields like geriatrics or palliative care.
Certified Nursing Assistants at The Kensington Redondo Beach
Working at The Kensington Redondo Beach offers a deeply rewarding experience for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Home Health Aides (HHAs), and Personal Care Assistants (PCAs).
Our community is deeply committed to the care of seniors with memory loss and provides an environment where CNAs can thrive professionally and personally.
Why choose The Kensington Redondo Beach to work as a CNA
- Competitive pay and benefits: With health, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401K for full-time staff.
- Paid time off & overtime: Generous PTO and overtime for work-life balance.
- Professional growth: Access to training and Employee Assistance Program for career development.
- Complimentary meals & uniforms: Enjoy free meals and uniforms on-site.
- Referral bonuses: Earn bonuses for referring like-minded professionals.
- Community culture: Be part of a respectful, caring team that values each member.
Qualifications and skills required to work at The Kensington Redondo Beach
- A genuine desire to work with seniors and a kind, caring attitude.
- Strong verbal communication skills.
- Effective teamwork and time management abilities.
- A year of experience as a CNA, with some exposure to medical/surgical or home care settings.
- Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and evenings.
- A high school diploma or equivalent, with a preference for Nurse Assistant Certification.
- Completion of background checks.
- Current CNA, HHA, or PCA License and Adult First Aid card.
Addressing the challenges and rewards of a CNA role
Working as a CNA at The Kensington Redondo Beach or other senior living community is a role filled with enriching experiences and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Here’s a glimpse into what makes the role both challenging at times but also deeply rewarding:
- Physical activity: Engage in active work, involving movement and assisting residents with mobility, which promotes strength and stamina.
- Emotional strength: Develop resilience and form close, meaningful relationships with residents, enhancing your emotional skills.
- Attention to detail: Perform tasks like grooming, feeding, and health monitoring with precision, refining your focus and care skills.
- Meaningful connections: Build deep and lasting relationships with residents, enriching your work experience.
- Job satisfaction: Experience the fulfillment that comes from making a significant impact in the lives of residents.
- Rapid professional growth: Gain diverse skills quickly, setting a solid foundation for career advancement in healthcare.
Training and continuing education as a CNA
By offering flexible work scheduling and on-site training, The Kensington Redondo Beach creates an environment where being a CNA isn’t just a job, but a stepping stone into a rewarding career in healthcare.
As such, The Kensington Redondo Beach is committed to ongoing professional development and education of our team members.
We recognize that many CNAs will pursue further education or training and offer flexible scheduling to enable our care partners to continue their studies while gaining valuable work experience.
Additionally, CNAs typically need to learn or take ongoing education courses to learn these essential skills and knowledge areas:
- Advanced patient care techniques
- Dementia care certification
- First Aid and CPR certification
- Patient safety and infection control workshops
- Behavioral health management
- Palliative and end-of-life care training
- Nutrition and dietetics in senior care
- Effective communication skills workshops
- Legal and ethical issues in senior care
Join The Kensington Redondo Beach’s Team: Now hiring!
Discover your next career at The Kensington Redondo Beach, a premier assisted living and memory care community located in sunny Los Angeles County.
Join not just a team, but a family that supports you with flexibility and endless career growth. Visit our job openings page to become part of our community.