A career as a certified nursing assistant offers rewarding opportunities in both long-term care facilities and hospitals. However, these settings offer different environments, responsibilities and challenges. Understanding the differences between these two paths can help you make an informed decision about your future career.
In long-term care settings like Christian Health Care Center in Lynden, CNAs primarily serve elderly or medically fragile residents who require ongoing assistance with daily living. These facilities focus on creating a home-like environment and building relationships. They specialize in geriatric care, have more constant routines, and the typical length of stay—months, sometimes years—allows staff to get to know residents well.
A hospital setting is a fast-paced, medical environment that serves patients of all ages. Patients stay for shorter periods—often days—due to acute illnesses, surgeries or emergencies. There is less opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients.
The duties and responsibilities of CNAs in LTC have a more central focus on assisting residents with daily living activities like bathing, dressing and mobility. They monitor and report health changes over time, provide emotional support and companionship and help make sure residents are safe.
CNAs that work in hospitals have more clinical tasks, such as assisting with medical procedures, taking vital signs frequently and preparing patients for tests or surgeries. They are more likely to work with a variety of medical devices and respond to emergency situations.
If you are interested in geriatrics with a focus on long-term care in Whatcom County, LHE offers a six-week nursing assistant certification program. While both settings can be rewarding, they require different skill sets and preferences. If you enjoy close relationships and a steady routine, working at a skilled nursing or long-term care center might suit you better. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment where patients come and go quickly, a hospital setting could be a great fit.
