How Much Does a Nursing Home Assistant Make?
Certified nursing assistants provide assistance to registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in nursing homes. They care for nursing home residents with a variety of medical conditions and disabilities. Federal law requires certified nursing assistants to complete a 75-hour training course before taking the examination to become licensed or certified in their states. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that this is a growing field, with job opportunities expected to grow by 19 percent from 2008 to 2018.
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Median Hourly Wage
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, reports that in May 2008, the median hourly wage for nursing assistants working in nursing homes was $11.13 per hour. Some earned as little as $8.34 per hour, while others earned as much as $15.97 per hour. Nursing assistants working in other settings, such as medical and surgical hospitals, earned more. Nursing assistants working for employment services also earned more, even if they were assigned to work in nursing homes.
Variables
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Salaries vary by geographical location. For instance, Salary.com reports that in 2010, nursing assistants in nursing homes in New York City earned a median annual salary of $30,280. Those in Nashville, Tennessee, only earned a median salary of $24,994. Salaries also vary depending on how many years of experience nursing assistants have. Of course, those with more experience typically earn more.
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Specialization
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Some nursing assistants work in nursing homes that provide specialized care. For instance, some nursing homes provide care for people with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, and nursing assistants in these facilities may face additional challenges and may need some extra training. Therefore, they may earn more than average. Some nursing assistants work in facilities that care for severely ill patients, including those on respirators, and those nursing assistants may receive higher compensation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in May 2008, nursing assistants who worked in nursing homes that provide care for mentally ill residents earned a median hourly wage of $11.66.
Benefits
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 76 percent of nursing assistants in nursing homes work full-time, and full-time employees often receive a number of benefits in addition to their hourly wages. Benefits may include health insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, uniform allowances and tuition reimbursement for nursing assistants who wish to further their education in the health-care field. Part-time employees may also receive some benefits, though full-time employees typically receive more.
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