Certified nursing assistants, or CNAs, are also referred to as nurses’ aides, patient care technicians and health aides. They are responsible for providing basic patient care under the supervision of a licensed practical or registered nurse. CNAs who assist with rehabilitation in nursing homes monitor patient conditions and assist them with daily tasks. Individuals entering this entry-level field often go on to become registered nurses.

Duties

CNAs who assist with rehabilitation in nursing homes should be skilled in dealing with elderly residents. Duties of a CNA in a nursing home include keeping accurate written reports of resident’s health conditions and provided care. As a CNA in a nursing home, your responsibilities may encompass bathing, dressing and feeding residents. CNAs will assist with patients' rehabilitation plan. This may include assisting with transfers, walking, and other physical, speech or occupational therapy activities as established by the therapist. As a CNA, you will be responsible for monitoring and reporting residents' blood pressures, temperatures and pulse readings to supervisory nurse. CNAs may also be required to perform other duties within the facility as assigned.

Qualifications

Those seeking employment as CNAs working in a nursing home rehabilitation environment need a valid certification in the desired state where they are seeking employment. The state regulatory measures for certified nursing assistants vary. CNAs in nursing homes possess the ability to communicate, effectively, both orally and in writing. Other qualifications for this role include maintaining working relationships with nursing home residents, and their family members. CNAs in rehabilitation nursing homes provide quality service to all levels of internal or external customers.

Education

Individuals seeking CNA positions in nursing homes must have a high school or general equivalency diploma. CNAs must be certified. The certifications must be in good standing for employment in this field. CNA training and certification are obtainable through programs offered at community colleges, medical facilities and the Red Cross.

Opportunities

According to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics certified nursing assistant jobs will increase 19 percent by 2018. The increase in prospective jobs CNAs will be due to the needs of an increasingly aging population. The need for CNAs working to rehabilitate individuals in nursing home facilities is expected to increase quicker than other industries. These outlooks are based on modern technology and medicine, which is extending the average life span of most individuals. PayScale.com reports the certified nursing assistant workforce is 91 percent female as of 2010.

Salary

Factors affecting the starting salary of CNAs are industry choice and experience. Those seeking employment with nursing homes can expect a starting hourly rate between $9 and $12, according to PayScale.com. Employment opportunities at long-term care and rehabilitation centers have similar starting hourly rates. Salaries for individuals possessing college degrees typically fall within those same $9 to $12 hourly ranges.