Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) are an essential part of the healthcare system. They provide basic patient care, assist nurses and other medical staff, and perform a range of important tasks. Chicago, IL, is a city with a high demand for CNAs, and there are many opportunities for individuals who want to pursue this career.

Training and Certification Requirements

To become a CNA in Chicago, IL, individuals must complete a state-approved training program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. The Illinois Department of Public Health oversees CNA training programs in the state, and there are many schools and training centers in the Chicago area that offer these programs.

CNA training programs typically last anywhere from four to twelve weeks, depending on the program’s intensity and schedule. The curriculum includes courses in basic nursing skills, medical terminology, patient care techniques, infection control, and legal and ethical issues.

After completing the training program, candidates must pass a competency exam that consists of a written test and a skills assessment. Once they pass the exam, they become certified nursing assistants and are eligible to work in healthcare facilities.

Places that Hire CNAs in Chicago

CNAs are in high demand in Chicago, and there are many healthcare facilities that hire these professionals. Hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies are some of the places that employ CNAs.

Some of the largest healthcare employers in the Chicago area that hire CNAs include:

Rock Medical Group: 200 W Madison St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60606

Healthcare staffing agency that provides CNAs and other medical professionals to various facilities in Chicago and other states. They offer competitive pay, flexible schedules, and travel opportunities.

Home Instead: 205 W Randolph St Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60606

Home care provider that offers personalized services to seniors and their families. They hire CNAs and other caregivers to assist with daily activities, companionship, and dementia care.

ScionHealth: 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza Suite 1212, Chicago, IL 60654

Telehealth company that connects CNAs and other healthcare workers with patients who need remote care. They offer flexible hours, online training, and support. Their address is.

Aperion Care: 136 N LaSalle St Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60602

A network of skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities that provide quality care to patients and residents. They hire CNAs and other clinical staff to deliver compassionate and personalized care.

Advocate Aurora Health: 200 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

Premier integrated academic health system that serves a broad community and brings the best in medicine to a growing number of patients close to where they live and work. They employ thousands of CNAs and other healthcare professionals across 11 hospitals and more than 500 sites of care. They offer competitive benefits, tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, and wellness programs.

Northwestern Memorial HealthCare: 259 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611

Leading academic medical center hospital that is the primary teaching affiliate for the Feinberg School of Medicine. The hospital is nationally ranked in 11 out of 15 specialties and has been designated a Magnet hospital for excellence in nursing five times. They hire CNAs and other clinical staff to provide world-class care in an environment where opinions are respected, decision-making is rewarded and teamwork is the order of the day.

University of Chicago Medicine: 901 E 58th St, Chicago, IL 60637

This is a home to physicians who are pioneers in their fields, bringing research to reality and making the extraordinary possible. They have more than 1,400 advanced practice registered nurses, including nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives and certified registered nurse anesthetists, who work in a variety of both inpatient and ambulatory settings. They offer numerous benefits to both their part- and full-time employees, such as 100% tuition reimbursement for BSN, MSN, or MSN/MBA completion at the school of their choice.

Rush University Medical Center: 1620 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60612

An academic health system that includes a hospital, outpatient care facilities, and a university with health sciences colleges. They have more than 33,000 employees dedicated to exceptional service and care, including more than 5,400 aligned physicians who offer treatment informed by the latest research from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. They have a culture of inclusion that fosters a diverse workforce and an equitable workplace. They also offer generous benefits, such as tuition remission for benefit eligible employees with the Laboratory Schools, the University of Chicago, the Graduate Divisions, the Professional Schools (excluding Law and Medicine), and the Office of Continuing Education (excluding seminars).

Alden Management Services: 2437 N Southport Ave #140, Chicago, IL 60614

A network of health care facilities that provides assisted living, short-term and long-term rehabilitation, memory care, skilled nursing, and much more. They have more than 40 locations throughout Illinois and Wisconsin. They offer competitive pay rates, health insurance plans, paid time off, holiday pay, referral bonuses, tuition assistance programs, and career advancement opportunities.

Symphony Post Acute Network: 2800 S California Ave #2nd Floor, Chicago IL 60608

Provider of post acute care services that operates more than 30 facilities across Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. They offer comprehensive medical and rehabilitation programs for patients who require additional care after hospitalization or injury. They hire CNAs and other healthcare workers who are caring, family-centered, authentic, knowledgeable, loving, and so much more. They offer a sign-on bonus for CNAs up to $7,000 for full-time evenings or midnights.

Job Availability for CNAs in Chicago

The demand for CNAs in Chicago is high, and the job market is expected to remain strong in the coming years. According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security, employment of nursing assistants in Illinois is projected to grow by 9.5% between 2020 and 2030.

There are many factors contributing to the high demand for CNAs in Chicago. The city has a large and growing senior population, and the number of people requiring long-term care is expected to increase in the coming years. Additionally, many healthcare facilities are expanding their services to meet the needs of their patients, leading to more job openings for CNAs.

Difficulty of Finding a Job as a CNA in Chicago

While there are many job opportunities for CNAs in Chicago, finding a job can still be challenging. Healthcare employers in the city typically prefer to hire candidates who have experience working in a healthcare setting or who have completed a state-approved training program.

However, there are many ways that individuals can increase their chances of finding a CNA job in Chicago. One option is to network with healthcare professionals in the city, attend job fairs and career events, and seek out informational interviews with potential employers.

Another option is to complete additional training or certification programs that can make individuals more competitive in the job market. For example, some CNAs may choose to become certified in specialized areas of healthcare, such as dementia care or hospice care, which can make them more attractive to employers.

Conclusion

Becoming a CNA is a great career choice for individuals who want to work in healthcare and provide essential patient care services. Chicago, IL, is a city with many job opportunities for CNAs, and the demand for these professionals is expected to remain high in the coming years. With the right training and certification, individuals can find rewarding and fulfilling careers as CNAs in the Chicago area.