The program for becoming a Nursing Assistant is very fast compared with the time it takes to earn a degree in Nursing. Therefore, many see it as a logic choice to gain experience in the medical field. It is an excellent idea for those that aren’t sure if Nursing is for them. It is better to spend four to twelve weeks in training to find out then to spend two or more years working on a Nursing degree.

There are individuals who must maintain employment while pursuing their education degree for financial reasons. For individuals in this position, completing the Nursing Assistant program offers them a way to secure employment that is related to what they are going to school for.

Others choose to advance their career once they have been working as a Nurse Assistant because they see many of the tasks Nurses are responsible for. It is a level of responsibility they wish to acquire. Since they work so closely with the Nursing staff, it is a perfect opportunity to explore more of what takes place. Others have a sincere desire to further their education, but for a variety of reasons have not been able to.

There is a significant pay difference between working as a Nursing Assistant and having a degree as a Nurse. The dollar amount varies based on location. Contact your local Industrial Relations office to ascertain the correct payscale. It doesn’t take long at all for the overall income difference to be seen. Nursing assistants often decide that they want to work in the medical field, but definitely want to be paid more for their work. Of course, the level of responsibility differs greatly between a Nursing Assistant and a Nurse.

Working at a medical facility as a Nursing Assistant can work to your advantage when you decide to pursue a degree in Nursing. It might help you get into the program if there is more interest in the program than enrollment opportunities.

Due to the continuous demand for qualified trained professionals in the area of Nursing, most medical facilities will support you in your efforts to further your education. They will often adjust your work schedule to accommodate you whenever possible.

Tuition assistance programs may be offered by some employers in the medical field. They work in a variety of ways. Some will cover a percentage of your tuition; others will pay up to a particular dollar amount. Often, you will be required to agree to work for them for a particular length of time or have to reimburse them for any tuition paid on your behalf. Others won’t pay anything while you are attending school, but will offer tuition reimbursement upon completion of your Nursing degree. Either way, please contact your local Industrial Relations office to ascertain what is available.

Another advantage of working as a Nursing Assistant prior to obtaining your degree in Nursing is you will have an edge over other recent graduates. You will have work experience to offer in combination with your degree while many others will only have their degree.

Employers like to maintain their quality employees. If you are able to show outstanding work ethic as a Nursing Assistance, it is very likely they will offer you a position as a Nurse upon your completion of your degree. This often depends on the job openings at the medical facility you work for.

Your certificate and work experience as a Nurse Assistant can help make career opportunities appear. It may peak your interest in returning to school to work on your Nursing degree for a variety of reasons. It can help you be accepted to a Nursing program, as well as help you secure employment after completing your Nursing degree.

Related posts:

1. 5 Great Tips For Fitness

BOSSES REMINDED ABOUT PAYING PUBLIC HOLIDAY RATES

NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, John Hatzistergos, today reminded retailers to ensure that all staff working on Monday’s public holiday are paid correct award rates.

“Employers must ensure that the correct award rates of pay are paid and the appropriate meal and rest breaks are given to staff working on a public holiday,” he said. Mr Hatzistergos said that more than $4 million was recovered from employers in NSW last financial year, including back payments for workers that did not receive correct public holiday penalty rates.

“NSW inspectors visit workplaces across the State to ensure that businesses are competing fairly and complying with their obligations as an employer,” he said. “As part of these visits, inspectors specifically check that public holiday rates have been applied.”

Over the past year, underpayments uncovered by inspectors have included:

?$312 from a Urunga café/takeaway for not paying penalty rates on Anzac Day
?$662 for a child care worker in Sans Souci for underpayments including the October public holiday last year
?$817 for four casual employees at a café in Sutherland Shire

“If an employer fails to meet basic legal requirements they will be required to make back payments and in some cases may be prosecuted,” the Minister said.
“To avoid any mistakes, I encourage any retailer to check what rates of pay they should be paying their staff who work on Monday by contacting the Office of Industrial Relations on 131 628 or at www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au

“Promoting a positive work-life balance across the NSW working community is an important issue for the NSW Government. “It is important that retailers pay correct wages in exchange for the hard work of their staff who give up their holiday to work.”

Resources: ‘© State of New South Wales through the Office of Industrial Relations’

Please visit Our Wages and Employment Videos Section

Related posts:

1. Inspectors Check Bathurst Bosses – Industrial Relations NSW