The Salaries of RNAs

Nursing Assistants

The Bureau of Labor Statistics describes nursing assistants as healthcare workers who provide basic care and help with daily living activities. They might help a patient take a bath, use the toilet or get dressed. Some nursing assistants take a patient's blood pressure or other vital signs, serve meals and help patients eat. Nurse assistants and aides work under the supervision of a registered nurse, licensed vocational nurse or physician. In some states, they may dispense medications after taking a specialized course. Most states require that nurse aides or assistants who work in long-term care be certified.

An Expanded Role

The RNA is an expanded role for certified nursing assistants, or CNAs. RNAs are not covered by federal or state regulations, so do some careful research before you enter an RNA program or try to get a job in this field. Generally, you’ll need to be a practicing CNA with at least six months’ experience. You’ll also need professional recommendations from the director of nursing at the facility where you work, and should have a high school diploma or GED. Programs may differ. In Missouri, for example, you’ll receive education in three main areas: speech, occupational and physical therapy.

Work Settings and Tasks

An RNA might work in a nursing home, assisted-living facility, hospital adult day care or home health. You might perform tasks such as assessing a patient for a feeding program, and applying splints, braces or other orthotic devices. Other RNA tasks may include guiding patients in range-of-motion exercises or providing support to physical and occupational therapists. You may also transport patients; order and maintain supplies; and assemble, disassemble or clean equipment used in treatments.

Salaries

The BLS does not differentiate between RNAs and other nursing aides or assistants; it says nurse aides and assistants earned an average annual salary of $25,420 in 2011, for an average hourly wage of $12.22. American Medical Careers reports that although salaries can vary according to experience, education and location, in California RNAs earn $22,535 to $36,361 annually, an hourly rate of $14.01. In Missouri, RNAs employed by the state earn $22,428 to $30,108 annually, according to the Missouri Office of Administration.