CNA Career Advancement Illusion: Low Success Rate and High Turnover

Certified nursing assistants often struggle to make a living wage. Part of the promise of these jobs, which are heavily in-demand, is that CNAs can earn additional credentials to become LPNs and eventually RNs. But as Colleen Connolly reports, that stackable pathway is an illusion for the vast majority of these entry-level workers. Just 3%-13% make it to the next levels. And as Christopher Laney, EdD, MBA shared with me, data from Lightcast shows that almost half of CNAs (48%) leave the field within a year -- 70% depart within two years. Connolly shares the experience of Latoia Arnett, a CNA who has served patients for 26 years but has been unable to advance in her career. With three kids and double shifts on weekends, the barriers were too high for Arnett. Check out Work Shift to see the first installment of Connolly's three-part series that explores efforts to help more CNAs move up in nursing. The series was made possible by a fellowship Connolly was awarded by the Institute of Citizens and Scholars, with support from the ECMC Foundation (links in comments). This powerful, agenda-free reporting isn't possible without resources. The newsletter keeps me too busy to do the dogged, extensive research Connolly put into the series. We could be producing much more of this important coverage with additional support, while backing the work of other reporters. I'm continuing to hunt for revenue, and welcome your suggestions. This beat doesn't get the attention it deserves.