According to the latest survey, 8 percent of the population in Largo MD are seniors, and about 25 percent of the seniors are living alone. Hence, there is a high demand for caregiving services among the elderly so that they can live a healthy and dignified life.
There are different caregiver positions like direct support personnel, live-in caregiver, registered nurse, or licensed practical nurse available in the region. So, while job hunting in Largo MD make sure you apply for the right position after assessing all the necessary prerequisites and have a fulfilling career.
Here is some vital information that might help you if you do not have job experience and navigate the job search process.
Job role
About 23 percent of the seniors in Largo, MD, are veterans, so the job role as a caregiver would include assistance to the elderly with everyday activities. It is crucial to prioritize the patient’s safety and health at all times. Caregiving also includes the assistance of the elderly with personal care like dressing, bathing, eating, administering medication, and going to doctor’s appointments. You may also be required to monitor medications, report changes, and update health charts when needed. Communicating with the patients’ families or doctors regarding their emotional and medical conditions would also be a part of job responsibilities.
Average salary
When job hunting in Largo, MD, look thoroughly for part-time and full-time schedules. The salary depends on education level, professional experience, employer, and job location. The standard wage provided in most regions of the USA is 14.48 USD per hour. Some salaries may also range between 7.25 USD and 22.40 USD per hour. The average salary of a caregiver in Largo is slightly lower than the national average at 12.93 USD per hour. It may increase up to 13.22 USD per hour when you have an experience of at least three years.
Education
Higher education in nursing and caregiving can benefit caregivers by increasing their skills and knowledge. You can increase your knowledge by getting degrees in health and human services, nursing, or licensed practical nursing. Many employers in this industry also prefer a candidate with a diploma certificate. The certificate is a testimony to the fact that caregivers have the basic knowledge of the common challenges they might encounter in their field of work. So, if you have diplomas in patient care and medical or paramedic assisting, you have a higher chance of getting hired.
If you do not have a degree, you can still study technical courses that will help you develop additional skills like documentation, communication, physical therapy, and food preparation. While these educational courses are optional, the roles offered by established caregiving agencies require on-the-job state-approved training before one can provide services unsupervised.
Certification
When applying for an entry-level position, you must have a CNA certification and state-approved training. You may also need to fulfill other specific requirements like having first aid and CPR certifications. The most common certifications for a caregiver include Certified Home Care and Hospice Executive and Home Health Aide Certification, provided by the NAHC. These certifications will help you gain theoretical and practical knowledge of duties and responsibilities and gain skills to advance in your career.
Caregiving requires a compassionate and committed individual to meet patients’ emotional, physical, and medical needs. So, you must have a thorough understanding of all aspects before applying for the job to deliver an optimum level of care.
