Assessing certified nursing assistants’ interest in well-being-oriented continuing education to improve job sustainability and career progression

The US population is aging rapidly, and the direct care workforce is currently insufficient to meet the healthcare demands of the aging population. Low-wage, high-stress healthcare careers, such as certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in direct care settings, have limited opportunities for career advancement, low professional fulfillment, and a particularly high turnover rate. One solution is to provide educational opportunities that support career advancement and improve professional fulfillment. This study explored factors contributing to CNAs' career progression opportunities, job satisfaction, burnout, and educational needs. 221 currently employed CNAs (<i>M</i> = 36.45 ± 10.84; 73.3% female) completed a 20-item electronic survey containing demographics, career satisfaction, career progression opportunities, and continuing education interests/motivations items. A sample subset also completed the Professional Fulfillment Index. Participants (<i>N</i> = 221; <i>M</i> = 36.45 ± 10.84; 73.3% female) reported high satisfaction in their career choice (<i>M</i> = 4.17/5.00 ± 1.00) but only moderate satisfaction with their career progression opportunities (<i>M</i> = 3.76/5.00 ± 1.21). Those who were satisfied with career progression opportunities were less likely to experience burnout (OR = 0.51, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and more likely to experience increased professional fulfillment (OR = 2.42, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Educational opportunities focused on easing burnout, promoting well-being, and providing training that directly translates to career progression may promote career fulfillment and reduce turnover.