Certified Nursing Assistant Archives - Page 3 of 4

South Dakota Board of Nursing

The South Dakota Board of Nursing is the entity charged with the training and the certification of nursing aide candidates in the state. The Administrative Rules of Dakota require those who are wishing to become nurse aides in the state to complete an accredited training program and pass the evaluation conducted by the facility, to have their name entered and verified by the employer on the nurse aid registry of the state, and to complete an in-service education for each year that they are certified as nurse aides in the state. They should also be able to show that they have satisfactory work performance evaluations from the registered nurses who are supervising them during work.

South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry
Administrator: Vickee Anderson
Licensure and Certification South Dakota Department of Health
615 E. 4th St. Pierre, SD. 57501-1700
605-773-3356
Website: http://doh.sd.gov/Licensure/Nurseaide.aspx
South Dakota Board of Nursing (For out of state transfers)
4305 S. Louise Avenue, Suite 201
Sioux Falls, SD 57106-3115
Phone: (605) 362-2760
Fax: (605) 362-2768
Email: DOH.INFO@state.sd.us
SD License Verification Search

Nursing aide training programs can be found in different institutions around the state such as community colleges and nursing facilities who also offer training in their facility. They usually entail a prescribed number of hours in order to complete and they also come with two basic parts which are the classroom and clinical sessions which have to be successfully completed in order for the applicant to qualify for the certification exams. It is best to enroll at the college or facility which is nearer to your area as they all have the same standards which are imposed by the state.Visit this page to get details on the latest SD nurse aide requirements.

You can also apply for reciprocity in the state of South Dakota. You will have to fill out a reciprocity form and submit the necessary documents that are needed such as a copy of your nursing aide certification from the state where you come from and a certificate of good standing in the nurse aide registry and an active status as well. There will be areas in the form that will need to be filled out by the registry where you currently have certification so it may take some time before you can be entered into the nurse aid registry.

The licensing and certification process of nurse aides are done through the South Dakota Department of Health Division of Licensure and Certification. The Office of Health Facilities Licensure and Certification on the other hand is the one which is responsible for the accreditation and certification of nursing facilities and training centers in the state. They make sure that these facilities comply with the standard safety requirements of the state and ensure that they also provide the best standards of healthcare services in the state.

To look up certified nurse aides through the registry, just enter their name and certification number in order to obtain the information that you wish to get. You can also do a random search by entering a partial name or last name and the results will show you a possible list of candidates which may match the one that you are looking for. Applicants may also be able to renew their certification through the online verification process of the registry. You should however, first register your name on the website and create an account in them for you to be able to access the online renewal.

South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry

The South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry contains all the necessary information for the process of application in order to become a nurse aide in the state. They have a downloadable candidate handbook as well as PDF files which contain significant information as to the other related tasks involved in the certification process. The state requires all of its nurse aides to be included in the registry if they wish to work or be hired by any long-term care facility as CNAs. It is needed in order to maintain the quality and standard of healthcare services which are given in the state.

South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry
PO Box 8206, 1801 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29202
Phone: (888) 549-0820
Fax: 803-364-0462
Reciprocity Phone Number: 803-315-1366
Email: info@scdhhs.gov
Managed by: Pearson Vue
PO Box 13785, Philadelphia, PA 19101-3785
Phone: 800-475-8290
SC Online License Search

You can also apply for reciprocity to the state by downloading an application form from their website and then filling it out with the necessary information. You will need some parts of the form to be filled out by the registry from the state where you currently have the certification and you will also need to comply with the needed hours of training that the state has in their CNA training programs. If you are not able to come up with the required hours, you will have to enroll to one of their training programs and take their certification exams. You can read this page for additional details about the latest SC nursing assistant certification requirements.

You can also make a name or address change through the website of the registry. These services are available online and you can make the said changes by logging on the registry. You may have to send a copy of the proper documents that are needed in order to verify the name or address change to the registry. This helps the registry to contain updated information especially when employers are seeking information about nursing aides who are applying for work in their facilities. These services make it easy for both the applicant and the employer to obtain the information that they need.

The South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry also contains helpful links which will help you get to testing sites as well as important information that is needed for different processes involved in a nursing aide certification. You can find information as to licensing information, content outlines, testing center regulations and requirements, and things that you may need to bring when the testing day arrives. You can download handbooks and forms which will help the process much easier. You may need some Adobe reader installed in your computer when you need to view some of the resources in the website.

When looking up a CNA candidate, you only have to click the appropriate link which will lead to the site. You can search for the candidate through their name such as their first and last names and you can also do a wildcard search by just entering an asterisk at the end of the name. You can also enter a birthdate if you want a more specific search. The other way is to enter the certification number of the candidate and the website allows you to search for up to twelve candidates at a time which makes it really convenient.

Rhode Island Nursing Assistant Registry

The Rhode Island Nursing Assistant Registry allows users to access information about nursing assistants in the state. The registry was created as a part of the state’s compliance with federal and state regulations requiring each and every state to maintain their own CNA registry. The registry also allows for easy access to information which is important not just for nurse aides themselves but for employers and the public in general, to know the persons who are certified by the state to be able to provide the best services as nursing assistants.

Rhode Island Nurse Aide Registry
3 Capitol Hill, Room 105
Providence, RI 02908-5097
Phone: (401) 222-5888
TTY/TDD: (800) 745-5555
Email Contact: website@health.ri.gov
RI Online License Verification Search

The registry’s website provides useful information as to other CNA services as well such as certification renewal and reciprocity programs which are offered by the state. Through the website, anybody can have access to the online renewal if they are currently certified by the state and it helps cut down the time that they need in order to process their certification renewals. They will only need to download a renewal form and then they can send it to the registry together with the required documents which will show their continuous employment as nursing assistant to a particular long-term care facility or private employer.

The CNA lookup at the search page is also very easy to do. You will only need to enter the applicant’s name, last name, and certification number or social security number in order to get a list of potential candidates. You will be able to see their work background as well as any record of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property that may have been committed by the employee and the disciplinary actions which may have been taken by the state against such violations. You can easily look them up once you find the nursing assistant that you are looking for.

For certified nursing assistants themselves, they can also change any personal information that they may like to change such as their name or address by creating an account on the website. They may then make any name change by submitting an application online together with the legal documents to support such a name change. This helps make it easier for workers to create those changes without having to personally visit the registry’s office which may take a lot of time. All of these can be done through the online Rhode Island Nursing Assistant Registry which is available for free to the public.

You can also find useful information with regards to certification through the website. You will be able to find useful links such as those concerned with health care education and test information. You will find other helpful resources such as links to health care organizations and groups which support the nurse aides in Rhode Island as well as any programs that you can take in order to help further your certifications. You can visit this page if you are not yet certified and want additional information about the current RI nurse aide certification requirements. If you are applying for reciprocity, you can also find a downloadable form at the registry website which you can just print and fill-out with the necessary information in order to apply for the reciprocity.

Pennsylvania Division of Nursing Care Facilities

The Pennsylvania Division of Nursing Care Facilities provides the information that you need to become a certified nurse aide in the state. They provide materials which will help you learn more about the nursing aide training programs that they have as well as the curriculum and other requirements that you will need to comply with in order to apply for the certification exam. It also contains some of the sample questions that you may encounter in the exam making it easier for you to navigate the test. You can also get other types of information on the website such as renewal process and reciprocity programs in the state.

Pennsylvania CNA Registry
Room 526, Health & Welfare Building
625 Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120
Toll free – 800-852-0518
Locally: 717-787-1816
Managed by: Pearson VUE
P.O. Box 13785, Philadelphia, PA 19101-3785
Phone: (800) 852-0518
Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM ET
Testing Services: 717-783-6207
Schedule an Exam: 800-795-2350
Check Eligibility Requirements: 717-783-6207
PA License Search

The state does not allow nursing aides who are not in good standing in the registry to be eligible for work. Those who are also not entered into the registry cannot be hired as well especially by nursing facilities that are under Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement programs. It is required for employers to verify the standing of their potential workers first in the registry before they can be allowed to hire them. The applicant should be eligible for enrollment to the registry and must not possess any finding of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident’s property in any nursing facility.

The registry can also be a resourceful guide when looking for nursing aides who have been convicted of such cases and which can be of extreme help to a nursing facility or private employer who wishes to employ a nursing aide. They have a list of nursing aides who have been under disciplinary action due to the commission of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property of a resident. There are hundreds of reported instances of these cases each year and the registry maintains an update on it by including an notation on the name of the nurse aide to indicate they have been convicted of such violations.

The process of reporting the said violation can also be found on the nurse aid registry. They are reported to the Department of Health of the state of Pennsylvania through the nursing facility where they have been committed. The Department will then conduct an investigation and there shall be a written report submitted after five consecutive days. The report will then be given to the Division of Nursing Care Facilities and a committee will decide on whether to provide disciplinary action or not.

You can use the registry as well if you wish to determine whether a nursing assistant is certified and can be hired by your facility. You simply need to enter the name, last name, or certification number of the candidate you wish to look up. It will then display a result which will show the candidate’s current status on the registry and whether there had been any cases which have been filed on him or her and any disciplinary action which may have been imposed on the candidate. The Pennsylvania Division of Nursing Care Facilities’ website is available for public use without any fee. For additional details about the PA nurse aide requirements, visit this page.

Oregon State Board of Nursing

The Oregon State Board of Nursing is the entity which handles and manages the well-being of the health of their health care facility residents and patients. They provide the necessary guidelines and regulations for the different areas and tasks which are involved in the health care field such as the regulation of the educational standards in health occupations, licensing and certification of those who wish to work in the field of healthcare, and maintaining a standard through which the quality of health care provided is at their optimum state.

Oregon State Board of Nursing
17938 SW Upper Boones Ferry Rd.
Portland, Oregon 97224-7012
Phone: 971-673-0685
Fax: 971-673-0684
Email: oregon.bn.info@state.or.us
OR License Verification Search

The Board is comprised of several people in its organization. All of their members are chosen by the governor of the state and they include 4 registered nurses, 2 members of the public, a licensed practical nurse, a certified nursing assistant, and a nurse practitioner. The various fields of nursing practice are represented by the four registered nurses which includes nurse education, administration, and direct care areas. They are also made to represent several locations of the state and often conduct their businesses in public to allow public participation in the decision-making of the Board.

The tasks of the Oregon State Board of Nursing include different types and they also cover a wide range of nursing care activities. They comprise of setting the standards which shall be used in the licensing and certification of health professionals; providing the meaning for the Oregon Nurse Practice Act; approval of educational institutions which provide courses in healthcare; issuance of certificates and licenses to those who pass the competency examinations; investigate and execute disciplinary actions for reported violations of nursing regulations; and to stand as a witness in state matters whenever their knowledge is needed.

In Oregon a certified nursing assistant or a CNA is one who serves under the discretion and supervision of registered nurses in order to aide them in their work. They maintain different types of activities such as toileting, mobilizing, grooming, maintaining the room of the patient, monitoring vital signs, and providing exercise to their resident. A student can only be certified in the state if they are able to finish a training program from an accredited school and is also able to pass the certification examination which is administered by the state. The training course usually consists of 150 hours and is equally divided between a classroom and a clinical session which are both under the supervision of a registered nurse.

The nurse aide certification exam is administered under the Headmaster Testing Services and they are also composed of two different types of exams: the written and the practical. An applicant must be able to pass both tests in order to become certified. After passing both sets of exams, the student will then be notified of their grade and will then be entered into the nurse aid registry of the state. This will allow them to find work and be hired by nursing facilities to work in their institutions. The certification will have to be renewed after two years with several requirements needed in order to renew. You can read about all of the latest Oregon nursing assistant requirements on this page.

Oklahoma Nurse Aide Services Workers Registry

The Oklahoma Nurse Aide Services Workers Registry was a creation of the federal mandate which made each state responsible for making their own CNA registries. The registry’s roles can vary and can comprise of different tasks such as approving training programs, determining the curriculum that will be used for such instruction, manage the certification exams, maintain the registry, keep a list of nurse aides who have been found guilty of abuse or neglect of residents, manage the licensing of workers, provide useful health information to the public, and to administer properly the whole CNA program in the state.

Oklahoma Nurse Aide Services Workers Registry
1000 N.E. 10th Street, Room 1111
Oklahoma City, OK 73117
Phone: (405) 271-4085
Toll Free: (800) 695-2157
E-mail nar@health.ok.gov
OK CNA Registry Verification Search

The Nurse Aide Registry is not just for those who are certified to work in the state. It is also a useful source of information for the public who are looking for information with regards to certain employees whom they may wish to verify. Potential employers who are seeking for certified nurse aides can access the registry in order to determine whether they have a current license status or has been convicted of any violation of health care work. They are also useful for those who are operating nursing facilities and nurse aide training programs who wish to find valuable sources of information for their operation.

According to their website, a nurse aide is someone who provides health care or any other related activity to patients in a nursing facility, home care, assisted living center, or a specialized facility in exchange for financial compensation. They are not considered as licensed health professionals and usually work under the supervision of a licensed physician or a registered nurse. They may also be employed by their own families as long as they are getting paid compensation or is working under a home care agency or as a contractor of the Medicaid State Plan Personal Care Program.

There are several certifications which are available for certified nurse aides in the state of Oklahoma. They are long term care, certified medication aide, adult day care aide, home health aide, developmentally disabled direct care, and residential care aide. There certification programs provide additional skills and knowledge to the nursing assistant which can help increase their earning potential as well as help them progress to the number of services that they can provide to help their patients cope with their ailments.

The nurse aide registry is an essential tool for certified workers and for long-term care facilities as well. They are useful for workers because they can renew their certification through the method which the registry offers online, and access the variety of educational materials that they can obtain from it. As to health care facilities, they can get an update on the new implementing rules and regulations of the Department of Health through the announcements that are being posted on the website. They can also check the certification status of a nurse aide to make sure that they are capable of being hired before agreeing to employ them in their facility. You can visit this page to read more about the current Oklahoma nursing assistant requirements.

How to Write a Nursing Assistant Resume

Nursing assistants, or otherwise known as the nurses’ aides, are health professionals who are working under the supervision of the nurse. They work in various settings which include the nursing homes, hospice, assisted living, hospitals, correctional institutions, community-based long-duration care, and other settings that provide long-term care.

These professionals render help to different clients of various ages by performing majority of the basic daily tasks. They play a vital role in the lives of the patients as they are the ones who have extensive contact with them, thus, leaving them the duty to keep the nurses up-to-date regarding the essential information about the conditions of the patients.

Nursing assistants play important roles in the field of health care which make it vital that one should have relevant and interesting data on the resume especially when applying for nursing assistant jobs. The resume needs to be more enticing as much as possible in order to be noticed. This is important so that one can get hired right away especially that the position is in great competition.

When creating a certified nursing assistant resume, it must stand out among the rest in order to get the position in this field of health care. The goal of your resume is to impress the employers.

Below are steps in creating a resume that you can take into consideration.

– The header should contain your name and title written in bigger font compared to the rest of the font of the resume’s content to give emphasis on you as the applicant. Be certain to include writing your contact details such as the home address, home telephone number, mobile number, and the e-mail address.

– Write the position you are applying for, which includes its brief description, in order to give specification of the job title that you prefer. This will highlight the duties and responsibilities of the job you desire to have, thus, giving the employer an idea that you are aware of them.

– Include in your resume your different objectives for the job. This will introduce you to the employers regarding your target goals for the job. It will also reflect your expectations.

– Next is to write your nursing skills. This will show your capabilities and assets in the field of healthcare. It gives reflection on your expertise which the employers can gauge as to what you are capable of doing. These skills may include patient care and safety, monitoring of vital signs, diagnostic testing, administration of medicines, charting, patient advocacy, and many more.

– Make sure to include putting in your professional work experience which you may have done. This will give highlight to your resume as it will show what work you have experienced doing and in what kind of setting you have delivered your skills.

– Your educational attainment may also be part of the resume because this will show from which school you have learned the knowledge and skills of being a nursing assistant.

– You may add essential information like your availability for all shifts and willingness to extend hours as well as do weekend assignments because many facilities would love to hire one that is eager is to go an extra mile.

You can download a CNA resume example template for Microsoft Word from this link.

Visit this page for more information on how to write a CNA cover letter.

Nursing Assistant Recertification

Recertification is the process of renewing your certification as a nursing assistant. CNA licences are required to be renewed every two years and they require a certain amount of time spent as a practicing nurse aide. You have to renew your license before it expires so that you would not be required to undergo certified nursing assistant education and training again in order to get a license. The failure to do so has often led to unnecessary hassles to practicing in health care. Being in compliance with what is required by the state you are working in will let you avoid any further difficulties when the time comes for you to renew your license.

The requirements for recertification vary from state to another state. Some require a particular amount of time spent working as a nurse aide and not more than that. The common expiration dates for a CNA license is at the end of the month of your birth. You will also be required to present a certification of your US citizenship, or a certification of your eligibility to work in the US. You will also be required to present any declaration of an arrest or conviction in any felony that you may have committed during the past two years.

You will have to fill out a form that will be sent to the proper Registry that issues the recertification. It includes your personal information to be filled-out as well as a portion for your employer to fill-up. The processing for your form will take about two weeks.

Some Nursing assistants may have difficulty if they are currently unemployed which may make the part to be filled up by the employer quite a difficult task. He or she would need to go back to his former employer and have him answer the questions on that part. If you have a current employer, this would be very easy. You can even fill-out the form at least two or three months before the expiration of your license so that the mailing out to the registry would not be a hassle.

To avoid problems like this, it is advised that nurse aides should check the required length of work in order to avoid any future difficulties in the renewing of the license. As some states provide penalties for any excess of work hours, it would be better if you know them before the two years elapse. It is also advised to avoid any commission of a felony as this may greatly affect the approval or non-approval of your license to be renewed. Certain crimes may not allow you to practice nursing assistance at all.

There are also other states which require a further training or education during that two years and so you should be informed about that after receiving your license as a certified nursing assistant. Renewal of license is required by states in order to assure that health care workers remain in touch with any recent development in healthcare. As newer and newer information and technologies are developed, it is better if CNAs keep up with what is new in the area of healthcare. Their knowledge and skill should match with recent advances.

Delaware State Nurse Aide Registry

The list of certified CNA’s in the state of Delaware can be found on the online Nurse Aide Registry. Through this database, one can have an easy access to the names of persons who are authorized or licensed by the state to work and be employed in nursing facilities and other healthcare settings inside the state.

Delaware CNA Registry
24 N.W. Front Street
Milford, DE 19963-1463
Phone: 302-577-6666
Fax: 302-424-2939
Managed by: Prometric
1260 Energy Lane
St. Paul, MN 55108
Phone: 866-664-9504
Fax: 800-813-6670
DE Registry Search

If your name is not entered in the directory with an active status it would mean disqualification from being legally allowed to work as a nursing assistant. The state has implemented an online registry its citizens an easy access to valuable information regarding people who are qualified to work as a healthcare provider.

The Delaware State Nurse Aide Registry provides a list of qualified nurse aides as well as those who committed abuse and neglect of residents during the past. This is to inform the public well as to those which nurse aides can be hired and those who have a bad record during their tenure as nursing assistants in the state. Hence, working as a nursing assistant should be taken seriously if you wish to avoid having any future problems concerning your work history or record. Not everyone who has been issued a license can continue to work once found in violation of committing abuse or violation of a resident’s rights.

delaware-health-care To be entered into the state’s nurse aide registry, an applicant should first comply with the state’s requirements with regards to getting a license/certification. Without the license, you would not be able to work as a nursing aide in the state. First, you need to train in an accredited training facility which complies with all the standards with regards to clinical and theoretical sessions. The applicant should also pass the physical exam which is required in order to determine physical capacity to perform all the tasks that will be delegated to him or her during the time of employment. They should also pass the state and federal criminal background check and should not be convicted of any drug, felony, or violent crimes. Having such records can automatically disqualify a candidate from even taking the training. Lastly, the applicant should be able to pass the state certification exams within two years from finishing the training.

After passing all the necessary requirements, the applicant will now be entered into the state’s nurse aide registry. To verify your status or to see if you will have to renew your license soon, you can contact the state through their office, the Division of Long Term Care Residents Protection. This is the particular agency which handles all the licensing as well as the maintenance of Delaware’s certification database. The Division has also hired Prometric to handle the online directory in order to give the public an easier way to access information regarding the current status of nursing aide applicants who wish to work in nursing facilities. You can go directly to the website and access the registry by entering their name and social security number. click here to learn more about the nursing assistant certification requirements in DE. photo attribution: diaper

North Dakota Nurse Assistant Registry

The North Dakota Nurse Assistant Registry contains a lot of valuable information that one would need in order to work in the state as a CNA. It also contains a list of all eligible nursing assistants as well as those who have committed violations of state/federal regulations and instances of abuse, thereby making them ineligible to work. You can check the registry anytime you like as they are available for public access online. You can check the website to learn more about the state’s regulations concerning nurse aide certification.

North Dakota Nurse Assistant Registry
600 East Boulevard Avenue, Department 301
Bismarck, ND 58505-0200
Phone: 701-328-2353
Fax: 701-328-1890
Email: naregistry@nd.gov
Chief: Dr. Darleen Bartz, dbartz@nd.gov
ND Registry Search

The North Dakota Department of Health is the agency which maintains and handles the information that is provided in the registry. As of 2012, the Department has ceased providing paper licenses to successful passers of the CNA competency examinations and the cards can now be printed directly from the state’s website. Through the website, you will also be able to access downloadable forms with which you can apply for renewals and reciprocity in the state. There is no fee required in the downloading of these materials, however currently their is a $25 certification renewal fee.

There is also relevant information with regards to medication assistants who wish to apply on the state. They will have to submit certain documents in order to pass certification such as the name and location of the training institution, the date of their completion of the program, the social security number as well as the full name and address of the student, the clinical facility coordinator of the school, the curriculum of both the clinical and theoretical sessions of the training, and a copy of the certificate of completion by the student of the said program.

The forms that are available on the website have undergone some changes and if you have been renewing you certification before through their online site, you may be able to notice these changes. You will need to use the more recent formats in order to comply with the renewal system of the website. Application for nurse aide certification can only be paid through cash, money order, or check only and online payments are still not available as a method of payment. You will also have to provide information with regards to your employer such as their name, the director of the facility, their phone number, and the number of the facility with which they are employed. You can apply for certification online too by filling out the appropriate forms and sending it to the registry.

Through the online portal of the registry, you will be able to find a lot of information with regards to the nursing aide employment. You can find a background check on the nurse aide as well as other disciplinary actions which may have been given to the applicant during the past years. You can also find various forms such as those which are used for renewal and reciprocity which is very important if you wish to apply in the state as a nurse aide and you have a current certification on another state. The process is also very simple in the verification of licensees, facilities, and services through their online search form.

Visit this page for additional information about the current North Dakota nurse aide certification requirements.

North Carolina Center for Aide Regulation and Education

The North Carolina Center for Aide Regulation and Education is the site which maintains the different registries in the state. They include the N.C. Nurse Aide Registry, the N.C. Medication Aide Registry, the N.C. Geriatric Aide Registry, and the N.C. Health Care Personnel Registry. The sites are updated regularly so you can expect to get fresh information each time you log in on their website. There is also a list of pending investigations as well as substantiated findings which are shown together with the record of a CNA whenever you do a search on the registry.

North Carolina Center for Aide Regulation and Education
2709 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2709
Office Hours: 9 AM – 3PM, Mon – Fri
Telephone: 919-855-3969
24-Hour Verification By Phone: 919-715-0562
Phone: 919-855-3969
Fax: 919-733-9764
NC Nurse Aide Registry Verification

You can contact their staff to learn more about these findings and you can also ask for particular information with regards to summary, statements, and hearings through them. It is a requirement of the state for employers to access the registry whenever they are making any hiring procedures. The applicant should first be examined whether they have the necessary status certification or not and whether they are currently under investigation for any type of complaint that have been filed which is related to their work as a nurse aide. There is a confirmation number which is provided with every search that is made on the website together with the number of the nursing aide that is being searched for. The confirmation also includes the date and time when the information was accessed as well as the number of the employer who accessed the information.

In order to make registry verification, you will have to enter the social security number of the applicant in order to view their information. You should not however confuse the social security number with the tax identification number of the applicant as this would not be counted or read by the computer. You can enter up to twelve social security numbers in order to look for a particular set of nurse aides. You can also choose to receive updates and emails from the registry by entering your email address when you do your search. You will be able to receive changes in certification status of the nurse aides that you are looking for in at least 12 months after you enroll for the free email update.

After you have finished with the social security numbers, you can also make a similar check on the health personnel names in order to acquire deeper information about their criminal background and history checks which are conducted by the state. You may have to print your confirmation number in order to submit it to the registry as evidence of checking the registry before you hired the employee. You can also use the registry website to check other types of healthcare workers in the state.

Nursing aides are required to pass an approved 75-hour training program before they can be allowed to take the state’s competency evaluation. Currently testing is administered by the Pearson Vue company. They can be contacted for at (888) 204-6207 for Registration Services, or at (888) 723-6773 for Scheduling Reservations. Applicants can also apply for reciprocity if they already have a current certification from another state and have met the training requirements. For a full list of all the recent North Carolina nurse aide requirements visit this page.

New York State Nurse Aide Registry

The New York State Nurse Aide Registry is a part of the state’s compliance with State and Federal Regulations requiring each state to have their own registry. As of today, there is also a recent regulation which needs that each nursing facility should be able to ascertain the current certification status of their applicant CNAs first before hiring them. This means that employers would need to check or verify the certification of applicants first on the web before proceeding to the hiring process. The good news is that employers can access the registry any time of the day, any day of the week.

New York Nurse Aide Registry
875 Central Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
Phone: 518-408-1297
24 hour automated voice response system:
1-800-918-8818
Registry Managed by:
Prometric
1260 Energy Lane
St. Paul, MN 55108
Phone: 800-805-9128
Fax: 800.813.6670
NY Nursing Assistant Search

The registry is not just useful to a particular set of people such as nursing facilities. They are also important for nurse aides and the public in general as it will give them the ability to choose the types of health workers that they will hire depending on their capacity to perform on the job. There is also an interactive voice response which users can make use of if they prefer a faster and more efficient way of having their inquiries answered by the registry. The voice system is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day. This means that you can get a verification of the CNAs certification status either through a written format or through the phone.

It is a well-known Federal regulation that every certified nursing assistant should be entered into a registry in order to determine their appropriateness for hiring by potential employers. This is a very strict requirement that everyone has to comply with if they wish to be employed as nursing assistants in the state. The state enforces a series of requirements which will have to be successfully accomplished by an applicant before he or she can be allowed to work on the state in the capacity of a caregiver or employee of a long-term care facility.

This involves getting an accredited training center for the training as well as successfully passing the training program itself. This means that one has to do their best in order to get the approval of their instructors in how they perform both in the classroom and clinical sessions of their training. After this, they will have to comply with the physical test and criminal background check that would be needed to ascertain whether they are viable for the position or not or whether they will be disqualified due to a previous conviction in crimes involving drugs, violence, and theft. You can find additional information about the NY nursing assistant requirements by clicking here.

Once you pass the certification exam, you will be allowed to work as a CNA in the state of New York. Provided that you are able to maintain the standards that are required in nursing facilities, you can enjoy a good employment until the time comes for you to renew your license. You will then have to submit a renewal form stating that you have accomplished the required number of paid hours in the capacity of a nursing assistant and that you have successfully completed any other requirements such as in-service and continuous education. You can contact the registry through their website if you have any further questions which are not answered in it.

New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry

The New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry is the ultimate resource for getting any type of information that you wish to know about being employed as a nurse aide in the state. They provide ample information with regards to the practice as well as the type of environment that you will be working on once you become eligible to be employed in a nursing facility. You can access a lot of useful information as well as downloadable forms which can be very important when you are planning to become a certified nurse aide in the state.

New Mexico Training and Nurse Aide Registry
2040 South Pacheco Street
2nd Floor, Rm 413
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Hours of operation: 8 AM -5 PM (MT)
Phone: 505-476-9040
Fax: 505-476-9026
NM CNA Confirmation Search

The registry is open for anyone who wishes to access additional information with regards to being a nurse aide in the state of New Mexico. You can contact their NAR Coordinator, Mrs. Delfinia Sandoval in order to learn more about the registry. Their physical address is in 2030 South Pacheco St., 2nd Floor. Rm 413, Sta. Fe, New Mexico. You can reach them through their NAR Automated Number of through their fax and office numbers. You can visit them at their office which is open from eight in the morning till five in the afternoon.

The website also has an online directory which is accessible to the public. Through the registry, anyone will be able to get the information that they need with regards to a particular nursing assistant that they wish to investigate. They only need to enter the name and license number of the employee that they wish to see on the search box. By clicking the search button, they will be able to see a background and a certification status check on the candidate. It is required by the state that all nurse aides will be listed on the registry first before getting hired on any type of facility in the state.

There are certain requirements which one has to comply with in order to gain a listing on the registry. The state requires undergoing an accredited training program as well as passing a physical and criminal background check before anyone can be placed in the registry. They also need to show that they have successfully passed the CNA certification exam together with the other requirements. Having any criminal conviction involving the use of drugs, violence, or felony shall disqualify a candidate from getting a certification. Currently the examination is conducted by Prometric. They are open from 7 AM – 4 PM and can be reached by phone toll free at (866) 391-1945. You can also visit this page for a full list of the New Mexico nursing assistant requirements.

The website also offers various links which can be helpful for a lot of nurse aides. They include a clinical skills checklist for those who will be taking the clinical exams; a downloadable form for renewal of registration or of changing some personal information; there is also a pamphlet containing the general instruction before taking the competency exam; and there are also reciprocity forms if in case you would like to work as a nurse aide in the state and you already have a certification from another. It is very easy to apply to and you only need to fill out the form and then send it to the registry. More information about these resources can be found by visiting: http://dhi.health.state.nm.us/NAR/nar.php

New Jersey Nurse Aide Certification Program

The New Jersey certification program has two distinct areas of coverage. Those which are under the long-term care facilities and those which provide personal care in assisted living facilities. Both of these groups work under the supervision of the program and will have to comply with its standards if they are to remain at their line of work. The state has their own competency program with which they are able to maintain and ascertain that quality health services are being delivered efficiently to the people who need them. CNAs work under a couple of health settings such as long term care facilities, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.

New Jersey Certification Program
Department of Health and Senior Services
P. O. Box 358
Trenton, NJ 08625-0358
Toll-free in NJ: 1-866-561-5914
Alternative Phone: 1-877-774-4243
Fax: 609-633-9087
NJ Online Public Registry Search

Nursing assistants are required to have a good grasp of the work if they intend to continue working in that capacity. They need the very basic skills and information that are required in order to efficiently provide the types of services that are needed by patients and also to ensure their certification by the state. The state has a variety of training programs where students can enroll to gain the knowledge that they need as well as the clinical experience to be able to fully grasp what their work will be like in the future. You can read more about the current New Jersey nurse aide certification requirements here.

After the training, the students will be required to undergo a certification exam which shall consist of both a written and a practical exam through which they will be able to demonstrate their capacity to perform the job according to the standards of the state. They will have to pass the competency exam to gain the certification that they need to be able to work in the different types of health facilities in the state. The program also regulates a lot of aspects in the health care field of New Jersey.

They include the licensing of healthcare facilities and healthcare workers; the development of licensing standards as well as creating some changes in those that are currently in use; the acceptance and rejection of competency exam applications; the inspection of health facilities to assure their capacity to provide sufficient health care; the investigation of complaints filed against health facilities and health workers; the enforcing of licensing regulations; the handling of Medicare programs; and the collection of information as well as the dissemination of appropriate materials that will be needed to enhance the quality of healthcare in the state.

The program is also in charge of surveying facilities in order to maintain a good standard in the field of healthcare services. They are the ones who inspect and conduct investigations on how efficient these facilities are in delivering the basic patient care that will be required from them by the people who go to their locations. They are also the ones who employ the standards for the licensing of health workers so that they can be allowed to work for the state without any type of hindrance or disqualification which may be harmful to the residents who are living in the state. You can also download forms and information at the program’s website.

New Hampshire Nursing Assistant Registry

The New Hampshire Board of Nursing is the entity which is responsible for keeping the health, life and public safety of those who are residing in the state. They are the organization which provides for the rules and regulations which will ensure that health services are done at their optimum level and that the public is kept from sub-standard health facilities and services. Those who wish to become licensed practical nurses in the state of New Hampshire would have to comply with the rules of the Board if they are to be allowed to work in the state in that capacity.

New Hampshire Board of Nursing
21 South Fruit Street, Suite 16
Concord NH 03301-2431
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Telephone: (603) 271-6282
Fax: (603) 271-6605
Email: boardquestions@nursing.state.nh.us
NH Online Licensing Verification

The role of a licensed practical nurse is enumerated by the Board of Nursing and they include maintaining the records of the patient such as their condition, progress, and the type of care that they are receiving; their temperature, pule, and respiratory rate; their personal maintenance such as grooming and arranging of bedding; entertainment and companionship to the resident; administering medications; preparing meals of the patient; providing assistance during check-ups and visits to the physician; and providing the physical exercises that they need for their health.

Aside from this, a licensed practical nurse, as nursing assistants are called in the state, are also sources of emotional support for the family and for the patient himself. So they are also supposed to have stable emotional conditions and should also be knowledgeable about handling emotional problems that the patient may have. This means that the nursing assistant must be a well-rounded individual and should not possess any characteristic that will be detrimental to the life of their patients.

There is an expected growth in the number of employment of licensed practical nurses in the state of New Hampshire which is supposed to be at least 60% for the next few years. As of today, there are more than two thousand licensed practical nurses here and an average of 174 job openings is available each year. Licensed practical nurses undergo a special kind of training before they can be certified and be allowed to work on nursing facilities. They will also need a high school diploma before they can be allowed to enroll for the said training as a policy of the state. It is through the Department of Health and Human Services that these licensed practical nurses are regulated by the state as well as their education and employment as well.

The Board of Nursing is New Hampshire’s agency through which they conduct the safekeeping of the health of their citizens and also protects them from poor quality health services. You can find a lot more additional information regarding the state and requirements by visiting the Board’s Nursing Assistant Registry website. There are a few helpful links which can guide you to the step by step process of becoming a licensed practical nurse as well as the type of requirements that you would need to fulfill for you to be entered into a registry. In addition you can read about the NH nursing assistant requirements by visiting this page.

Nevada State Board of Nursing

The Nevada State Board of Nursing handles the list of eligible individuals who can work as certified nursing assistants in the state of Nevada. The state requires a number of things before one can be approved as a nursing assistant. The candidate has to comply with the training & license requirements before he or she can be entered into the state’s nursing aide registry and be eligible to work. Being included in the registry, means that one has an active status without any disqualifying conditions, and can be legally employed in any nursing facility in the state.

Nevada State Board of Nursing
2500 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 207
Las Vegas, NV 89102-4392
Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Mon-Fri
Telephone: (702) 486-5800
Toll Free: (888) 590-6726
FAX:(702) 486-5803
Email: nursingboard@nsbn.state.nv.us
NV License Certificate Verification

The Board of Nursing is the one responsible for the administration and creation of state rules and policies with regards to health workers and health facilities. A candidate for nursing assistant must possess the following qualifications before he or she can be admitted. There are several areas or aspects which an individual must pass before they can be admitted to an accredited nurse aide training program.

On the Physical aspect, the applicant must be able to do various physical activities such as twisting, climbing, walking, and lifting for extended periods of time. They should also be able to carry, push and manipulate things with ease. On the Intellectual level, they should be able to possess the skills of writing and recording reports, perform mathematical functions, communicate in English effectively, and critical thinking. They also should possess sound mental health and should not have any impulse with which they may harm or injure other persons. You can read about all of the Nevada nursing assistant requirements on this page.

After passing the said qualifications, they can now proceed to CNA training programs where they will have both classroom and clinical sessions in order to learn the skills and information that they will use for their job. After that, they would have to pass the competency exam administered by the state as well as be able to maintain their active status by working for a minimum set of hours for each 24 month period.

Looking up the CNA status of nursing assistants is easy to do by logging on to the website’s online registry. Through the Certificate Verification System of the Nevada State Board of Nursing, you will be able to check whether the individual has a current active status or if there had been disciplinary actions imposed against the worker. The registry is updated every 5 pm each working day so you can expect to get accurate results each time you look on the registry. You can only be able to verify a nurse aides status in Nevada through their online verification system.

Nursing assistants can also change or add information to their accounts by logging in at the website. You can update your name and address by downloading the appropriate form and filling out the necessary information. You also need to attach the appropriate documents to certify your name change. As to renewal of licenses, the registry can also be accessed to perform an online renewal. You simply need to key in your Social Security Number and password and you can easily renew your status through the internet. The charge for a CNA renewal of license if $50.

Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry

The Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry includes the list of persons who have been certified by the state to administer the services of a nursing assistant. The directory shows the list of persons who can be allowed to work in long term care facilities across the state and who have successfully complied with state regulations. You can look for a certain nursing assistant’s information by searching the registry and by entering the required words on the search fields. In addition you can search for the validity of a business, service, or facility located in the state.

Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry
PO Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
Phone: 402-471-0537
Fax: 402-471-1066
Email: DHHS.Helpline@nebraska.gov
NE License Information System Search

The state of Nebraska requires individuals to undergo the required CNA training in order for them to be entered into the registry. The required number of hours of training is 75 hours which shall include both a classroom and clinical session. Passing the written and skills test will also be needed in order to become a certified nursing assistant. The state also requires that the individual be at least 16 years old at the time of the application; can understand and write the English language; and pass the competency evaluation administered by the state. The candidate should not also have any record of conviction with crimes which are related to drugs, theft, felony, and violence. You can learn more about the recent nurse aide certification requirements in Nebraska by clicking here.

There is also other important information which is contained in the registry. You can request for name and address changes which can be done by downloading the appropriate form. There are also links to candidate handbooks and health care educational materials which can be helpful when you are either a student or a working nurse aide already. You can also file complaints of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property by logging on the registry.

The License Information System can be accessed by clicking on the appropriate button on the screen. You will then have to click on the License Search which will turn up a list of individuals who have a particular class of license. You can also change the field to all types of licenses in order to get a more comprehensive result of the certifications available. You can enter either a full or partial name in order to get similar results on your screen. You can scan the result and click on the name of the person that you are looking for. There is no expiry date for nursing assistants in Nebraska as long as they are continually working in the capacity of the job. They will automatically be entered into the registry by showing proof of employment.

The types of status that you can see on the results page can range from Active, Lapsed, or Ineligible. An active status means that the CNA has continued to work for the last two years as a paid employee. This means that they can be hired by employers. A Lapsed status means that the worker have not submitted any proof of employment for the last two years or has failed to submit his or her test scores. While the Ineligible status denotes having some disciplinary action imposed on the worker due to abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of a resident’s property and that the person cannot be employed.

Montana Nursing Assistant Registry

The Montana Nursing Assistant Registry lists the names of individuals who have acquired a certification as a nursing assistant from the state. The website however, does not show any criminal background information with regards to the said candidates and you may have to check on other departments to see whether they have criminal convictions or not. You can visit the Office of Inspector General to see which candidates are ineligible for work as a CNA in the state of Montana and also the Montana Correctional Offender Network.

Montana Nurse Aide Registry
2401 Colonial Drive, 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 202953
Helena, MT 59620-2953
Phone: 406-444-4980
Fax: 406-444-3456
Email: help-desk@egovmt.com
MT Licensee Lookup System

As of January 2012, the state has ceased producing any paper certificate for successful candidates who have passed the certification exams for nursing assistants. Hence, anyone who is interested to learn about their certification status or to renew it can do so by logging in to the registry. No paper notifications will also be sent for certificate renewals. The renewal of CNA certifications are to be done before or during the date of the expiration of the certification. The form can be downloaded directly from the website and needs to be filled out by both the worker and his or her current employer.

If the expiration date of your certification has already lapsed, you can only be entered into the registry again by retaking a nurse aide training program or by taking the certification exam again. The exam is conducted by Headmaster and you will need to contact them at their website to request for an application to test. You can also apply for reciprocity in the state of Montana by filling out the appropriate form and sending the registry a copy of your certification from another state. It may take several weeks before your application can be approved. You can read more about current Montana nurse aide requirements here.

In the registry, you can look up a nursing assistant by keying in their name or their license number. You can also do a random search by entering a partial name and you can have a list of nursing assistants who have the same or similar name on your screen. You can then select from the said list which candidate you are looking for. Once you have chosen the appropriate candidate, you can click on their name and you will get a result showing information with regard to the applicant. You will be able to see personal information such as contact number and address, as well as the status of their certification and their license type. You can also see if there had been any disciplinary action which has been imposed on the employee.

You can also look for a particular worker in the registry by keying in a zip code, city, or county. The results will give you several nurse aides who are currently living within the location. The CNA verification and lookup system was established to provide employers with an easier method to ascertain whether a candidate or applicant is eligible for hiring. This way, they can easily get the information that they are looking for without having to personally go to the Nursing Board.

Missouri Certified Nurse Assistant Registry

The Missouri Certified Nurse Assistant Registry provides the list of eligible nursing assistants who can be employed by long-term care facilities as health workers. They are those who have complied with the state’s regulations with regards to completion of an accredited training program, have passed the state’s competency exam and have continuously complied with the required number of work hours needed in order to remain in the registry. To know whether an applicant has a current active status on the registry, you will need to visit the registry’s website.

Missouri CNA Registry
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570
Attn: Health Education Unit
Phone: 573-526-5686
Fax: 573-526-7656
Email: info@health.mo.gov
MO Certified Nurse aide Registry Search

On the registry, there are several types of license status which you can encounter depending on the nurse assistant’s work. There is the Missouri Registry Active CNA Status which means that the nurse assistant was able to comply with all the regulations and can be employed by a nursing facility. This means that the he or she also has continuously worked for a certain amount of required hours in order to remain in the registry. If you want to hire the said health care worker for their services, you can do so.

The next is the Missouri Registry Inactive Status. This means that the worker has taken and passed an accredited nurse aide training and has passed the competency exam but was not able to provide evidence of any paid work for the past 24 months in the capacity of a nursing assistant. Once the applicant fails to comply with the said requirement, his or her registry status will be inactive and they may not be hired in any long term care facility. The applicant must then file a request to change his or her status to active by showing any proof or evidence of paid employment.

The Expired Status means that the person has not worked as a nursing assistant for at least 1 day for the past 5 consecutive years. They can file a request for a status change by providing proof that they have worked for at least 1 day as a paid nursing assistant in an accredited facility. This also means that the person cannot be hired and will have to retake a training program again.

One thing that employers should look for when searching for nursing assistants in the registry is the Federal Indicator. This is a note which is attached to the profile of the nursing assistant which shows any record of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of any personal property of a resident. The employer has to look this record up first before employing anybody in the capacity of a nursing assistant.

The Registry is also a way for employers to request reimbursement for Medicaid billings. They only need to enter the nurse assistant’s full name and social security number in order to avail of the said reimbursement. You can visit the website to learn more about the services that are being offered by Missouri Certified Nurse Assistant Registry and to acquire information regarding the licensure status of a particular potential employee that you wish to hire. you can read more about MO nurse aide requirements to become certified to work on this page.

Mississippi Board of Nursing

The Mississippi Board of Nursing maintains the state’s nurse aide registry. The registry can be accessed online by logging on the Board’s website and is also available free of charge. You can find important information with regards to the certification status of a particular nursing aide for employment purposes or to verify that a license is currently active. It is important to know the current licensure status of nursing aides to determine whether they are or they are not eligible for the work that they are applying for.

Mississippi Board of Nursing
1080 River Oaks Drive, Suite A100
Flowood, MS 39232
Phone: (601) 664-9303
Registry Managed by Pearson VUE
PO Box 13785
Philadelphia, PA 19101-3785
Phone: 888-204-6213
Email: pearsonvuecustomerservice@pearson.com
MS Nurse Aide Certification Search

The nursing aide registry lists the number of persons which has a nursing aide certification in the state. They include those that have a current and active status, those that have an inactive status, and those who have records of abuse, neglect and misappropriation of property of residents in nursing facilities. If you want to know the said information in relation to a nursing assistant, you can search the nursing aide registry for free.

The page also includes important information for those who wish to take the nursing aide certification exam. The site contains literature which contains significant helps and tips about acquiring a nursing aide license in Mississippi. You can apply to take a competency exam, learn about testing centers, and find the schedule and dates of subsequent exams if ever you fail on your first take. The files are in PDF format and you may have to download this program in order to read these files.

The website also includes a Candidate Handbook which you can read and refer to when you wish to work as a nursing aide. It contains the required number of hours that you need to finish when undergoing a CNA training program, the skills that you will need to learn, and the particular pre-enrollment requirements for you to be eligible for the state competency exam.

The state exam will require particular things such as a permit, fees, outline of the test, testing center rules, as well as the schedule and address of the examination. You will need to submit the needed requirements to the Board for you to obtain a permit to take the exam. If you are looking for reciprocity, you can also find significant information in the Board’s webpage. You will learn about the required documents as well as what to do when your license has expired or you need to take another certification exam. You can also get additional information about MS nurse aide requirements by clicking here.

The Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry can be easily accessed by logging on to the Board’s website. You will need to enter the nurse aide’s name either complete or incomplete, and the registry will provide you with a list of possible candidates. You can also do your search by keying in the nurse aide’s certification number or Social Security Number which will also turn up a list of candidates. You can enter an asterisk on the field if you are not sure about the candidate’s full name or number. The Board requires certain fees in order to renew your nursing aide certification and to remain on the registry.

Minnesota Department of Health Nursing Assistant Registry

The Minnesota Department of Health Nursing Assistant Registry provides the necessary information that you need when verifying the certification status of a nursing assistant in the state. It is important for employers to verify the certification of a nursing assistant first before hiring them as the state does not allow the hiring of such assistants when their names are not included in the registry. The verification can be done easily as it only takes a few simple steps to perform. The results will be provided once you have called to speak with a registry representative and provided the appropriate name and social security number for identification purposes.

Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry
P.O. Box 64501
St. Paul, MN 55164-0501
Telephone: (651) 215-8705
Toll Free in Greater Minnesota: 1-800-397-6124
Hours of Operation: M-F, 9:00a.m. and 3:00p.m.
Email: health.FPC-NAR@state.mn.us

According to the rules of the state, no one can be allowed to work as a nursing assistant in any long term care facility unless their names had been entered into the registry. To place your name on the registry, you will have to finish an accredited training program first and then successfully pass the competency exam which is conducted by the state. It involves both a written and a skills exam which has to be passed. You can also be placed in the Registry if you are currently in a good standing from another registry in the U.S.

If you wish to work in Minnesota as a nursing assistant and you have a current active license in another state, you can apply for an Interstate Endorsement Form. You can fill up the form electronically or you can download it and have it sent to the Registry. You will have to wait for about a month in order to have your name included in the state’s nurse aide registry.

To maintain an active status on the registry, you will have to provide at least eight hours of paid employment in the capacity of a nursing assistant for every 24 consecutive months. Failing to provide the said employment shall render your status inactive on the registry. You will need to contact the registry to find if your employer is included on the registry’s list and if your employment in them would qualify for the said 8 hour work. It is important to have duties and responsibilities which are congruent to the tasks of a CNA or they shall be deemed void. You will not be required to do inservice work in order to stay on the registry. You can read more about MN nurse aide requirements here.

The registry does not issue any paper or duplicate copies of your nursing assistant certification. You can however request for a copy if you have tested for the certification exam within the last 24 months. You will be asked for a small fee for the processing of the certificate. Name and address changes should be sent directly to the registry. You must furnish a copy of a legal document showing your name change and you can easily call the registry for an address change. There is an available update form which you can download from the website in order to change any personal or employment information or if you wish to provide additional information to your profile.

Michigan Long Term Care Division and Nurse Aid Registry

The Michigan Long Term Care Division and Nurse Aid registry provides up-to-date information with regards to the names of certified nurse aids which can be employed in the state. The law requires every state to maintain their own nurse aide registries and this is the state’s compliance with that law. If you are looking to verify a particular nursing assistant’s license status, you can visit the state’s website to obtain an answer. The registry is easy to use and you can gain instant access to the needed information without much hassle.

Michigan Nurse Aide Registry
PO Box 30670
Lansing, MI 48909-8170
Phone: 517-241-0554
Fax: 517-241-9416
Managed By:
Prometric – MI
1260 Energy Lane
St. Paul, MN 55108
1-800-752-4724
Email: MICNA@prometric.com
MI Health care Services License Verification

If you are a nurse aide and would like to know what your current nursing aide certification status is, you can also create your own account which you can use to add or change any information with regards to your nurse aide license. You can also download or fill-up the online renewal application form which can be found at the website. It is important to keep updated information about your employment status as well as any name or address change so the Division can easily locate you. The website also features a bulletin which candidates can use to learn about recent developments in the registry.

The registry however has employed a new format when it comes to nurse aide searches. The new platform will not show any list of possible or suggested candidates when you enter an incomplete search criteria such as a partial name or number search. You will need to enter the full name of the candidate if you wish to see their licensure information. You will also need to enter the full certificate number of the nurse aide if you do not know what their exact name is.

The Long Term Care Division is responsible for maintaining the registry as well as providing important information about certification and recertification of nursing assistants. It also administers the policies about nursing aide training as well as keeps a list of accredited training centers and facilities where one can enroll. You can also find the Facilities and Complaint Division where you can file any report of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property done by a nursing assistant in a long-term care center.

The Division also includes the Long Term Care Workforce Background Check which is responsible for the state and federal criminal background check which candidates have to pass in order to be eligible for the registry. Any previous conviction of crimes involving theft, violence, and drugs shall render a candidate unallowable for the said type of work. You can read more about recent MI certification requirements for nurse aides here.

When you visit the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry, you will be able to access valuable information regarding the state certification status of a nurse aide. You can easily verify if there had been any proven complaints about the candidate, the status of the certification or if he or she is in a good standing in the registry. You can contact their office if you have any further questions or complaints which cannot be answered by the website alone.

Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry Program

The Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry Program or NARP provides the essential information that you need when it comes to certified nursing assistants. The program was created in response to the directives of the OBRA requiring all states to have a nurse aide registry. The program performs several functions which are intended to aid the needs of the public when it comes to health care services. It serves as a way to ensure that medical standards are being kept throughout the state and that the public can safely hire any nursing assistant who has the best capacity to perform these services.

Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry Program
99 Chauncy Street, 2nd Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02111
Telephone: (617) 753-8144
Nurse Aide Testing Office: (781) 979-4010
Testing Office Toll Free: (800) 962-4337
24 Hour Verification Status: (617) 753-8192
License Renewal: (617) 753-8144

The NARP has several functions to which they intend to serve the public. The first is to approve and monitor nursing aide training programs. The state imposed several requirements for nursing aid training facilities in order to make sure that the highest standards are being met to develop and train these health workers. They have to make sure that all operating training centers are inspected and checked for compliance to these standards and that they are delivering the required training from them.

Next, the registry program is also given the task of overseeing nursing aide competency evaluation program or certification exams. Thus they are the ones who will be promulgating the required skills and tests which shall be administered during the certification of nursing aides. They will also have a part in observing and checking these tests as required. This provides for a uniform standard of skills and knowledge that all nursing assistants should possess in order to work in the state.

The third, is the maintenance of the Nurse Aide Registry where all certified CNAs shall be recorded and be published for public use. They will be the ones to update the information contained in the registry including certification status, records of abuse or neglect, and other pertinent information regarding nurse aides.

The next job of the NARP is to supervise the renewal of nurse aide certification every two years. They will be the ones responsible for the receipt of the required documents which are needed in order for a nursing assistant to renew his or her license. They will also be responsible for the reimbursement of training and testing costs to the trainee who was able to comply with the state’s requirements. Aside from having the list of certified nursing assistants, they also maintain the list of accredited health care facilities which can be found in the state. One will be able to check the accredited and legal health care centers where they can seek medical assistance.

The state requires that all employers should check the certification status of nursing aides through the registry before hiring any of them. The directory listing is regularly updated and is a reliable source of such information. Nursing homes and other health care facilities are not allowed to hire a CNA if they have not contacted the NARP first and have ascertained the current certification of an applicant. This can be easily done as the registry can be accessed online. You can read more about MA nurse aide certification requirements here.

Maryland Board of Nursing

If you wish to learn more about the nursing assistant programs as well as the current certified aides in Maryland, you need to visit the Maryland Board of Nursing. You can easily check the nursing assistant’s certification status by logging on to their website as well as keying in the workers name and certification or social security number. There is no fee required in order in order to use this service making it very beneficial for anyone who wishes to get relevant information concerning whether a worker has a valid active license, without any issues of neglect, or complaints in the state database.

Maryland Board of Nursing
4140 Patterson Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland, 21215-2254
Main Phone: 410-585-1900
Toll Free: 1-888-202-9861
CNA Certification: 410-585-1990
Toll-Free: 877-847-0626
Renewal Desk: 410-585-1938
Fax Number: 410-764-8042
24 hour Verification System: 410-585-1994
MD Online Licensee Verification

The state of Maryland has made it possible to acquire this information through their online registry. One can have easy access as there are no restricting requirements aside from the required CNA number. The most important aspect of the registry is to provide the Social Security Number of the said licensee or the applicant’s Federal Tax ID Number. This will help verify the identity of the nurse aide and will also make it easier to collect information regarding them. The registry also contains important information which is related to best practices for those in this line of work. You can get quick links to nursing assistant organizations which can aid in the development of these workers. These organizations provide informational, skills, and even financial aid to help people with their career and other needs. There are also support groups which can lend knowledge and experience to certain issues that these employees may face at work.

The state of Maryland does not issue any paper certificate to certified nursing assistants within their state. Those in this occupation can only check their certification status by logging on to the online registry and checking their name on the list, calling the Renewal Desk, or the 24 hour verification system. If the applicant has recently taken the certification exam, it may take a few weeks in order to see their name on the registry.

The state has made online verification as the major source of information when it comes to hiring or employing nursing assistants. As they will no longer be printing any paper certification, the registry will be your main source when it comes to licensing issues as well as status verification. The state however does not claim any responsibility to any wrong or lack of information with regards to the status of a listing. You will still need to check with the Department of Health to ensure the correctness of the information.

The process of verifying the certification status of a nurse aide can be done through several types of information. You can either enter the workers name, the nursing assistant certification number, the social security number, or a valid email address. Any of the said information can lead you to the health care worker information that you would like to access. After keying these in, you can determine whether the aide has a current good standing on the registry or has some complaints with regard to resident abuse or neglect in the state. A complaint which can be substantiated by the Board will lead to a revocation of license and shall be banned from working in the state as a nursing assistant in the future.

Click this link to read more about nursing assistant certification requirements in Maryland.

Maine Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants

The Maine Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants is the easiest way to determine the certification status of a CNA. It is an online list of nursing assistants in the state of Maine who are allowed to be employed in any licensed nursing facility to provide direct health care to residents. Without the certification or inclusion of the nurse aides name on the registry, he or she may not be allowed to work within the state. Health care workers can visit the website to check their status and to renew them if they are nearing their expiration dates.

Maine Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants
State House Station #11
41 Anthony Avenue
Augusta Maine 04333
Phone: 1-800-791-4080
Alternative Phone: (207)287-9300
Email: dlrs.cnaregistry@maine.gov
Search the Maine CNA Registry

The state of Maine offers this public service in order to deliver the best health care services to their residents. The online registry makes sure that the persons who are listed therein have the best capacity to perform the nursing aide work that they will be required to do in a healthcare facility. This helps to protect consumers from the wrong health care workers who may have a complaint against neglect or abuse from a former institution. Allowing the public to know firsthand the current certification status of a CNA helps them to acquire the best services that they need.

Although the state generally does not allow nurse aides to work without a certification, there is a provisional period whereby they can apply and work as a health care provider in an accredited healthcare setting provided that they are under direct supervision of a registered nurse. They can be hired for as long as four months if they have recently graduated from a training course and have not yet received the results of their examinations. It is important to note that this is only for four months. It cannot be extended and if it can be proved that the nursing assistant has failed to take the certification exam at the required period, he or she may have to undergo training again.

The registry was created by the state of Maine in order to provide several functions to the public as a whole. First, they are to respond to any inquiry that the public may have with regards to health care services or policies that the government has instituted. They are also to provide protection to the residents of Maine by including significant information with regards to health workers such as annotations of substantiated complaints and other pertinent issues. They are also to provide relevant information for health workers such as nursing assistants so they can help improve the knowledge and skills of these workers. Lastly, they are also to represent and participate in court hearings where their knowledge and information would be of significant use.

Looking up the certification status of a CNA will be very easy through the state’s online nurse aide registry. You only need to key in the correct information on their designated slots such as name, last name, and social security number in order to get the information that you want. The website is easy to use as there not a lot of requirements and they are also for free. If you want to learn more about the Maine nurse aide certification requirements visit this page.

Kentucky Board of Nursing

The Kentucky Board of Nursing is the one who is responsible for maintaining the list of certified nursing assistants which are available. You can easily check on the status of such nurse aide by logging on to the Board’s website and clicking on the registry link. There are also other useful links on the site which can lead you to important information such as renewal of certification or reciprocity applications. If you wish to make sure that you are employable or that an applicant can be hired, you have to log-in on their site and then enter the required specification for the CNA search.

Kentucky Board of Nursing
312 Whittington Pky Suite 300
Louisville, KY 40222
Phone: 502-429-3300
Toll Free: 1-800-305-2042
Fax: 502-429-3311
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
KY Nurse Aide License Validation Search

The Board’s nurse aide registry contains all the currently certified nursing assistants which are employable as well as those whose licenses have been revoked due to neglect or abuse complaints that have been proven through proper proceedings. Having a certification does not necessarily imply that you have a good standing on your state and that you can easily find a nursing aide work. There can be annotations which can be attached to your name on the registry which employers can check. So you will need to stick with the Board’s standards on nursing aide services if you wish to continue working as a nurse aide in the state.

The state of Kentucky has a different term for nursing assistants in their state; these are called State Registered Nurse Aides or SRNA. The candidates are also provided with their own SRNA numbers which they can use in order to check their certification status through the website. These numbers are used to identify the nursing assistant aside from their name on the registry. You can easily look for a CNA by keying in their SRNA number and their last name.

This service has been offered by the state in order to help ease the procedure of looking up a nursing assistants certification status. Through the website, they can easily be notified of their need to renew or to provide recent information with regards to status, name change, or change of address. This way, the nursing aide will find it a lot easier to verify and check whether they can still be hired by healthcare facilities and if there are any issues which are related to their certification. The website has online forms and applications which can be downloaded easily if you wish to renew or to change your personal information.

A CNA will remain on the active status on the registry if they can maintain an employment of at least 8 hours within 24 months in a state accredited nursing facility. They have to provide this information in order to stay on the registry list. Without their name on the list, they cannot be hired by any healthcare facility. You can also apply for renewal and reciprocity through the online application forms which are available in the website. You only have to download it, then send it to the state’s Board of Nursing together with the required documents that will be needed for the reciprocity. You can read more about the recent Kentucky certification requirements for nursing assistants by visiting this page.

Kansas Nurse Aide Registry

The Kansas Nurse Aide Registry provides the most up-to-date information regarding the licensure status of the CNAs which are available in the state. If you wish to look up your own or another employees registry status, you can easily do so by logging on to their website directory and conducting a search. There is always fresh information which you can receive from the site in order to determine your current status. This makes it easier for nursing assistants to renew their licenses when their expiration date is coming near and for employers to verify a license before hiring.

Kansas Nurse Aide Registry
1000 SW Jackson Street, Suite 200
Topeka, KS 66612-1365
Phone: 785-296-1240
KNAR Phone: 785-296-6877
Fax: 785-296-3075
Email: CERTIFICATION@kdads.ks.gov
KS Certification Verification Search

The Kansas Nurse Aide Registry is maintained by the Kansas Board of Nursing which also handles the licensing process of nursing aides. They provide the policies and regulations which are intended to guide the nursing practices in the state thereby producing only the best quality of health care services available to its residents. If you wish to become a nurse aide in the state, you will need to learn about the different requirements which are needed for your certification. You can read more about KS nurse aide requirements by clicking here.

The registry is a public service provided by the state of Kansas in order to facilitate the faster processing of nursing assistant information. Through the web, people would be able to learn whether certain applicants could be accepted or not through the online webpage which provides the list of certified and revoked worker licenses. This makes it safer for the public to hire health care workers when they need them without having to go through a lot of procedures on the Board of Nursing offices. Anybody who is interested in knowing the current certification status of a particular nursing aide, can easily acquire the information that they need through the online-based registry system.

The registry does not only cater to nursing assistants. They also provide licensure information to other healthcare workers such as home health aides, medication aides, and certified medication aides. You also gain access to healthcare facilities such as adult care homes, hospitals, home health agencies, or staffing agencies. This makes it easier for the public to know whether the institution that they will be going to is certified by the state to be a safe and secure facility and whether it can provide the services that they need or not.

You can look up the licensure status of a particular nursing aide by entering the required fields which are indicated by the site. These are the person’s first and last name, their Social Security Number, and the credential number of the particular CNA that you would like to look up. These should be provided by the applicant when applying to healthcare institutions. You can do a wildcard search by putting an asterisk mark before or after the first three letters of the applicant’s last name. The site will then provide you with a list of possible candidates from which you can choose. You also need to remove the zeros which are located at the beginning of the applicant’s credential number in order to gain access to their information.

Indiana Certified Nurse Aide Registration Program

The Indiana Certified Nurse Aide Registration Program is an easy way to access ones accounts from the Indiana’s Department of Health. Through the online registry, nurse aides are allowed to check their current status as a CNA and will be able to access other relevant information about their work history. The registry can be accessed online and is available free of charge to those who are looking for licensed nurse aides whom they wish to hire. Only those who have a current and active status are allowed to be employed in Indiana.

Indiana Certified Nurse Aide Registration Program
2 North Meridian Street, 4B
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Long Term Care Receptionist: (317) 233-7442
ISDH Main Phone Line: (317) 233-1325
Aide Registry Program Manager
Contact: Darlene Jones
Phone: (317) 233-7351
Email: dkjones@isdh.in.gov
Aide Education and Training Program Manager
Contact: Gina Berkshire
Phone: (317) 233-7497
Email: gberkshire@isdh.in.gov
Search IN Online Licensing Registry

The website caters to both nurse aides and employers who wish to update information with regards to their licensure status. It allows employees to renew their certification online without the need to personally go and submit documents to the office of the Department of Health. As an employer, you will also be able to look up a particular employee and see his or her work history and whether or not there are current disputes about their work. This way, you will be able to see if they have any record of abuse or neglect which would lead to the revocation or cancellation of their licenses which will exclude them from being hired at any nursing facility.

The state of Indiana had allowed the easy processing of renewal of licenses through their online website. The CNA only has to key in his or her license number and then continue with the renewal of their licenses. They can also ask for printouts of their licenses and cards through the website. Although the process of acquiring a nurse aide certification in Indiana can be difficult, the renewal of licenses can easily be done. You can contact the Department of Health, Division of Long Term Care if you wish to have additional information about their services.

To become certified to work, you should undergo a state accredited training program in Indiana and should be able to comply with the required number of hours of training. You should also pass the physical and criminal background check which will determine your fitness for the job as well as your ability to get hired. Those who have past convictions with cases involving theft, felony, drugs and violence will not be allowed to work as a nursing assistant in the state of Indiana. You will need to pass both of these tests before you can even take the state certification examinations. You can read more about all of the current IN nursing assistant certification requirements here.

To access the Indiana Certified Nurse Aide Registration Program, you have to visit the state’s Department of Health. You can access the information that you need about a particular CNA by keying in their social security number at the box provided. The service is provided for free and there is no fee that is required in order to gain such information. At the website, you will also be able to learn about the recent health policies and bulletins of the Department. You can file a complaint against a health care worker for abuse of neglect or a training facility also by logging in to this website.

Idaho Nursing Assistant Registry

The Idaho Board of Nursing maintains the list of registered nurses who are capable of delegating tasks and duties to Unlicensed Assistive Personnel which is commonly called as nursing assistants in other states. You can search for those who have an active license through the Prometric website which handles this information for the state of ID.

Idaho Nurse Aide Registry
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0036
Phone: 208-334-6620,
Toll Free: 800-748-2480
Fax: 208-334-6629
Managed by: Prometric Idaho
1260 Energy Lane
St Paul MN 55108
Phone: 888-843-2341
Fax: 800-347-9242
Email: IDCNA@prometric.com
Search for Certified Nurse Aides in Idaho

The state does not issue licenses to such healthcare workers and one will not be able to find a list of CNAs from their government run website. However, although this is the case in this particular state, they still have courses and training centers which provide the necessary skills and teaching for this type of occupation. And they are able to maintain the quality of work of such personnel through the rules that they have for the delegation of duties to such workers.

The Bureau of Facility Standards is the one which is responsible for managing these types of workers. They are required to undergo training at accredited facilities or schools which offer the said courses. Such schools include the College of Western Idaho, College of Southern Idaho, the Eastern Idaho Technical College, Idaho State University, and the Lewis-Clarke State College. You can visit either of these schools to learn more about the state’s rules and requirements with regards to the training of UAPs. The training will take 120 hours to finish and this includes classroom sessions as well as a clinical rotation where students will be able to work with real residents.

After finishing the training course, the state also needs you to pass the exams which will determine if you are fit to work as a UAP under the supervision of a licensed nurse. You will have to contact the Bureau in order to obtain a permission to take the examination. Those who have finished one semester of a nursing course can also apply to take the exams provided they are able to furnish the Bureau with a copy of their transcript. The exam is composed of two parts requiring you to pass both a written and a skills test showing your aptitude for the said work.

If you have a current and active status as a nursing assistant in another state, you can apply for reciprocity if you wish to work in Idaho. You will need to contact the Bureau and will provide you with a list of their requirements for you to fill out. You will however, still be required to take the examinations for UAPs in order to determine if you can pass the state’s standards. What will be issued is not a license or certification but an approval for you to work under the supervision of a licensed nurse. There is no charge for the transaction and you will still retain your current CNA certification from the other state.

If you wish to learn more about the state’s rules regarding CNAs, you can contact the Department of Health and Welfare using the contact details above. They can be easily accessed as they also have an online website where the public can obtain information regarding the state’s policies when it comes to health and their various health services. You can also read more about the ID nurse aide certification requirements here.

Red Cross Nursing Assistant Training

Nursing assistant training by the Red Cross can be your ticket to entering the medical field with only a few months and even weeks of theoretical and hands on experience. Most students who think about taking the best possible and most reliable training program for CNAs should definitely check the training courses offered by the Red Cross. Being trained under the most trusted and one of the oldest institutions in the US is definitely an advantage. Aside from that, you also get the chance to take the certification exams where you have taken your training.

The certification training which is provided lasts from a few weeks to a few months depending on the schedule and the branch where you enroll. The least amount of time that you could spend would be for four weeks which will include classroom instructions as well as practical and hands on training at a medical facility which could be the Red Cross facility itself. They also have special classrooms where students can practice what they have learned immediately after the classroom instructions. These rooms contain modern equipments which are similar to those which the student would also use when they become employed in medical facilities.

The faculty in these trainings include the best and the most well-experienced medical professionals in their field. This is the reason why students who graduate from a Red Cross facility are one of the most capable nursing assistants who becomes employed. You will enjoy learning from the personal experiences of your instructors and you will also get the answers to any questions that you may have with regards to the type of work that you will be having. Most of the time, you will get some unique insights as to the overall outlook of your job by asking your instructors directly.

To enroll in their CNA training, you will need to attend one of their mandatory orientations first. You will need to sign-up for this before you can enroll to their program. You will also take a series of tests such as a reading test, a physical exam – which will require you to move and lift weights in order to determine if you are capable of doing the tasks that most nurse aides do – and you will also need to pass a criminal background check which will be conducted by the FBI. This is to ensure that you do not have any disqualifying convictions when the time comes for you to apply.

The training fee usually costs about $1,000 or more depending on the facility which will be conducting the training. If you are financially incapacitated to provide this amount, you may apply for grants and other forms of financial aid which are available through nursing organizations and state programs. You will need to be at least 16 years of age when you take the certification exam after finishing the training program. You can check the available schedules of training by visiting the nearest Red Cross facility in your area.

CNA Testing

Testing is a necessary part of your your nursing assistant training. This exam will help prepare you for the skills required to preform the job of being a certified nursing assistant and help you meet the requirements of your state. State exams are a requirement to receive your certification. Read on to discover what you can expect when taking a CNA exam.

Once you have been accepted as a nursing assistant at a health facility, you will be required to take an exam for certification. While some health facilities may hire you even though you are not certified, you will still earn more if you will take the exam. With it, you will be able to progress to higher positions. Even though you are not that good in taking exams, there is still hope. After all, nursing assistant testing is different from other types of exams. It is a combination of written and skill-based testing. After all, nurses will only want to hire an assistant that knows what they are doing.

But before you can tackle the exam, you first need to be familiar with it. First, you must know that the nurse aide exam is composed of two parts namely the written part and the clinical part. The written part is usually based on common sense theoretical practices you learned during your classroom instruction. In here, you will be asked about what you have learned and how you are going to tackle the situation. On the other hand, for the clinical exam you will need to physically demonstrate different commonly used skills and tasks. They may bring a patient with them so you can demonstrate your skills in a real-life medical setting. This is a good measure of whether or not you have the capability to cope with the responsibilities of a nursing assistant.

The written part is really not that hard. As long as you have reviewed all of your books and handouts, then you will do well. It is better to study on the same state where you will take the test. Remember that tests may vary depending on the state. This will save you the trouble about wondering why the test is different from the handouts of another state. If you attended your nursing assistance training religiously and you have reviewed all of the paperwork they have given, then you will do well on this part. On the other hand, the clinical part will require more skills than brain power. I have encountered a lot of people who are nervous about this part of the exam. This exam will be executed with another person looking over you. This is done because you are not yet a professional. You may do some things that can endanger the patient’s welfare. With this, it is very important that you have taken your skill training seriously. That way, you will know what to do when the situation calls for it.

As you can see, taking the state examinations is not hard if you made the necessary preparations. This is the reason why CNA training is a must. It will help you to be familiar with all the tasks that you have to do as well as get the knowledge that you need for your written exam.

How to Become an RN or Registered Nurse

These days a lot of aspiring students take up nursing due to the increasing demand for health care workforce and the greener pasture this career path is about to offer. Among the nursing service team, a registered nurse is one of the most respectable and knowledge-equipped personnel that provides quality and safe nursing care. Like any other profession, becoming an R.N. requires a step-by-step procedure on how to obtain a license to practice nursing.

Initially, every nurse trainee must secure the proper educational course to take in order to become a registered nurse. A number of nursing courses and degrees are available that can be pursued in relation to licensure as a registered nurse.

There are three most common ways to become a RN. The most typical path is taking up an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in which it only requires the student to attend a two-year program at a junior or community college. Having a diploma program is the second choice which lasts for about three years and is available through hospitals. Lastly, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, like any other degree programs, requires four school years to finish and is granted by a university or college.

The first two years of the BSN program focus on human anatomy and physiology, psychology, microbiology, nutrition, organic chemistry and human growth and development. The final two years concentrate on medical and surgical, pediatric, maternal and child, community and psychiatric nursing.

RNs who have completed a BSN degree are considered under the professional level while ADN-skilled RNs are categorized under the technical level. Thus, RNs who are BSN degree holder have more employment opportunities than RNs who had ADN or diploma courses. Currently, a lot of nurses practice the BSN completion program where they start in the ADN program then accelerate into a BSN degree course. Through this process, transition from ADN to BSN is faster than undergoing the conventional program.

After graduation from any of the three common nursing education programs, an examination for licensure must be passed before start of actual nursing practice. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing conducts the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Through the NCLEX-RN, nursing knowledge, competency and understanding are tested.

All 50 states in the United States applies NCLEX-RN. Requirements for maintaining the license varies from one state to another and requires renewal through continuing education. Every state has a board of nursing which imposes rules and regulations for the safe and quality practice of nursing throughout the entire United States.

After getting hold of the title and license, RNs have other specialized paths of education for further expertise and knowledge. First, a Master’s Degree allows RNs to become nurse educators, nurse administrators and advanced practice nurses.

If anyone is inclined in performing research studies, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is most suitable. A more advanced level of Master’s Degree of Nursing, called Doctor of Nursing Practice, concentrate on the roles of responsibilities of a nurse in leadership and clinical practice.

You can read more about transitioning from a CNA to a nurse on this page.

What is a Certified Nursing Assistant?

Are you wondering what is a certified nursing assistant or CNA? If you are interested in becoming a registered nurse, then you may have heard about nursing assistants. Some people will say that you will need to a certified nursing assistant before you can advance in your nursing career. A certified nursing assistant is a person who acts like a bridge or middle man from the patient or clients to the nurse. This nurse can be a registered nurse or RN or a licensed practical nurse or LPN. The role of the assistant is to be there in times that the nurse cannot help the patients. In other areas, they are also called as nursing assistants, a state tested nurse aid or a patient care assistant.

However, even if they are just assistants, they should not be taken lightly. Certified nursing assistants have gone through extensive training and have a high level of experience and ability when it comes to medical aid. While some procedures are prohibited for CNAs, they are still able to perform measures that can immediately help the patients. Simply put, CNAs allow a person to help other people without the heavy responsibilities of a doctor or a registered nurse.

The responsibilities of certified nursing assistants can vary. Some nursing assistants have to work in settings other than the hospital. There are also some nursing assistants in nursing homes or in assisted living facilities. There are even some in day care centers and houses. But even though they practice in different places, they still have one goal and that is to be a bridge to the RN or LPN. They are like the assistant of the RN or LPN. After all, nurses also have other duties. Nursing assistants allow these nurses to perform their duties while they personally attend to the patients.

Being a nursing assistant is great because you get to engage with your patients. In fact, nursing assistants can attest that this is indeed a very rewarding job. For one, you are the one who will look after the welfare of the patients. However, you are not there to solve them like a puzzle like doctors do and you do not need to follow the doctor’s orders. Instead, your only goal is to care for the patients and tell the nurse about your observations. This means that you get to be in contact with people without the heavy responsibility of solving their problems.

With this, compassion and passion are two very important things for this job. You will need to be compassionate because this job will require that you authentically care for other people. Meanwhile, you will need some passion so you can overcome the challenges. There will be times where you will meet some patients that are hard to handle. Passion is the only thing that can help you bridge that.

So do you want to be a certified nursing assistant? You can do that by engaging in some training and testing programs. You can look for an accredited training program in a health facility near you while you can get yourself tested in your local area. Be sure to check the requirements so that your application will not be wasted.

Visit this page for CNA classes in your state and city.

How to Be a Nursing Assistant

Do you want to find out how to become a certified nursing assistant? Since becoming a nursing assistant is a prerequisite in becoming a registered nurse it is a necessary part of your medical career training. Before you can take the exam, you first need to become certified by taking a training program in your local college or health care facility and pass the state exams.

With this certification, you will have the training necessary to be a nurses aide and build valuable experience that will help you advance later on. Here are some ways on how you can be a nursing assistant.

Getting Started

Before you can try to become a nursing assistant, you need to satisfy some prerequisites. First, you will need a high school diploma. You certainly need to be finished with high school if you want to enter a CNA course. If you are still in high school, then taking some extra courses that is related to science like chemistry and biology are helpful. These courses will be to your benefit once you applied to be a registered nurse. Then, you will also need a drug test and a criminal background check. This is needed so that they can be sure that you do not have any serious cases before you become a nursing assistant.

Finding the Passion

Also, a nursing assistant needs a passion for the job. A health care workers primary goal is to help people. This industry requires someone who authentically cares about the welfare of other people. You will encounter different problems and you can only overcome these with compassion. Being passionate will help you battle your everyday responsibilities. It will also help if you have a mature personality. You need to take your focus off yourself and more on the patient. If you cannot do that, then you may experience some difficulty with this job.

It is About Communication

Third, you will need some good communication skills. As a nursing assistant or a registered nurse, you will usually engage with your patients. These workers need more interpersonal skills as they play a vital part in connecting the patient with the nurse or doctor. It is important to care about other people and work with them rather than seek to be alone and divide. This career is all about teamwork so it needs a team player who can do that.

How to be a Certified Nursing Assistant

After reviewing if you really have what it takes to be a nursing assistant, you may have decided that you wanted to be trained to be one. You can do this by entering an approved training program.

For these programs, you may need to consult your state. Each state has a different set of standards and requirements. This is because each state has a different environment so the training is created to fit that. The real training happens in the hands-on experience that you get from the program. This is the reason why it is absolutely necessary to engage in a nursing assistant training program before you try to get tested.

Nursing Assistant Training

You can also be a CNA if you are going to engage in some training in a hospital or healthcare facility. They will usually supply you with a contract where you have to work for them for a certain period of time in exchange for learning and experience. This means that you will not get paid for your job. That is a given. Just be sure to read through your contract because some health facilities will require you to work for years. Just agree if you are comfortable with the idea. If that is not a good idea for you, you can try searching for some training programs in some popular colleges or health-related organizations.

Nursing assistant courses usually last for around a month and 2 weeks while some extensive courses can last up to nine months. Once you have taken this course, you will find that you will learn different types of skills. There is some on-site training where you get to learn at a health facility. However, for the training to be valid, it has to be accredited. Be sure to check if your training program has been registered on the National League for Nursing Accredited Commission. This will ensure that your time and money will not go to waste. Do not make a mistake and fall for programs that you can not use for your certification. These programs are a waste of time. The Red Cross nursing assistant training programs are widely accepted, however always make sure a course is licensed and approved before signing-up.

There are some schools that offer online nurse aide training. However, it is important that you ensure their instruction is approved by the state you are in. Some states accept online classes as long as only a portion is held online. If if an online course is accepted, skills instruction and practice will still need to be performed in a school offline. If you are still in high school you should look in to high school nursing assistant training that may be offered in your area through Post Secondary Enrollment Options Funding.

Once you have finished your training program, you will then be given some time to be a certified nursing assistant at your state. Certification is a must if you are really serious in your nursing career. Some places may allow you to work without certification but your pay will be significantly lower. You will see how a simple certification can take you a long way. While it is hard to take the exams, it has a huge payback. After that, you will be able to take higher positions which also translate to a higher paycheck.

Nursing Assistant Testing

But when it comes to nursing assistant testing, there are some rules that you need to satisfy. This will vary depending on your state. It is this way because training is dependent on the environment where you will work in. You can contact your local State Licensing board if you want to learn more about your requirements. This will vary depending on location. You may need to ask them about it. And if you are planning to relocate for your profession, you may need to check the requirements in other states so you can be sure that you can meet them.

So as you can see, it is really easy to be a nursing assistant. You may need to do this so you can advance in your nursing career or you can do it simply because you care about other people. Being a nurse is a fulfilling job. You get to talk to people everyday and authentically help them with their lives. The first step is to be a nursing assistant and experience how nurses really help their patients. From here, you will learn some skills so that you will know what to do when you are the one doing the job. This job is not about just getting things done. It is about helping other people.

Where Can a CNA Work?

A certified nursing assistant is a health medical professional working in different health care environments such as the hospitals, retirement communities, nursing homes, and offices of the physicians.

Generally, they work under the supervision of the registered nurse as they perform direct patient care tasks. Among the responsibilities of the nursing assistants include the following:

– Taking vital signs such as the blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiratory rate
– Assisting with the activities of daily living like eating, bathing, and mobility
– Administering medications
– Attending to the needs of the patients.

The nursing assistants relay whatever changes on the condition of the patients to the registered nurse for further assessment to be done. In order to succeed as a CNA, there are a lot of qualities needed. The nursing assistant must have the organization, efficiency, and is able to do multi-tasking. The career being a CNA is a good choice for career stability and it is perfect for those who have the dedication in helping others.

It is essential that the certified nursing assistants know that they cannot practice on their own. Rather, they work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. The most common places that a CNA can work are the following:

Skilled Nursing Facilities – it requires a lot of work which makes it stressful. There are a few patients to care for so there would be several CNA’s needed to handle the needs of every patient. The best means of getting hired at this area is to do well and cultivate relationships during the clinical hours. This will get the attention of the employers. Be certain to inform the facility your eagerness in working for them and that you will submit your application once you obtain your CNA certificate.

Home Health Aide Agency – this facility will let a CNA handle one patient instead of 8 to 12. It is less stressful compared to working in a skilled nursing facility. Frequently, a 24-hour shift is available.

Local Hospitals – it is the best place for CNA jobs. Chances of getting hired may be little unless you volunteer at the hospital because you will be able to show your personality, skills and work ethics. Hospitals usually offer incredible benefits (Medical and Dental) as well.

Assisted Living Facilities – this employment will need the CNA to assist the clients with their daily routines. The patients at this facility are not as acute or time-consuming compared to the patients in the skilled nursing facility.

Pediatric Care – it is a sector that requires a training course of approximately three to four weeks to be able to handle pediatric patients.

Medical Transcription – a medical transcriptionist is responsible to convert the medical reports which are given by the physicians into official formats and documents that will be used by the medical professionals as they review the patient details. It is a vital tool to prepare the medical file of a patient and it needs the skill and knowledge of the nursing assistant in editing the documents along with the abbreviations of medical terms.

Traveling CNA – the certified nursing assistant performs duties by travelling to various destinations depending on the needs of the patients. The nursing assistant will not have a schedule and will only need to report to the places of the clients as soon as the medical team will call.

Nursing Assistant Classes Online

CNA classes online provide a way for those who would like to earn a certificate as a nursing assistant without having to attend a traditional training program in a certain facility or school. It is an ideal setup especially for those who have current jobs or employment at the moment and cannot afford to lose it for the sake of earning a certification. Hence, by taking nursing assistant classes online, one can earn an education without having to sacrifice their precious time and source of financial income.

Because the various states in the US do not have the same standards or requirements in order to become a certified nurse aide, one should be careful about taking online nursing assistant classes. In many cases the particular state that you are in may not accept applicants who have finished their nurse aide training online. So you should know first what the state’s requirements are for the state nurse aide certification registry before enrolling yourself in an online training class. This is due to the fact that some online classes do not offer the required practical hands-on training that is necessary in order to complete CNA training in most U.S states. Always take precautions before enrolling in a program, due to the fact that many states require schools to be pre-approved to meet specific state and federal standards. You can read more about each specific states nursing assistant certification requirements here.

If you are looking forward to work in a state which allows students of online nursing assistant classes to take the state certification exams, then you need to start looking for the best CNA online class. Since there are plenty that are available when you search online, you should set-up standards as to what schools are accepted and accredited by the United States government. A lot of such schools often come from outside the territory of the US and have a different standard or accreditation than those which are used here. Aside from that, you should also choose an online class which provides for a certification for your practical training. They should have partnerships with local facilities or hospitals where you can spend the hands-on training to get the experience necessary for the job.

Most online nursing assistant classes offer the same subjects and courses that are given in actual vocational school, nursing home courses, and college training programs. Such courses include: basic patient care, laboratory procedures, basic records keeping, human anatomy and physiology, communication skills, medical terminology, and the duties and responsibilities of a health care provider. One of the major advantages of taking nurse aide classes online is that you get to study and learn such courses at your own pace. The course study guide will often be sent to you in an e-mail or is posted at a website. You will be able to study at your free time as well finish them at your own pace. This way you can spend your time the way you want it to be unlike when you need to attend an actual class.

You will be able to contact your personal instructor if you need some clarification or further explanation or instructions with a particular subject. Aside from this, the cost of the class is often cheaper than those from training facilities. You may however, need to contact a nursing facility or other medical institutions in order for you to comply with the required practical training for nurse aides.

Tips Before Enrolling in an Online CNA Training Program

1. Search for accredited online nursing assistant programs that provide the proper curriculum and hourly training to meet state and federal standards. The current federal government regulations require all nurse aide schools to provide at least 75 hours of course training and 16 hours of clinical hands-on experience. Do be aware that all U.S states require students to be at least 16 years old and some have an age requirement of above 18 years old.

2. Make sure the state you are in accepts online programs including the one you are interested in by contacting the state’s department of health, state licensing board, or Nurse Aide Registry. Popular states such as California allow a portion of the training requirement be conducted through a internet instruction. However, there still needs to be a physical skills portion conducted in an offline school location. Not all states allow online training and each state has different requirements and regulations. So it’s important that you not skip this step.

3. Before enrolling in a program many will require you to have a physical exam, and perform a state and federal background check. In addition they will want you to submit identifying documents such as a government issues photo I.D as well as immunization records. Often the cost of these exams and screenings are to be paid by the student. Often those who wish to be trained as a nursing assistant can find many employers that will pay for training and even offer them a job on successful completion of their certification. Before paying to enroll in a school program you may want to check with your local nursing homes and health care centers to see if they offer a nurse aide internship program with free classes.

4. When enrolling in a program you will want to make sure you have all of the details to complete both your classroom instruction and your clinical practice. Most accredited online CNA schools offer a location to visit to complete the clinical work obligations. This will often be checking in with an instructor or registered nurse who is coordinating the class.

5. Once you have completed the program you will want to schedule a date to take the certification exams. State testing costs are not frequently included in the cost of school tuition and will be an extra expense. The exams will often be a two part test that includes a written exam and a manual demonstration exam. Normally the school you used to receive your online CNA training will point you toward taking your exams. You can also contact your states nurse aide registry to find the latest information about certification requirements.

Nursing Assistant Vs. Nurse

In the field of health care, nurses and the certified nursing assistants have definite roles. Aside from the extra schooling as well as training needed in becoming a nurse, there are several other differences among the two professions and these include the certification requirements, pay rate, and various duties they need to perform.

In order to become a nurse’s aide, which is otherwise known as the certified nursing assistant, it is essential to earn a certificate by attending classes that would frequently take approximately six weeks for completion. The nursing assistants work under the direct supervision of registered nurses. They cannot do the responsibilities of a registered nurse. With regards to decision-making, they are not authorized to do on their own. Most of the CNA’s work in nursing homes as well as in assisted living facilities. However, having a certificate will allow one to work in the hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and clinics.

In the medical field, certified nursing assistants have a unique position because they are the primary responder at the bedside of the clients. They are regarded as the ears, eyes, and hands of the registered nurses as they are the primary healthcare professionals in the identification of the needs of the patients especially if the patients’ condition is a life-threatening one. The nursing assistants are able to spend more time with the patients in comparison with the other members of the health care team. Having more interaction with the patients will make the nursing assistant an advocate of the patients’ needs.

Other duties that the certified nursing assistants can perform include the following:

• providing basic care to the patients
• measuring blood pressure, temperature, and pulse rate
• assisting patients with daily activities including cleaning, bathing, toileting
• transferring patients from one area to another

The registered nurses are required to complete the two or four-year degree program or must become a graduate from a nursing program that is approved by the state. To become certified, the nurse should be able to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, which is regulated by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. When one is already a license holder, the registered nurse can mostly find employment in hospitals or offices of the doctors.

Registered nurses hold the responsibility in the implementation of the medical plan of care which is given by the physician. They also implement the nursing care plan that is made by the nursing staff. They do collaboration with the other members of the health care team to ensure the well-being of the patients especially those who are in critical condition and those who needs close monitoring. Registered nurses are highly regarded in the medical and they are being supervised by the Director of Nursing of the facility based on the state’s Nurse Practice Act.

Registered nurses are the ones who supervise the CNA’s and LPN’s. They are working more closely and directly with the patients. They are able to do and accomplish the responsibilities of the nursing assistants. They can give assignments to the CNA’s and LPN’s.

Other duties of registered nurses are as follows:

• providing treatments ordered by the physician
• operating and monitoring medical equipment
• observing and recording signs and symptoms of the patients

You can read more about how to become a registered nurse on this page.

CNA to Nurse

The path from a CNA to nurse may not be an easy one especially if you have not yet acquired a nursing degree prior to becoming certified as a nursing assistant. If this is the situation that you are in, you may need to undergo just the same training and education that you would do in a normal nursing course which means an additional 4 years in school.

There are however some better options for those who have an Associate’s degree in nursing, have already finished a nursing course, or those who live in states where obtaining a required number of years working as a CNA will allow you to take the nursing licensure exam.

There are a lot of nursing graduates who prefer to work as nursing assistants first in order to gather experience in the medical field especially if they failed to pass the nursing licensure exam. Their background allows them to challenge the exam without having to undergo an expensive training program.

Hence, you will be able to find a lot of workers who find it easier to transition from a nurse aide career to nursing.

Nurse applicants must take the NCLEX examination and if they pass, they can proceed to working as a nurse. Practically 90% of nurses educated in the United States pass the NCLEX on their first attempt. The NCLEX is the National Council Licensure Examination and is necessary for the licensing of nurses in U.S and Canada.

However, if you only have a nurse aide certification or an LPN associate degree, the path to becoming a nurse can be a bit harder. LPNs can usually go for a bridging program where they only have to take fewer units compared to a regular nursing course provided they have significant work history and have shown great academic skills during their LPN study. The course costs a lot less compared to those who will have to undergo a regular course schedule. For CNAs, the advantage of their work history will depend upon the state laws that cover nursing.

In some states, those who have already acquired 5 years of work experience in a healthcare facility as nursing assistants are allowed to take the NCLEX. Receiving this work experience is a great advantage, especially if you are not financially capable of paying for a 4-year nursing course.

For others who are not as lucky, they will need to study for the required bachelor’s degree. Most nursing schools also would not give much credit for your work experience and nursing assistant certification. The most that they can give you is to remove a few units from the required course.

The process of transitioning from a CNA to nurse will depend on the degree of healthcare education that you have had prior to becoming a nursing assistant as well as the specific laws which are governing the nursing occupation. You therefore have to research well on the rules of your state with regards to this before applying for any course that you want. You can also request some financial assistance from the facility that you are working in and agree to some conditions that they may provide with regards to the financial aid that they will extend for your education.

CNA to LVN

Only the states of Texas and California use the term LVN, or “Licensed Vocational Nurse.” The remaining 48 states call those in this profession LPN, or “Licensed Practical Nurse.” There is really no difference between the two job titles besides the letter.

So, what does it take to go from being a CNA (certified nursing assistant) to becoming a LVN (licensed vocation nurse)? An LVN has greater responsibilities and must know more skills than a CNA. They have a greater knowledge in healthcare which allows them to supervise certified nurse aides. They require more training in order to cope with the greater responsibilities that are demanded from them. If you are nursing assistant trying to bridge the program here are some of the steps that you need to take in order to become a LVN.

First, you need to know what tasks are given to a LVN for you to have an overview of the skills that you would need to add to your current skills. Some of them are to supervise nursing assistants, administer medication to patients, do laboratory tests, assess your patient’s condition, transport and feed them, give injections and IV, as well as giving basic care, cleaning them, and preparing their rooms before they arrive. With your added knowledge, you can also teach your patients about healthcare.

There are training programs available for current CNAs to become LVNs. They are usually held by community colleges in your area or by schools that provide vocational courses. You may be allowed to skip some of the courses that you have already taken during your training course as these are also included in LVN education. The course lasts for about a year and some states may require you to possess a certain length of experience as a CNA in order for you to take the LVN test. Some of the subjects that you may need to take include human anatomy and physiology; infant, child and adult nursing; and mental health.

After completing the required hours of education and training, you will take the NCLEX-PN test. This exam will give you the proper eligibility to become an LVN. You can also take alongside this with other exams such as those for administering IV injections. This will add to the tasks that you can do once you get on the job. It will also help raise the amount of pay that you are receiving.

Work for LVNs can range from private nursing homes, to healthcare facilities and private homes. Hospitals also hire a lot of LVNs to assist nurses and physicians on the job. The pay range for an LVN can range from $16-$25 per hour and $24,000 – $48,000 annually in the United States based on the current research. In order to get from being a CNA to an LVN, you need to master the skills and the training that will be given to you so that you can pass the licensure exam.

So if you are thinking of improving your financial condition and getting additional credits, you can opt to go from being a CNA to an LVN which will give you not just additional skills but additional job opportunities as well. The income that comes from improving your skills will in turn help you further your education and chances of higher ranks in healthcare positions. Visit this page to learn more about transitioning from a nurse aide to nurse.

Nurse Aide Registry Directory

The Nurse Aide Registry for each state controls the active and inactive status for certified nursing assistants in that particular state. It is a useful resource for anyone who wishes to become licensed to work, or check their status.

On this page are details for each states registry for all fifty states in the U.S, plus Washington D.C. Below you can find the states registry phone number, and address. Click the state’s name to get additional relevant information pertaining to that location.

Alabama Certified Nurse Aide Registry
The RSA Tower, Suite 600, 201 Monroe Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334)206-5169
Contact: Ron Holland, Special Investigator
Phone: (334)206-5169
E-mail: Ronald.Holland@adph.state.al.us

Alaska CNA Licensing Examiner Registry
550 W. 7th Avenue., Suite 1500
Anchorage, AK 99501-3567
E-mail:nursing@alaska.gov
Phone: (907) 269-8161 or (907) 269-8196

Arizona State Board of Nursing
4747 North 7th Street – Suite 200,
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Email: arizona@azbn.gov
Phone: 602-771-7800
Fax: 602-771-7888
Office Hours: 8AM-5PM Mon-Fri

Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry
PO Box 8059, Slot S405
Little Rock, AR 72203-8059
Automated Phone Line: 501-682-8484
Direct Phone Number: 501-682-1807
Fax: 501-682-8551
Directory Managed by Prometric
1260 Energy Lane
St. Paul, MN 55108
Phone: 800-818-8917
Fax: 800-813-6670

California Aide & Technician Certification Section
P.O. Box 997416, MS 3301
Sacramento, CA 95899-7377
Automated Phone Line: (916) 327-2445
Message Center: (916) 552-8811
Fax: (916) 552-8785
Email: cna@cdph.ca.gov
Licensing and Certification
P.O. Box 997377, MS 3000
Sacramento, California 95899-7377
Phone: (916) 552-8700 or Toll Free (800) 236-9747

Colorado Nurse Aide Registry
1560 Broadway, Suite 1350
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-894-2430
Phone for Online Services Help: 303-894-2421
Fax: 303-894-2821
Email: dora_dpo_onlinelicenses@state.co.us

Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry
410 Capitol Avenue, MS# 12 MQA
PO Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
Phone: 860-509-7596
Fax: 860-509-8457
Registry Managed by:
Prometric of Connecticut
1260 Energy Lane
St. Paul, MN 55108
Phone: 866-499-7485
Fax: 800-813-6670

Delaware CNA Registry
24 N.W. Front Street
Milford, DE 19963-1463
Phone: 302-577-6666
Fax: 302-424-2939
Registry Managed by:
Prometric – DE Nurse Aide
1260 Energy Lane
St. Paul, MN 55108
Phone: 866-664-9504
Fax: 800-813-6670

Florida Licensure Support Services
FL Department of Health
Certified Nursing Assistants Council
4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin C-13
Tallahassee, FL 32399-325
Phone: (850) 488-0595
Hours: M-F 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET
For Applications and Fees
P.O. Box 6330
Tallahassee, Florida 32314-6330
FAX: (850) 412-2207

Georgia Nurse Aide Registry
1455 Lincoln Parkway East, Suite 750
Atlanta, GA 30346-2200
Local Phone: 678-527-3010
Toll Free Phone: 800-414-4358
Fax: 678-527-3001
Phone For GA Nurse Aide Program:
(770) 325-2320

Hawai Nurse Aide Registry
PO Box 3469 Honolulu, HI 96801
Phone Number: 808-739-8122
Fax: 808-734-8318
Registry Managed by:
American Red Cross
4155 Diamond Head Road
Honolulu, HI 96816
Phone: 808-734-2101
Fax: 808-735-8626

Idaho Nurse Aide Registry
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0036
Phone: 208-334-6620,
Toll Free: 800-748-2480
Fax: 208-334-6629
Managed by:
Prometric ID CNA Program
1260 Energy Lane
St Paul MN 55108
Phone: 888-843-2341
Fax: 800-347-9242
Email: IDCNA@prometric.com

Illinois CNA Registry
Department of Public Health
535 West Jefferson Street
Springfield, Illinois 62761
Phone Verification: 217-785-5133
Fax: 217-524-0137
TTY: 800-547-0466
Email: DPH.HCWR@Illinois.gov

Indiana Certified Nurse Aide Registration Program
Indiana State Department of Health
2 North Meridian Street, 4B
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Long Term Care Receptionist: (317) 233-7442
ISDH Main Phone Line: (317) 233-1325
Aide Registry Program Manager
Contact: Darlene Jones
Phone: (317) 233-7351
Email: dkjones@isdh.in.gov
Aide Education and Training Program Manager
Contact: Gina Berkshire
Phone: (317) 233-7497
Email: gberkshire@isdh.in.gov

Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0083
Phone: 515-281-4077
Alternative Phone: 515-281-0108
Toll-Free (in state): 866-876-1997
Fax: 515-281-6259

Kansas Nurse Aide Registry
1000 SW Jackson Street, Suite 200
Topeka, KS 66612-1365
Phone: 785-296-1240
KNAR Phone: 785-296-6877
Fax: 785-296-3075
Email: CERTIFICATION@kdads.ks.gov

Kentucky Board of Nursing
312 Whittington Pky Suite 300
Louisville, KY 40222
Phone: 502-429-3300
Toll Free: 1-800-305-2042
Fax: 502-429-3311
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Louisiana CNA – DSW Registry
5647 Superior Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Phone: 225-295-8575
Fax: 225-295-8578

Maine Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants
State House Station #11
41 Anthony Avenue
Augusta Maine 04333
Phone: 1-800-791-4080
Alternative Phone: (207)287-9300
Email: dlrs.cnaregistry@maine.gov

Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry
P.O. Box 64501
St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0501
Telephone: (651) 215-8705
Toll Free in Greater Minnesota: 1-800-397-6124
Hours of Operation: M-F, 9:00a.m. and 3:00p.m.
Email: health.FPC-NAR@state.mn.us

Missouri CNA Registry
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570
Attn: Health Education Unit
Phone: 573-526-5686
Fax: 573-526-7656
Email: info@health.mo.gov

Montana Nurse Aide Registry
2401 Colonial Drive, 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 202953
Helena, MT 59620-2953
Phone: 406-444-4980
Fax: 406-444-3456
Email: help-desk@egovmt.com

Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry
PO Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
Phone: 402-471-0537
Fax: 402-471-1066
Email: DHHS.Helpline@nebraska.gov

Nevada State Board of Nursing
2500 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 207
Las Vegas, NV 89102-4392
Telephone: (702) 486-5800
Toll Free: (888) 590-6726
FAX:(702) 486-5803
Email: nursingboard@nsbn.state.nv.us
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. M-F

New Hampshire Board of Nursing
21 South Fruit Street, Suite 16
Concord NH 03301-2431
Telephone: (603) 271-6282 (Nursing Assistant)
Fax: (603) 271-6605
Office Hours: M-Friday 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 ET
E-mail: boardquestions@nursing.state.nh.us

New Jersey Certification Program
Department of Health and Senior Services
P. O. Box 358
Trenton, NJ 08625-0358
Toll-free in NJ: 1-866-561-5914
Alternative Phone: 1-877-774-4243
Fax: 609-633-9087

New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry
2040 South Pacheco Street
2nd Floor, Rm 413
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone: 505-476-9040
Fax: 505-476-9026

New York Nurse Aide Registry
875 Central Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
Phone: 518-408-1297
Registry Managed by:
Prometric – NY Nurse Aide
1260 Energy Lane
St. Paul, MN 55108
Phone: 800-805-9128
Fax: 800.813.6670

North Carolina Center for Aide Regulation
2709 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2709
24-Hour Verification By Phone: 919-715-0562
Phone: 919-855-3969
Fax: 919-733-9764

North Dakota Nurse Assistant Registry
600 East Boulevard Avenue, Department 301
Bismarck, ND 58505-0200
Phone: 701-328-2353
Fax: 701-328-1890
Email: naregistry@nd.gov

Ohio Nurse Aide Registry
246 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43215-2412
Phone Verification (Ohio Residents): 800-582-5908
Phone Verification: (Outside the State): 614-752-9500
Fax: 614-564-2461
E-mail: NAR@odh.ohio.gov

Oklahoma Nurse Aide Services Workers Registry
1000 N.E. 10th Street, Room 1111
Oklahoma City, OK 73117
Phone: (405) 271-4085
Toll Free: (800) 695-2157
E-mail nar@health.ok.gov

Oregon State Board of Nursing
17938 SW Upper Boones Ferry Rd.
Portland, Oregon 97224-7012
Phone: 971-673-0685
Fax: 971-673-0684
Email: oregon.bn.info@state.or.us

Pennsylvania Division of Nursing Care Facilities
Room 526, Health & Welfare Building
625 Forster Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120
800-852-0518
717-787-1816
Managed by:
Pearson VUE
P.O. Box 13785
Philadelphia, PA 19101-3785
Phone: (800) 852-0518
Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Eastern Time
Testing Services: 717-783-6207
Schedule an Exam: 800-795-2350
Check Eligibility Requirements: 717-783-6207

Rhode Island Nursing Assistant Registry
3 Capitol Hill, Room 105
Providence, RI 02908-5097
Phone: (401) 222-5888
TTY/TDD: (800) 745-5555
Email Contact: website@health.ri.gov

South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry
PO Box 8206
1801 Main Street
Columbia, SC 29202
Phone: (888) 549-0820
Fax: 803-364-0462
Reciprocity Phone Number: 803-315-1366
Email: info@scdhhs.gov
Managed by:
Pearson Vue
PO Box 13785
Philadelphia, PA 19101-3785
Phone: 800-475-8290

South Dakota Board of Nursing
4305 S. Louise Avenue, Suite 201
Sioux Falls, SD 57106-3115
Phone: (605) 362-2760
Fax: (605) 362-2768
Email: DOH.INFO@state.sd.us

Tennessee Nurse Aide Program
425 5th Avenue North
Cordell Hull Building, 3rd Floor
Nashville, Tennessee 37243
Phone: (615) 532-5171
Fax (615) 248-3601
Email: tn.health@tn.gov
Hours of Operation: M-F 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CST
Automated Phone System: 1-800-778-4504 Toll Free
Competency Evaluation Conducted By:
D & S Diversified Technologies LLP
333 Oakland Avenue
Findlay, OH 45840
Toll Free (877) 201-0758
Fax (412) 422-8328

Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services
(DADS)
701 W. 51st St.
Austin, Texas 78751
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 149030
Austin, Texas 78714-9030
Phone: 512-438-3011
Fax: 512- 438-2052
Verification: 800-452-3934<

Utah Nursing Assistant Registry
550 East 300 South
Kaysville, UT 84037
Phone: (801)547-9947
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday
from 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Vermont Board of Nursing
32 College Street, Schulmaier Hall Montpelier, VT.
Mailing Address:
National Life Bldg. North FL2
Montpelier, VT 05620-3402.
Nursing Phone Number: (802) 828-2396
Contact Phone Number: 802-828-3089
Email: sandy.swenson@sec.state.vt.us

Virginia Board of Nursing
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico Virginia 23233-1463
Phone: (804) 367-4515
Fax: (804) 527-4455
Automated License Verification: (804) 270-6836
Email: nursebd@dhp.virginia.gov
Email: customerservice@virginiainteractive.org
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:15-5:00

Washington State Nurse Aide Registry
P.O. Box 47877
Olympia, WA 98504-7877
Physical Address:
111 Israel Rd SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone: 360-725-2570
Customer Service Center: 360-236-4700
Fax: 360-493-2581
Email Address hsqa.csc@doh.wa.gov
Hours of Operation: M-F 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

DC Nurse Aide Registry
899 North Capitol Street NE,
Washington, DC 20002
Contact Phone: 202-724-4900
Alternative Phone: (877) 672-2174
Contact Fax: (202) 727-8471
Contact TTY: 711
Office Hours: M-F 8:15 am to 4:45 pm
License Exams:
American Red Cross at 1-888-399-7729
Registry Managed by:
Pearson VUE
PO Box 13785
Philadelphia, PA 19101-3785
Phone: 888-274-6060

West Virginia Office of Health Facility
Licensure and Certification
408 Leon Sullivan Way
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone Number: (304)558-0050
Fax Number: (304)558-1442
E-mail: DHHR.OHFLAC.NAP@wv.gov

Wisconsin Nursing Assistant Registry
1 West Wilson Street
Madison, WI 53703
General Phone Number: 608-266-1865
Toll-free (877) 329-8760
Nurse Aide Competency Testing:
Toll-free: (866) 257-5424
Managed by:
Peason Vue
PO Box 2969
Madison, WI 53701
Customer Service: 1-877-329-8760
American Red Cross: 1-866-257-5424.

Wyoming State Board of Nursing
1810 Pioneer Avenue
Cheyenne, Wyoming82002
Phone: (307) 777-7601
Fax: (307) 777-3519
Licensing Email: wsbn-info-licensing@wyo.gov

For those who wish to work as a CNA the registry provides helpful links on where to go to become certified. Some states offer applications, practice tests, online downloadable forms, links to state approved training programs and contact information. Many states also provide phone lines to get help from a representative that can answer specific questions about your eligibility. In addition there are automated phone systems available to check your certification status to let you know if you are currently authorized to work.

In order to work as a nurse aide in a particular state you will need to meet all of their requirements. Usually this includes submitting identifying documentation, passing a state and federal criminal background screening, passing a health examination, completing a state authorized training program, and passing the license exams. Once you have met all of the requirements you are included on the online registry database and listed with an active status. Those listed can legally work in long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and health care centers through-out the state. Make sure to check with your specific state in order to find out the qualifications necessary and the steps you need to take to become certified.

For employers the registry provides information about whether of not an applicant has an active license status or whether they have received any disciplinary action at any health care facilities. This makes it easy for potential employers to check the background of an applicant and ensure they are legally eligible to work. To determine the nurse aide certification status of an individual they must input the social security number into the appropriate online form. This can be done at any time and these is no fee to receive this information.

If you see any incorrect information listed on this directory page please contact us by clicking here.

Prerequisites for Nursing

If you are planning to take up nursing as your course in college, then you should be well-prepared enough to comply with the prerequisites for nursing before you graduate in high school. Taking up the necessary subjects will help you your admission to the college much faster and easier as well. Different schools will have varying requirements for admission so you may need to contact the school’s registrar or admissions officer in order to know exactly what they ask from potential enrollees.

One of the most important requirements is of course the high school diploma. You will have to finish your secondary education first before heading on to college. This may sound easy for some, but if you are thinking about entering nursing, then you should be prepared to present your transcript with good grades in the most important subjects that will be needed for nursing. So this means that you also need to study well during your high school days. A grade of C or higher and a 3.0 GPA will be the minimum standard in applying for a nursing course.

The next thing that you should comply with is the basic subjects that will be needed for a nursing course. This includes General Chemistry, Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Introductory Biology, Nutrition, Statistics, Microbiology, and Human Development. You should be able to take these subjects during high school and should also exhibit good grades in it. The number of units or semesters required may vary from one school to another. There are however, other subjects which are a basic requirement to all college admissions. They are Mathematics, English, Arts, Humanities, and even a second language. These are general subjects but it is also important that a student should be able to pass these courses as well.

The last requisite that a student should comply with is volunteer work. Not all schools would require this but for most of them; a clinical experience would be an important factor also. Gaining first-hand experience with what it would be like to work in a medical setting will help students to understand and grasp the concept of what their future work would be. It also makes it a lot easier for students to learn the basic tasks that are done in a clinic or other medical facility. Having a good background of the nursing profession will make it clearer as well if a student really wants to pursue a nursing career or not.

Not all schools and universities will have the same uniform requirements but these are what can be commonly found on their lists. So if you wish to take up a nursing course in college, make sure that you have prepared yourself well and has done all the necessary research in order to know what your choice of college would need from you once you give your application to them. Getting some help from your school counselor is a big advantage as they can help you plan on the courses and subjects that you will have to take.

If you are already a certified nursing assistant it makes sense to continue your schooling in order to advance in the medical profession. You can visit this page to learn more about transitioning from a CNA to a nurse.

CNA Classes for High School Students

It has become a trend for savvy students to attend advanced college classes while still in high school. This is very common among students who achieve high markings in class and are eligible candidates for Post Secondary Enrollment Options or PSEO funding by their high schools. Since the boom of the healthcare business, a lot of high school students under the PSEO program aspire to invest their knowledge and time in medical courses.

One of which is in the field of nursing, in particular as a certified nurse assistant, where a promising and profitable future job awaits in the future. A certified nurse assistant (CNA) can land in a wide array of work opportunities like in hospitals, health centers, hospice and assisted living centers. That is why it is of great importance to understand the step-by-step procedure on how to acquire a CNA certification through PSEO.

PSEO is a program offered and funded by a state to qualified high school and home school juniors and seniors. This program gives them an opportunity to enroll and attend courses that are classified under the college level standards. One benefit of this is that the tuition and book fees are covered by the PSEO program. Admission requirement for this program requires seniors and juniors to be included in the upper-one-third and one-half of the class rankings, respectively. In addition, sophomores are also allowed to apply for PSEO funding given they already have eight grade MCAs.

Planning is crucial if one is indeed eagerly decided to attend a CNA course under the PSEO. One thing, the student’s decision to participate is the most significant factor. Beforehand, it must be supported by an approval made by the student’s parents and with due consultation done by the high school counselor. The high school counselor will be the one to evaluate the student if he/she is indeed eligible for the program and assess if it will be of any help in the student’s future endeavors. If one qualifies, an application for admission to the state registry must be accomplished. It is also important to plan with the high school counselor about the class schedules if one successfully gets into a certified nurse aide course.

Initially, the student enrolls for the CNA course in the preferred vocational school or community college. Certain laws require students to pass a background check and drug testing before enrollment. Upon entry, it is important to complete the entire CNA course. One advantage of the PSEO is that the earned credits of schooling can be used to fulfill the requirements for high school graduation and eventually pursue a college degree later on. A number of schools offer CNA programs that run for a few weeks or months at the most. Some courses add extra curricula to the normal 75 clock hours which are useful credits after graduation. After completion of the program, an exam is given in order to receive certification. Some states require license for nursing assistants before employment.

A high school student who is granted a break to study under this program is considered highly fortunate. PSEO funding is a great chance for a high school student to study extensively and get a hold of a CNA certificate without the worry of spending for college fees. Another thing is that it might open doors to a further medical degree in college or even leads to a fulfilling nursing career someday.

Nursing Homes Offering Free Training for CNA Students

The certified nursing assistants or the CNA’s are the ones who help the clients with their healthcare needs with the supervision of a Licensed Practical Nurse or a Registered Nurse. CNA students need to be knowledgeable of their required skills and abilities in becoming a CNA. They need to be the eyes and ears of the RN’s and LPN’s as well as the ones who will be relaying information between several patients and one or two registered nurses. They provide care by helping with the feeding of the residents, assisting in transferring the clients from bed to chair, bathing, and dressing. Employees can work in various settings and one of which is the nursing home.

A nursing home is an environment providing residential care. It is regarded as the place of residence for individuals requiring continued nursing care and having significant coping difficulties with the activities of daily living.

There are nursing homes that offer programs for the CNA students with tuition fee that is free of charge. Four of the local nursing homes have come to the decision in paying for a solution to their shared problem regarding the shortage of certified nurse aide and covering the cost of the training that will be provided by the South Louisiana Community College instructor.

The investment is going to be for the training that will be offering free tuition for the students. Part of the training is that the students are going to spend approximately three weeks in the classroom and will be moving on for their clinical training that will be held in various participating nursing homes including the Camelot of Broussard, Amelia Manor, Maison de Lafayette, and Magnolia Estates. The clinical training of the students is under the supervision of the registered nurses and licensed practical nurses on staff and this will be helping the nursing homes in retaining the students as employees.

The students will have the opportunity for the clinical experience in different facility that will give them the encouragement and get invited to work for the specific facility. This is indeed a difficult job however the former state senator stated that the local consortium of the nursing homes are informally meeting as necessary in discussing the local issues. It is a major issue because of the need for additional CNA’s due to shortage.

The training is offered as non-credit course through the continuing education program of the college because of its easiness in setting up the program for the training needs of the nursing homes. There is still accreditation and similar coursework wherein the students will be awarded with academic credit through a process if they have been trained through the consortium and then came up with the decision of having the desire to enroll in practical nursing or any other program. Twenty-three students can be accommodated for enrollment of the program. Included in the cost of the program of the students are uniforms and a TB test. The students need to pass a background check and should be at least sixteen years old in order to register.

How to Become a CNA Instructor

Certified Nurse Assistant instructors are the registered nurses having wealth of experience in the field of his or her profession as well as of teaching. These instructors have the responsibility to teach certified nursing assistant training courses.

CNA instructors play a major role as they impart their knowledge to those who have interests in this healthcare occupation. They have the knowledge of the medical duties required on the job, especially that they have already experienced caring for elderly and all-aged clients in a setting for a minimum of two years. Moreover, they have completed a CNA instructor certification program already.

The responsibilities of Nurse Aide instructor include the following:

• to develop lesson plans
• teach theory as well as clinical skills
• supervise and observe the progress of the students
• makes clear of the role of nursing assistants
• maintains both the attendance and grade records

In order to be qualified as CNA instructor, it is required that the candidate holds a RN license and a two-year experience of practice. The course for the instructors as well as the duration of the course is being planned by the Department of Public Health and varies according to the state.

The steps to become a Certified Nurse Assistant instructor:

1. Look for an accredited school wherein the training school is given approval by the local nursing board. The training to be undergone is being offered by the CNA instructors who are employed in nursing schools or community colleges.

2. Make sure that you have the right qualifications before starting like having a work experience for one to two years as LPN or RN in medical setting. It is also needed to have completion of the training program that is conducted by a Long-Term Care Association which is the Train-the-Trainer Certification Course and the following requirements must be provided:

copy of registered nurse license
work experience with 2 years minimum
resume
copy of Social Security Card
address
contact number
additional requirements: excellent communication skills, critical thinking, and current basic life support certification

3. It is essential to have knowledge about the duties of instructors such as:

being proficient in theory and clinical practice by preparing lesson plans and executing them
have a design of teaching method that is informative and interesting
guarantee that the students become thorough and competent with theory and study of nursing; make certain that even if the medical topics are complicated the instructors need to communicate without leaving whatever scope for confusion

4. Be updated with medical developments and reports especially that medical science is a wide scope with lots of new medical concepts.

5. Do supervision and observation to the students at the time of clinical skills training. Also, do an evaluation of the theoretical knowledge by means of testing. Other things important to be done are to teach nursing assistants, LPN and RN’s role, stressing to provide quality nursing care to clients, maintain client’s confidentiality, and follow the work ethics.

6. Take into consideration how the work hours of a CNA instructor will impact your career life. Options may be available as to work part-time or even full-time. Preferences are open whether to continue to work in a healthcare setting or to go on with the coaching profession.

To learn more about becoming an instructor in your area you should contact your local Nursing Assistant Registry. They will be able to direct you to further information about the resources needed and steps required to become certified. Additionally, you can visit this page to learn more about how to become a medical assistant instructor.

Typical Day of a Nursing Assistant

The decision to become a CNA will need some background information as to what a typical day of a nursing assistant is like. This way, you will be able to assess whether you are totally capable of doing the job and whether this is the career path that you would like to choose. As much as working inside the facility is concerned, this is what will usually occur on a CNAs day to day task. However, there are also other rules and regulations which cover how a worker acts even outside of the job but that will not be covered here.

Your day will start depending on the type of shift that you are in, whether you are on a night or day shift. In some facilities, this can be divided into three shifts while others only employ two. So, your working schedule will be from about 7 to 8 hours up to 12 hours in one day. You may also need to do two shifts in one time if the facility is running low on their staff. Hence, you have to be prepared to do such types of schedules.

If you are on a day shift, your day may start at about 4 am reading the tasks that the nurse has provided for each and every patient. Typically, you will have a lot more tasks than those on night shifts. You will have to prepare the patient’s meals as well as feed them if they are physically incapable of feeding themselves. You will also help them in their grooming, toileting, physical exercises, and turning bed-fast patients in order to reduce infections or bedsores.

Aside from this, you will also need to change the linens and clean up the trays after the patients have finished eating. There may also be times when you will have to sit down and talk with the patient in order to help them calm down or just to entertain them if you do not have any other tasks for the day. You will also need to answer call lights and cater to your patient’s needs. This can be particularly hard if there are only 2 or 3 of you to handle a large number of patients.

If you are working in a specialized facility, you may have to do other tasks as well. You may need to observe your patients more carefully by recording their inputs and outputs, glucose levels, vital signs, and perform more technical work compared to an average CNA.

The work that a typical day of a nursing assistant can entail can be quite exhausting. This is due to the fact the your patient’s needs and demand are usually physically demanding and the work hours can be quite longer than an average 8 hours of work. You may also be constantly be required to be on your feet and doing errands for the nursing facility. Visit this page to read more about the nursing assistant skills commonly used on the job.

Arizona State Board of Nursing

The Arizona State Board of Nursing is the agency which provides for the proper rules and regulations regarding those who work in the field of healthcare.

Arizona State Board of Nursing
4747 North 7th Street – Suite 200,
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Email: arizona@azbn.gov
Phone: 602-771-7800
Fax: 602-771-7888
AZ Online Licensure Verification Search
Office Hours: 8AM-5PM Mon-Fri

This government run organization provides the educational standards for the medical field as well as provide the necessary rules in allowing such workers to obtain the proper licensing for their type of work and specialization. Disciplinary actions and the filing of complaints against such workers are also under the supervision of this department. But aside from all of this, they are also the main entity who provides knowledgeable information to the public in order to provide the proper healthcare that they need.

With the state’s regard to ensure the health and safety of their residents, they have made it a policy to only accept licenses which had been issued through the Department’s online website. A lot of nursing assistants and potential employees are being required to secure copies of nurse aide licenses through it. This is to protect and to ensure the integrity of the copy that will be acquired. Having said this all certified nursing assistants can now be verified through the internet and anyone can have free access to it.

The department has created certain limitation before one can be accepted as a nursing assistant in the state. This includes undergoing certification training at a facility which had been accredited by the state, passing the physical exams that will determine a candidate’s fitness for the job, passing the state and federal criminal background check, and passing the state’s licensure examination for nursing assistants. The training should be one that involves hands-on training, while the criminal background check is to make sure that the applicant has no disqualifying offenses on his background. There is also a limit to the time where one will be allowed to take the licensure examination for CNAs hence it is not an easy process. You can learn more about AZ nurse aide certification requirements by clicking here.

By entering the Registry, one can access the information that will be very important to the public as well as to health care employees and employers as well. In order to hire or apply, one should first make sure that he or she has an active license within the state. No one is allowed to be hired on a nursing home facility in this state without having an active certification from the state’s Board of Nursing. After entering the required information in order to do the search, one can now obtain the verification that they need.

Once you obtain the results of the search, you will be able to learn if an applicant has any complaints or disputes that are currently ongoing. You will also see the actions that the Board has made in order to correct such complaints. In other cases, you will be able to know if the applicant has an active license or not and whether they have had a history of disputes in the past. All of these are available by visiting the Board’s online verification system which offers free information on the web.

Certified Nurse Aide Registry of Georgia

The Georgia Nurse Aide Registry contains the list of nursing assistants in the state who had been granted a license or certification as well as those whose licenses have been revoked by the state. If you wish to check your individual status or of those who are applying to work as a CNA in a particular nursing facility, you can go to their online registry and see whether they have active or inactive licenses. You can visit their website at www.gacnas.org and you will be able to find significant materials which are related to nursing assistant certification.

The online nurse aide registry is maintained by the Georgia Medical Care Foundation. This organization is the one who is responsible for the licensing of nursing assistants and of approving training centers as well. If you wish to work as a nursing aide in this state, you will need to contact the Foundation in order to know about their rules regarding reciprocity, application for certification exams, as well as a list of accredited nursing aide training centers in the state. You can also check the Georgia CNA Association which provides a lot of benefits for those who choose to become a member of the organization.

The state of Georgia has more stringent rules than other states when it comes to nursing aide certification – all applicants should have a 100% on their lab rotations before they can be allowed to practice in a clinical setting. This means that a student should perfect his performance on the lab before he or she can be allowed to interact with real residents for his clinical experience. Aside from that, there are also the classroom instructions which one has to pay careful attention if one wishes to perfect the lab rotation.

Before one can be granted a certification, he or she must pass an approved Georgia nursing aide training course, the criminal background check, as well as the state certification exam for nursing aides. The test contains both a written or oral exam as well as an actual exam where the student will be asked to perform a set of basic health care related tasks that will be given. Each of these tasks should be performed well if they are to pass the exam. The student must also be able to pass the criminal and physical exams in order to determine his or her fitness for the duties that will be imposed on him when he becomes hired. You can read more about the current GA nurse aide certification requirements here.

Maintaining a good status on the registry is very important because any abuse or indiscretion on the part of the employee will be reflected on the registry. The information will be made available to the public regarding the issues that has been raised against the CNA as well as the findings and the action that was taken by the Foundation. Licenses can be suspended or revoked by the Foundation depending on the outcome of the dispute and whether the complaint has been proven to be true. Access to such information can be obtained by keying in the nurse aides name and social security number on the registry’s website.

How to Communicate with a Patient

Learning how to start a conversation and communicate with a patient is an important skill that a certified nursing assistant should learn in order to achieve better interaction with them and provide them with the best care possible. It is also important as the initial encounter between patient and healthcare worker can be full of tension if the worker is not able to handle the situation properly. Not knowing or being familiar with a person can make a patient apprehensive and uncooperative and make things hard for the CNA to care for them. If you want to avoid this scenario, it is therefore important to know just how to make the first conversation work.

The first step is that a CNA should introduce himself or herself to the patient in the most comprehensive manner possible in order to remove any apprehension by the patient. Health care workers are expected to treat their patient with attention and care as they provide direct care to them. They must make the introduction in a friendly and polite manner and should avoid being overly cheery as the patient does not yet know them. They must do talk-with-elderly-patient everything that they can in order to make the patient comfortable and feel as if they are in their own home. An important way to do this is to show respect at all times. If the patient is having a difficult time understanding your instructions, try to speak more slowly and clearly. You can also try using easier words to help them understand.

The caregiver must also be able to provide answers to the questions which are being asked by the patient. They may have some questions about the facility, the date, or the time and may even be curious about the various services that are being done to them. It is important for a worker to provide answers to these questions in an honest way, and in the best manner that they can. This will help to calm the patient down and will also give them some assurance that their concerns are being addressed by the worker.

There will be times when the CNA would have to ask the patient some questions in order to learn about their concerns and needs. At these times, the worker must ask only simple questions which can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” This will make it easier for the patient to grasp what is being asked instead of complex types of questions. The worker can also ask the patient to just nod or blink his eyes if the patient cannot communicate orally with them. If the patient has any concern with his or her doctor or relative that they wish to communicate, write them down and send or tell them to the person concerned.

Being able to communicate well with a patient is an important aspect in the relationship between a patient and a nurse aide. It will help provide a smoother relationship between them and will make it easier for the health care worker to provide the care and services that the patient needs. Knowing therefore how to start a conversation with a patient is an important skill that must be mastered by a CNA before starting to work. It will remove any hardship and miscommunications which may occur in their future employment. photo attribution: docoverachiever

Watch the video on how a health care worker should communicate with a patient:

Helping Patients with Memory Loss and Confusion

One of the most challenging tasks that a CNA may encounter when caring for a patient is helping patients with memory loss and confusion. There are a lot of instances when people who have experienced serious traumas to the head or are undergoing a disease which impairs their memory. Often patients with dementia are assigned to a health care worker. In this case, it is important to learn exactly how they shall be treated and how they are to act towards these patients. These patients need a very caring and understanding person in order to avoid any problems when they are being provided with healthcare services.

The first thing that a CNA must always do is to always knock on the door of the patient’s room and to call out the name of the patient. This will help eliminate any chances of the patient getting surprised when they enter the room and of being suspicious as well. The worker must also introduce himself well to the patient in a manner that will be grasped by the patient. Always have a polite and comforting tone to your voice and have a light and cheery approach when talking to them.

The next thing to remember is that patients who suffer from memory problems do not have the capacity to process too much information. Therefore, a nurse aide must be as concise and to the point when asking the patient questions or when stating some instructions to them. The patient may easily get upset or irritated when there is too much information being offered to them at one time. The worker must therefore try to make it as easy as possible for the patient to grasp what they are saying. Do not talk down to the patient or express your irritation if the patient does not seem to understand or pay attention to what you are saying at times.

If the patient is suffering from poor memory or of total loss of memory, it is important that one be very honest with them. Never try to play along with the patient’s poor recollection or of mistaking you for someone else such as their children or spouse. Tell them what your real name is or if they are quite confused with the date and the place that they are in, tell them also what the exact date is and where they really are. Assure them that it is the right date and place.

It can be pretty hard to handle a patient who is suffering from this type of condition but the CNA must remember that it is not the patient’s fault. They must try to be as patient and understanding as they can and must exercise all respect and politeness when answering the patient. Remember that the patient themselves are having a hard time with their memory and is also frustrated with it. The important thing therefore, when helping patients with memory loss and confusion is to be as patient and as understanding as you can.

Watch the video on how to care for people with dementia: (Part 1)

How to approach patients: (Part 2)

How to distract and redirect from unsafe behaviors: (Part 3)

Stop and assess the situation: (Part 4)

When doing all the right stuff doesn’t work: (Part 5)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P9KL2J-bgQ

Bathing patients who have dementia: (Part 6)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnFC1zFHVmI

Provide Passive Range of Motion to Elbow and Wrist

Patients have to be provided with passive range of motion exercises to elbow and wrist in order to stimulate blood flow in this area and to avoid any future health problem which may arise in the future. A CNA must know how to provide this care effectively if he wishes to provide the best healthcare to the patient and in order to avoid injuring or damaging the patient. Learning how to do this properly is also important for those who are just beginning their careers as a health care worker or to those who will be taking their certification exams.

In providing this care, it is important to take note of several minor details which are considered as important aspects of providing passive motion exercises. The first thing that has to be done is to knock at the resident’s room and to call out the name of the patient. After this, introduce yourself to the patient and explain to them why you are there. Provide the patient with a step-by-step description of how the whole process will be carried out in order to prevent any apprehension or anxiety as to what shall be done next.

After all of these introductions, wash your hands thoroughly and wear the appropriate personal protective equipment for the proper handling of the patient. Place the patient in a comfortable position and make sure that you have addressed their safety and privacy concerns. It is important their preferences should also be taken into consideration when doing this process. Support the patient’s left or right extremity depending on which arm is to be exercised. Bend and extend their elbows at the joints in order to provide flexion and extension exercises to the patient’s arm. Ask them if they are feeling any pain or discomfort during the process and make sure that you do not force or overextend the patient’s extremities.

Next, move to the patient’s wrist and slowly bend their wrist downward with their hands facing down and then backwards in order to provide flexion and hyperextension exercises to it. This type of exercise will help to maintain the patient’s wrist’s flexibility and will also help to determine whether they have a problem in this area or not. It is important that this process should be done slowly and in a non-forceful manner in order to prevent injuring or damaging the patient’s wrist.

After all of this is done, return the patient to a comfortable position and ask them if they need any other help from you. Ask them how they are feeling and place their call lights within their reach. Remove your personal protective equipment and then proceed to wash your hands thoroughly. Tell the patient that the procedure is finished and that you are leaving the room. It is important to keep the patient informed with the step-by-step procedure of this exercise and should also be asked for their preferences during the whole activity. Provide them with the independence and the privacy that they need also.

Watch the video on how to provide passive range of motion (ROM) to the elbow and wrist: