In order to gain a nursing assistant certification in the state of Oregon, one should comply with the requirements set by the state as well as by the federal government. They include training in a licensed and state-approved facility, passing the state and federal background check, as well as passing the state license examination for nurse aides. One should also be physically fit to work as a nurse aide as well as be psychologically balanced in order to pass the examinations.
The state requires at least 75 hours of training with both classroom work as well as practical training in a nursing facility under the supervision of a qualified health personnel. The nursing assistant training course should cover subjects such as personal care, infection control, resident’s rights and independence, mental health, emergency procedures, medical terminology as well as efficient communication and interpersonal skills with patients. There are different requirements in each school or facility before one can be admitted for enrollment.
Those who have finished military training as medics can apply for the state exam for nursing assistants also. They only need to show proof of their completion of the training and of 400 paid work hours as a medic for the past 2 years. Graduates of nursing courses can also apply for examinations if they had completed the course for the past 3 years. Both are required to undergo a criminal background check before their applications can be approved.
The state examinations are conducted by the Headmaster Testing Services. The test includes a written or oral part as well as a practical demonstration of a number of nursing aide skills. The applicant should successfully pass both of these exams in order to be entered into the Oregon Nurse Aide Registry. To apply for the state exam, one should pass a completed application form, request for a schedule to take the exam, and pay the corresponding fees. He should also provide documents such as certificate of completion of CNA training, social security card, fingerprint cards, or diploma and transcript.
Reciprocity is offered by the state for those who have current and active certification in another state. They need to submit a copy of their certification in both their completion of training and their passing of the state exams. They also need to show proof of 400 hours of paid work as a nurse aide under the supervision of a registered nurse. A criminal background check is also need in both state and federal levels. The applicant should not be convicted of neglect or abuse of a patient in the state where he holds current certification.
The certification needs to be renewed for every 2 years. The expiry date for each certification is on the midnight of the applicant’s date of birth. It will be renewed in an odd or even year depending on the year in which he was born. The renewal forms are sent from 1-2 months before the expiration date. The applicant should show proof of employment as a nursing aide for at least 400 hours for the past 2 years. If the license lapses, it will be deemed expired and one would need to apply for a reinstatement from the registry.
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