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CNA Certification

January 9, 2011 by Catherine Leave a Comment

How to apply for Reciprocity

Nursing is one of the most in-demand professions in the country, and after having earned your nursing degree, you will be in a position to find a job anywhere you want.  If you are working as a Registered Nurse, the process of transferring your license is called “reciprocity.”  Thanks to the standardization of nursing requirements that resulted from the NCLEX process, Registered Nurses are able to transfer their licenses to any state with just a few simple steps.  If you are interested in moving to another state, the following is the process for gaining reciprocity:

The first thing that you will want to do is to contact the Nursing Registry in the state you already live in and request an “Application for Enrollment by Reciprocity.”  The Registry will tell you whether they need you to complete the application and return it to the state you are moving to or if they need the application sent back to your home state.  You should familiarize yourself with the Nurse Practice Act in the state you plan to move to in order to ensure that you are following the applicable laws and regulations in the state you want to move to.  Then, you should contact the state you are moving to and ask how you should turn in the completed Application for Enrollment by Reciprocity.  If you contact the other state and get an automated line, have a pen and paper handy to take notes about the information you heard.  It is always preferable to get a live person on the line who can answer questions for you.

As you complete each item of paperwork, be sure to make a copy and keep it in a safe place for your records.  Keep notes about who you talked to and the phone numbers you can reach them at.  Simply applying does not ensure registration, so make sure you receive a document that says you are registered to practice in your new state.  Many states will first issue a temporary permit that will allow you to begin practicing as they complete your application.

After your new state tells you how information should be sent (such as fax, email, internet application, or mail), submit the information immediately.  Double check information like phone and fax numbers, mailing addresses, etc.  As part of the process, you will need to submit a copy of your Social Security Card, drivers’ license, and current state license.  You will also need a copy of a document that proves you have worked as a nurse within the last two years, such as a pay stub, and copies of any degrees and certificates you have earned.  The Registry in your new state may ask for other information, but gathering this information in advance will help make the process easier.

Your new employer may also require that you complete a training and/or testing program specific to their facility.  Your new employer will be able to provide you with necessary information about when and where you will need to do this.  Recent changes in Nursing Practice law make it easier than ever before to transfer your nursing license to a new state.  By spending a little bit of time researching these changes, your transition can be smooth and easy!

Filed Under: CNA Certification

August 2, 2010 by Catherine Leave a Comment

CNA Certification Test

If you are training to become a certified nursing assistant, you might be concerned about the CNA Certification test.  You will need to take a state approved class for CNAs before you can take this test.  When you complete your coursework, you will be able to apply to sit for the certification exam.  You will receive a notice with the date and time of the test.

There are things you can do to help you prepare for your CNA Certification Test.  When you are still completing your certification course, you will want to do all reading and assignments.  Pay close attending during class and even take good notes.  If you have questions during any portion of your training, ask for help.

Pay careful attention to what you do while performing your clinical portion of the course.  Watch the work of other skilled certified nursing assistants so that you know how to perform your duties well.  Once again, it is important to ask questions if you have them because you will be demonstrating several CNA duties during your certification test.

Consider purchasing instruction videos and practice exams.  They can be very helpful when you are studying for the certification test.  Sometimes you can even find sample questions and practice exams online for free.  Do not be afraid to ask around for free or low-cost resources to help you study.

Practice some of the skills that you might have to perform during your CNA certification test.  You can practice with other nursing assistant students or with family and friends.  Remember to complete all aspects of a task (for example, do not forget to wash your hands and close a patient’s privacy curtain).

Pay careful attention to any instructions you are provided on the paperwork you receive for your certification exam.  You will probably be asked to bring one or more pencils with you for the written portion of the test.  If you are doing your test at in a clinical setting, you might be asked to demonstrate skills with patients directly.  Otherwise, you could be asked to bring someone with you to serve as your model patient.

It will probably be necessary to show some form of identification when you go for testing.  Make certain you have this with you.  You might also have paperwork that you must take with you to show it is time to sit for the nursing assistant certification exam.

The cna certification examination will be overseen by a state approved test administrator.  You will first need to finish a written part of a test.  This will usually be about 100 multiple choice questions related to the materials you covered during your class.

After that part of the test is over, you will need to demonstrate a handful of skills for the test administrator.  They will make sure you complete ever part of that skill (including safety measures).

It is important for you to pass both parts of the test, otherwise you will not receive certification.  In some cases, the state will allow you to take the test more than once.  There will be times when you will be required to repeat the training before taking the test.

Filed Under: CNA Certification

August 2, 2010 by Catherine Leave a Comment

Passing Your CNA Exam

If you have started on a path to become a certified nursing assistant, you will need to enroll in a nursing assistant training program.  This program must be approved by the state in which you live.  Certification is not granted upon completion of the course.  You will then need to sit for the certification exam.  Passing your CNA exam should not be difficult if you follow a few basic steps.

Many people pass their CNA exam on the first try.  You should take your time to find a good quality nursing assistant program.  Look for training classes in your area with a good reputation.  These training courses are more likely to prepare you well to pass the nursing assistant certification test.

When you enroll in your class, you must remember that you are preparing for your CNA exam from day one.  It is important to pay close attention during your training course.  You do not want to miss any classes or any clinical instruction sessions.  If you have an urgent reason for missing a class, you will need to make up the missed session as instructed by your teacher.

Carefully read through your textbook and always complete all assignments.  Do not be afraid to ask questions that you have whether it be in class, lab studies or clinical experience.  Carefully review any tests and quizzes you take during class to make certain that you understand any questions out got wrong.

Take good notes during your classes.  If you have information you need to remember during your clinical instructions, take notes directly after your clinical hours.  Pay close attention to everything you learn during your hands on training.

Passing your CNA exam will be even easier if you talk to your training course instructor before your training program ends.  He or she can help you to have an understanding of the layout of the certification exam.  They can even help you to know what is most important to study.

The CNA exam has both a written and a skills portion.  You can prepare to do well on the skills segment by practicing many of the skills you will use as a CNA.  You can do this by getting together with other cna students to practice the skills.  In addition, you can ask friends and family members to serve as your model patients while you practice your CNA skills.

You can find sample CNA test questions online and can even purchase practice tests and study guides.  These resources can help you to further prepare for success when it comes time to sit for your nursing assistant certification exam.  Demonstration videos can also be purchased to help you study for your nursing assistant certification exam.
When you are taking your exam, do not hurry through the written portion of the test.  Take your time and check over your answers.  You will also want to take your time and try to stay relaxed when you are finishing the skills portion of the test.

Filed Under: CNA Certification, CNA Classes

July 15, 2010 by Catherine Leave a Comment

CNA Recertification

If you have recently obtained your nursing assistant certification, it is important for you to know that your certification is not valid for life.  CNA recertification occurs every two years.  There are some things you must do to make certain that your certification does not expire or become invalid.

CNA recertification is not overly difficult.  Every two years, you will have paperwork to complete.  Some of the information will be completed by you and others will be completed by your employer.  You should receive the application for recertification several weeks before it is due.

The application for recertification will be submitted to the State Board of Nursing.  Any fees associated with CNA recertification are minimal.  If you work for a nursing care facility (especially one that is Medicare certified), your employer might pay the fees for you.

Some certified nursing assistants only work on a part-time basis.  In fact, some CNAs just work on a per diem basis.  It is not necessary to work many hours to retain your certification.  Most states will require that you work for at least 150 hours within a two year period in order to be able to apply for recertification.  Some states might require you to put in a few more hours that that.

If you do not work 150 hours during the two-year period, there will be steps you must take to maintain your certification.  The exact process will depend on the state where you live.  The State Board of Nursing can help you determine what steps you must take to retain certification.  Some states will require you to take a nursing assistant training program again while others might require you to sit for the nursing assistant exam again.

You must notify your employer immediately if you realize that you forgot to become recertified.  Depending on the state where you live, you might be able to continue working for a few weeks while you obtain your new certification.  Again, it will depend on the state where you live as to whether or not you will need to repeat training or the nursing assistant competency exam.

Some states will allow you to sit for the competency exam if your certification has expired.  As long as you pass the exam, you will be able to renew your certification and continue working as a certified nursing assistant.

If you have just started a career as a certified nursing assistant, it is important to remember that you will need to complete continuing education credits each year.  These credits will be necessary if you want to retain a valid certification.  The courses will help to ensure that you always have the knowledge you need to provide excellent care to patients.

Some continuing education credits are offered online.  There might be some training that must be taken at a local university or another local healthcare facility.  Many employers offer in-service sessions to help nursing assistants and other healthcare providers complete their continuing education credits to retain an active certification.

Filed Under: CNA Certification, Introduction to CNA

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