CNA Certification

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!

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.