How to Become a Nurse Aide

1. Answer the question: What is a Nurse Aide? a. Ohio Health Department says a nurse aide is an individual who provides nursing and nursing-related services under the delegation and supervision of a nurse b. Other terms: *STNA- State Tested Nurse Aide *CNA- Certified Nurse Aide *HHA- Home Health Aide 2. Get a basic understanding of the laws related to being a NA a. Federal Law- OBRA 87 Nurse Aides must complete a training program, pass a test, and receive state certification Each state sets own rules, but programs must be at least 75 hours Nursing Aides must complete 12 hours of continuing education every year b. State law (each state varies) Ohio Revised Code 3721.32 and Ohio Administrative Code 3701-17-07.3 Maintain a list of individuals licensed as STNA on the Nurse Aide Registry Nurse aide training programs Rules 1. Must be at least 75 hours (16 of which must be clinical) 2. No more than 30 hours can be any combination of audio-visual, guest lecture, self-study, etc. (Online programs not approved) 3. Coordinator must be a Registered Nurse; must have Qualified Instructors 4. Give students Certificates and notify state 5. Have adequate and comfortable training facility Individuals who complete a class can work as CNA while studying for the state test, but only for 4

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3. Minimum work and education must be reported to Nurse Aide Registry Find a NATP take the course become a CNA Make sure the program meets all state and federal rules Check for rule violations or complaints about the program What is the programs Ohio STNA Score Report (% of students who pass state test)? What are the student conduct and attendance policies? Find out the programs refund and grievance/complaint policies Get the total cost (including ALL fees and supplies) Make sure extra instruction time is offered in case you need more help Is the location an approved testing site? If not, you will have to take your state test somewhere else Find out what people (students, Instructors, Nursing Homes, etc.) say about the program When you call, does the program seem knowledgeable? Were they able to answer your questions? Pass State Exam become a STNA a. 2 parts of test: Written (or Oral) and Skills b. Must pass test within 12 months after completing class (can only work 4 months) c. Only 3 attempts to pass test then must take another class Keep your STNA license current a. Work at least 7.5 consecutive hours every 24 months (or 8 hours in one 48 hour time frame) b. Complete 12 hours of continuing education yearly c. Make sure education and work is reported to Nurse Aide Registry What about Background Checks? Laws vary but basically you cannot work with at risk people (elderly, children, mentally retarded, etc.) if you have committed any violent crime or any crimes involving theft or burglary See Ohio Code 3701.13-05 for crimes limiting work and 3701.13-06 for exceptions re: non repeat offenders

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Delaney, Tamara 2011