CNA refers to a Certified Nursing Assistant who functions under the guidance and supervision of an RN. It involves basic healthcare requirements of patients like serving meals, bathing patients, or measuring vital signs. Apart from the written test, the clinical evaluation of the test requires examinees to perform fundamental nursing tasks in the presence of an exam evaluator.
It is vital to understand that the CNA exam is a crucial competency-based evaluation. Realistically, the CNA exam’s success rate mainly depends on the level of specialty and competency knowledge of a nurse. Ideally, a nurse with a minimum of two years of experience with a specialty can conveniently pass the test.
It is no secret that attending a nursing school to be a Certified Nursing Assistant comes with numerous challenges. Nonetheless, if you manage to finish your CNA program, you will have to attempt the licensing test.
The Aim of the CNA
The CNA test’s underlying purpose is to evaluate the skills and collective knowledge of different test-takers to ascertain a nursing assistant’s position with safe conduct. You can view the CNA exam in the two formats:
Candidates will have to complete both portions of the CNA successfully. However, if you want to become a Certified Nursing Assistant and don’t feel comfortable with English, you can opt for Spanish as your primary oral and written exam language.
CNA History and Administration
In late 1987, the adoption of the Nursing Home Reform Act became a reality. Its focus of attention was to improve patient care quality for an extended period in healthcare facilities. Also, one of the crucial aspects of the act was to further elaborate evaluation and training parameters.
The idea was to devise new guidelines for assistant nurses who were working in various nursing homes. Later on, each state became gradually responsible for adopting nursing programs that managed to uphold federal criteria.
Each state is responsible for the CNA administered exam, which comprises an oral and written evaluation test. However, the vast majority of the states have a third-party exam administrator to maintain the examination procedure.
CNAs Are Different From Other Professional Nurses
Although the job responsibilities may look the same at first, each is a different career. However, CNA positions do come across as similar to a traditional nursing job. CNAs or other specialty nurses help doctors and professional healthcare providers with medical treatments, procedures, and tests in terms of similarities.
On the other hand, other professional nurses concentrate on assessing patients or helping doctors with advanced or minor surgical protocols. Generally, CNAs have a much more direct approach when it comes to regular patient care.
In simple terms, if you’ve been in a private healthcare center or hospital, and someone came to check your temperature or IV drip, there is a good chance it was a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). The confusion often stems from the fact that many classes that other nurses take also align with the CNA subject material.
In terms of differences, you can become an RN or LPN by getting a license and passing a mandatory test by your respective state. On the other hand, CNAs solely need a certified special document to practice.
CNA Salary and Career Opportunities
A CNA or Certified Nursing Assistant is a healthcare professional that facilitates patients in various medical settings. Remember, CNAs have many career opportunities since they work side-by-side and under the direct guidance of an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) and an RN (Registered Nurse).
CNA is a great way to enter the arena of medical care and receive substantial salary packages. Although the profession does demand rigorous work and long hours, it does come with certain benefits. However, you must have a genuine interest in becoming a nurse and serving humanity to the best of your abilities.
So long as you have skills, interests, and career potential, you can become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Once you gain enough experience as a CNA, you can apply the same career skills as an RN (Registered Nurse), an NP (Nurse Practitioner), or LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse).
How CNA Exam Is Different Today
Previously, you may have heard of the CNA test as a Nurse Aide Assessment exam. Technically, it is a decisive test to become a Nursing Assistant. However, you have to pass this prerequisite exam to become eligible for medical-oriented employment opportunities.
Today, the CNA exam evaluates the candidate’s knowledge and skills as per modern standards rather than outdated medical practices. Often, it all comes down to “how” a CNA performs multiple tasks simultaneously without jeopardizing the safety of the patients.
That said, the CNA exam still comprises an oral and written component and a practical hands-on segment. For instance, if you just pass one component of the CNA exam, you can retake the failed component. Historically, the retake protocol is no longer stringent. In fact, if you failed both components of the CNA exam, you can retake them.
The Difficult Nature of the CNA Exam
It may be challenging to study for the CNA exam at the start. However, with basic guidance and preparation, you can pass the test. Typically, the exam is only difficult for nursing Assistants who don’t have any previous skills or knowledge. The oral or written component of the CNA exam might be 70 questions. However, the total questions tend to vary from state to state.
CNA Exam Format
The exam itself covers a variety of topics and is separated into three categories: English, math, and science. Within those three categories, there are seven tests with varying numbers of questions and time limits. They are listed below:
CNA Scheduling and Registration
You can schedule an appointment to take the CNA exam at a specific test center. And to schedule and register successfully, you will need to create an official online account. Once you input the necessary details, you will receive confirmation of your eligibility from taking the CNA exam.
Typically, examinees receive an email, “Authorization to Test” as a form of confirmation. In fact, this email serves as a guide to schedule an appointment at a registered test center. If you want to retake the exam, you likely don’t need to create an account again.
Again, scheduling a CNA exam is all about following the instructions you will receive in the email. In any case, don’t lose your official “Candidate ID” attached to the email. You will also receive authorized dates in the same email. If you want to find out your state’s exact requirements, contact Pearson VUE or check out your state’s official nurse aid registry.
CNA and the COVID-19
Although the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak is almost everywhere, there is no year-long delay or postponement when it comes to the CNA exam. However, it is a decision that may not be definitive at the moment and would likely change in the fall season. For instance, test-takers who decided to register and take the CNA exam back in May will attempt the exam in late fall (i.e., Oct. 15th to Nov. 15th, 2020)
Learn to Renew Your Certification
Although each exam is different, almost all states use the multiple-choice format to assess written and manual skills. Specifically, you will have to showcase on-hand skills under the guidance of a registered nurse.
Remember, these skills will come in different scenarios, and you will have to finish specific tasks in the best logical sequence rather than a random order. Certification is inherently a vital credential that highlights your expertise and dedication to improve your specialty.
Each renewal of CNA certification comes with a 5-year validation. You have the freedom to renew your CNA certification either by retaking the certification exam or submitting an extensive list of learning activities.
Before you seek the certification renewal, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria so that you can continue your practice as a nurse. Also, the renewal of certification is a digitized and paperless process. The eligibility process and application are strictly online. It means you will attempt the exam at one of the computer-based testing centers.
Basic Eligibility Requirements to Become CNA
Ideally, healthcare facilities and hospitals look for flexible attributes in a CNA to undertake the time-consuming patient tasks that require a lot of patience. Furthermore, individuals with upper body strength perform their duties as a CNA better. And that’s because you will have to assist adult patients that are unable to walk.
One of the advantages of starting your career as a CNA is that you can easily receive training from a local community college, professional school, or distance-learning institute. On top of academic qualifications, CNAs need several physical and personal qualities to perform expected duties.
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