Becoming A Certified Nurse Assistant In Connecticut

The Difference Between HHAs and CNAs



Before we discuss the specifics of CNA training in Connecticut, lets cover the essentials. Some Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide in-home care with a Home Health Agency. Therefore , a CNA may often be referred to as a Home Health Aide (HHA), despite the fact that this label is in fact inaccurate. Also, a state authorized CNA training course will exceed the minimum requirements for a state certified Home Health Aide training course, so a CNA is free to take a job as an actual HHA if she elects to do so.



The job requirements for an CNAs and HHAs are very similar. Both provide in-home care to the elderly or chronically ill, and spend much of their days helping with basic housekeeping and hygiene. They may occasionally need to transport clients to doctor's appointments or social events. The number one difference between the two kinds of aides is that Home Health Aides are limited to performing only those kinds of tasks, whereas CNAs are able to administer medicines and perform some basic medical procedures under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or doctor. In addition, CNAs receive some extra education to become certified, and therefore earn slightly more cash.



Keep in mind that a CNA may also be referred to Certified Nurse Aide, or just a Nurse Aide.



Basic Rules to Be a CNA in Connecticut



To be able to work as a Nurse Aide in Connecticut (or any other state, really), he or she must be mentioned on the State's Nurse Aide Registry as having successfully completed an approved Nurse Assistant training course and having then passed a competency examination. CNA training in Connecticut is overseen by the Connecticut Department of Public Health.



Before applying to become a CNA, it is a good idea to be certain that you have what it takes to do the job well. An excellent CNA is compassionate and conscientious. They must also be in great shape, as the job can be physically demanding. Keep in mind that you are going to also be required to submit to a criminal history check and a tuberculosis screening.



Training Course Specifics



A state-approved training program must be at least 100 hours long, and be taught by a Registered Nurse with at least 2 years of expertise, of which at least one year is in long term care. Before being allowed to give any direct care to a patient, a trainee must receive at least sixteen hours of coaching in communication and interpersonal skills, client rights, client independence, safety and emergency procedures including the Heimlich maneuver, and infection control. In addition to the skills discussed above, a prospective CNA will also receive instruction in basic cleanliness, transfer and ambulation, feeding, recording a patient's pulse and respiration, positioning, and range of motion.



If you are already enrolled in a course to become a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), you have got the option to send in your course transcripts that prove that you have successfully completed similar coursework to that of a CNA program. By doing so, you can bypass having to undertake the training course and move straight to the competency test.



Certification Exam Specifics



Following training, you will need to sit for the state CNA certification exam, which is offered by the third-party testing company Prometric. This needs to be done within twenty four months of completing the training, or else you will need to be trained again.



The exam will consist of both written/oral and hands-on parts. The written portion will last ninety minutes and is comprised of sixty multiple choice questions. For the hands-on section of the test, you will be asked to perform three randomly selected tasks that you learned during your training course, while at the same time being graded based primarily on your handwashing technique and indirect care skills. Indirect care encompasses your interaction with the patient infection control protocols, patient comfort and needs , and client safety. The clinical skills portion of the test may take last from 31 to to 40 minutes, depending on which skills you are asked to perform.



If you are taking the test for the first time, it will cost you $108 if you select the written test, and $118 if you go with the oral test. If you are retaking test, are certified in another state, or let your certification expire, visit the Prometric site for more in-depth information.



Becoming a CNA in Connecticut, Step by Step



Based solely what you have learned above, you can probably see the process of becoming a CNA in Connecticut is pretty easy. First, find a CNA training class in your city. Courses are generally taught in vocational schools, community colleges, and nursing homes. Following your training, visit the Prometric internet site to apply to take an examination. Do not forget to give them a copy of your training completion certificate. A couple of weeks after passing the exam, double check that you are mentioned on the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry.



How MuchDoes a CNA in Connecticut Make?



According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean hourly wage for Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants (they do not have a group for only nurse Assistants) in Connecticut was $14.71 in 2010. This makes CT one of the best paying states for CNAs in the country! For more detailed wage information for your town, check out the BLS internet site.



Chances for Advancement



Advancement opportunities are extremely limited for CNAs in Connecticut, just like the rest of the country. On the brighter side, working as a CNA is an excellent way to try out a job in medicine. With additional a Nurse Aide can transition into a career as an RN or physical specialist.