So as to work as a CNA in CA, you have to be noted on the California State Nurse Aide Registry. CNA is an abbreviation of Certified Nurse Aide or Certified Nursing Assistant. Since many Home Health Agencies will look to employ Certified Nursing Assistants, this article also applies to Home Health Aide training in California.
Eligibility Requirements
Before you begin your training to be a certified nursing assistant in CA, you need to make certain that you meet some fundamental requirements. First, you have to be at least 16 years old when you receive your certification. However, you can start your training course at the age of 15. Also, you should be aware that you will have to undergo a health screening and tuberculosis test to be certain that you will not pose a health risk to patients. Finally, you must undergo a background check to ensure that you are fit to work with the public.
Training Laws
In the State of California, a Certified Nurse Aide education course must be a minimum of 150 hours long. Of those 150 hours, 100 hours must be taught in clinical setting (hands-on), and 50 hours must be taught in a classroom setting.
Before starting to work with a patient, a Certified Nurse Aide in training must complete at least 16 hours of training in the following areas:
- Communication and interpersonal skills;
- Infection control;
- Safety and emergency procedures, including the Heimlich maneuver;
- Promoting the autonomy of patients;
- Respecting the rights of patients.
Competency Exam
After you complete your training course, you will be required to take a test to ensure that you are fit to work as a Certified Nurse Aide in CA. The examination is offered by the third party testing company Pearson VUE, and must be taken within 2 years of completing your training course. If it is not taken within the two year window, you must be retrained. If you do not pass the exam, it can be taken up to 3 times.
The examination will be made up of both oral and written parts, and will test such topics as physical care skills, psychological care skills, and your role as a nurse aide. It will also test a variety of physical skills like washing and helping patients get in and out of bed. Pearson's CNA Candidate Handbook, which is available on their website, goes into finer detail about the exam and what you will be expected to know.
Wages
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly wage for a Certified Nursing Assistant in California is $27,920, or $13.42 per hour.
Further Information
For more in-depth info, visit the California Department of Public Health's website or call them at 916-558-1784.
The Pearson VUE website is an in-depth resource that is full of detailed information about the competency examination. The site is filled with helpful links, as well as a practice examination and a list of testing centers. If you would prefer to speak with a real person, they can be reached at 1-888-204-6186.
Jon Stall greatly enjoys helping people interpret Home Health Aide training regulations. His web site contains additional info about how to become a CNA in California.
