Author: vitawerks

Certified nursing assistant roles are seen as the perfect “entry-level” position. Compared to other HCP roles, the cost of education and the length of training is nowhere near as dramatic. Many aspiring Registered Nurses have become CNAs to build work experience and earn money while they further their education.

The exact process of becoming a CNA varies, from state to state. Each State Board of Nursing has their own different CNA certification process and set of requirements. To simplify things, this guide will go over how to become a CNA in your state and will point you to official State Board of Nursing resources, for further information.

How to Become a CNA

 Step 1: Acquire educational requirements

While the process of becoming a CNA differs from state to state, there is a general outline that most State Boards of Nursing roughly follow. For instance: across the board, the CNA educational requirement is far less stringent, compared to other HCP roles. You need to possess at least a high school diploma or a General Education Degree (GED).

Step 2: Complete state-approved training

Once you have your requirements, you can apply for your post-secondary CNA education and training program of choice. Your hours will usually be split between classroom lectures, laboratory tests, and clinical rotations. How long your program lasts depends on the state.

You can find these courses in vocational schools, community colleges or even a number of healthcare institutions. You have to be sure that your institution of choice has been approved by the State Board of Nursing. If it is not, then you will not qualify for the certification exam and, by extension, CNA certification itself.

Step 3: Take the competency test

After you graduate from your CNA program, you will usually have to take a state competency test. You have to pass these tests if you want to obtain your certification. Most of these exams will be split between a written portion, an oral portion, and a practical skills test. You want to read up and study well before your exam is scheduled. Refer to your instructors for advice and further review material.

Step 4: Acquire CNA certification

Congratulations! You are now a state-certified nursing assistant. You can now apply for CNA jobs within the state, take up a CNA role with your current employer, or book temporary shifts with VitaWerks. Be sure to keep up to date with your continuing education requirements. Many states also require CNAs to work a minimum amount of clinical hours within their certification period, if they want their licensure to stay active.

What are the state-specific requirements?

As was mentioned earlier, the specific CNA certification process is determined by the State Board of Nursing. From the length of CNA lessons to the set of requirements, you want to learn the certification process of your home state before anything else. For your reference, we have gone over the specific CNA state requirements for these select territories.

California:

At the bare minimum, you must be 16 years old (or older) and have a clear criminal record. From there, you have to complete a program that has been approved by the California State Board of Nursing. This exam will test your knowledge of direct and basic patient care, along with your practical skills.

Connecticut:

In Connecticut, CNAs must first complete a program approved by the Connecticut State Board of Nursing. These training courses are a minimum of 100 hours long and will be carried out in collaboration with a Registered Nurse with at least two years of work experience. At least one of those years must have taken place in a licensed chronic/convalescent nursing home or rest home with a supervision setting.

Applicants must also complete 16 hours in the following fields: Resident’s Independence, Residents Rights, Infection Control, Safety and Emergency Procedures including the Heimlich Maneuver, and Communication/Interpersonal Skills. During your training program, you will learn 25 crucial clinical skills. In the clinical section of the exam, you will be tested on 5 of them, which are selected randomly.

Rhode Island:

RI-based CNAs have to pass a state-approved training program. They have to be at least 100 hours and include at least 20 hours of on-site, hands-on training.

Maine:

In Maine, CNAs are expected to complete 180 hours of training, from a state-approved educational institution. This is the largest hour requirement listed in the article. These hours are split between 70 hours of supervised clinical rotations, 20 hours of laboratory training, and 90 hours of classroom instruction.

Once you have completed your training, you will receive a Certificate of Equivalent Training, proving that you have completed the necessary CNA training. Depending on the certificate, the Registry can determine whether or not you can immediately join the CNA registry, or must take further competency testing. You can only practice if you are listed as “active” in the state’s CNA registry.

New Jersey:

NJ-based CNA applicants must fulfill a state-approved Nurse Aide in Long Term Care Facilities Training program. These classes consist of 90 hours, split between 40 clinical rotation hours and 50 classroom hours. In New Jersey, you can find training in one of the following institutions: a vocational school, community college, or a long-term care facility you are currently employed by.

Once you have completed your training, you must take and pass the Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). Students who have not completed a state-approved nursing program can still take the NATCEP, if they fall within the two exceptions:

 

• They are a graduate nurse, a nurse with a license in a foreign country, or a student with proof that they completed a course that covers the fundamentals of nursing.
• You can submit proof that you have completed a course covering the fundamentals of nursing within 12 months preceding the exam. This includes (but is not limited to):
  • Training as a military nurse aide
  • Proof of completion for the Long-Term Care Module of the Core Curriculum for Unlicensed Assistive Personnel along with the Core Curriculum for Unlicensed Assistive Personnel.
  • Certification as a homemaker-health aide and successful completion of the Long-Term Care Module of the Core Curriculum for Unlicensed Assistive Personnel.

Pennsylvania:

To qualify for PA’s Nurse Aide Test, first-time applicants must complete a state-approved CNA course within 24 months before their application. This list contains the approved training programs, as of July 2023. From there, you can fill out a registration form (with the supervision of your school, a facility member, and/or your employer) to place your name in the Nurse Aide Registry and begin your exam.

The test itself is a mix of 70 multiple-choice questions, 60 oral questions, and 10 reading comprehension questions. You will also be asked to fulfill a skills test, where you will demonstrate 5 randomly selected nurse aide skills.

You may not put much thought into it, but you will be wearing your scrubs throughout your entire 8 to 12-hour shift. You want to make sure you find a set that makes you feel comfortable, all throughout. At the same time, there is a level of professionalism that HCPs are expected to maintain. How the Registered Nurses or Nurse Aides present themselves reflects directly on the company, and your uniform is a key part of this.

On top of comfort and professionalism, you want scrubs that look good on you. It may not seem important, but feeling stylish can be a subtle, but appreciated confidence booster. When you are saving lives, these seemingly meaningless margins can mean the world.  The best HCPs deserve the best work uniforms that marry form and functionality. In this article, we will go over some of the most well-received scrubs brands for 2023.

For Women

Wonderwink

 If you are a female nurse in the market for a form-fitting yet snug set of scrubs, then Wonderwink may be what you are looking for. The scrubs are cut closer to your shape to marry a stylish, flattering look along with comfort. The mix of rayon, polyester and spandex fabrics ensures that HCPs can wear these scrubs throughout the day without worrying about skin irritation or chaffing. We highly recommend the WonderWink Women’s Origins Bravo Scrub Top, which boasts 4.1 stars on Amazon, over 16,000+ reviews at the time of writing. Priced at $18.98, customers have praised these tops for their incredible quality given their price range. If you are looking for an affordable yet quality product, Wonderwink is as good as it gets for female HCPs.

 Cherokee

Easily one of the most acclaimed and renowned brands listed here, you cannot go wrong with Cherokee’s scrubs. Whether you are a man or a woman, they consistently put out high-quality HCP scrubs and products. Their fabric mix maintains a light, breathable feel while boasting enough durability to be washer-friendly. Cherokee’s scrubs are comfortable and easy to wear, without sacrificing the utility, durability, and quality that you want out of your work scrubs. Among their catalog, the Cherokee Women Scrubs Top Workwear Revolution V-Neck WW620 currently holds a 4.6 rating across 29,000+ Amazon user reviews. Depending on your size, the price will range from $23.99 to $27.57. In particular, users love the feel of the thin material, the breadth of plus-size options, and the snug, form-fitting fit.

Grey’s Anatomy

Created by Barco, this line of sleek nursing outfits is more than just a tie-in to the eponymous TV show. With a premium fabric blend of polyester and rayon, the Grey’s Anatomy scrubs are guaranteed to provide a comfortable fit that does not skimp out on style or sleekness, in the slightest. Side vents and princess seaming further increase the sense of lightness and breathability that is valued out of a modern-day set of scrubs. In addition, the material is durable and flexible enough to withstand machine washing and countless HCP shifts. Although certain sets can get pricey, these scrubs are a perfect all-in-one package that any female HCP should consider. BARCO Grey’s Anatomy Women’s Mia Top sits at a 4.6 rating with around 2,300 user reviews and a $28.99. Though some users have noted a ‘smaller than expected” fit, the product is generally beloved for its stylishness, comfortable material, and form-fitting qualities.

 FIGS Scrubs

 If you feel like spending extra on a set of high-quality nursing outfits, then you want to consider FIGs scrubs. Their proprietary FIONx fabric mix ensures comfort, while “Silvadur technology” protects HCPs from bad body odor. The durable material also protects against wrinkles, thanks to its moisture-wicking and four-way stretch quality. Throughout your shift, FIGS scrubs remain dry and durable without sacrificing any breathability or comfort. You still want to follow the washing instructions, unlike some of the other scrubs listed, but the sheer quality more than makes up for this. As the cherry on top, the FIGS Casma Scrub Tops for Women provides a v-neck look for HCPs who want to stay stylish while mixing things up a little. Though the current price of $48.00 is a significant step up, the product’s 4.8 Amazon rating over 2,700+ reviews is a testament to its quality. For some users, the figure fit is not what they expected, but the comfort and quality of the material are acclaimed all throughout.

For Men

 Dickies

 No doubt you are already well aware of Dickies’ for their jeans, work shirts and overalls. On top of all these, the company provides some of the best men’s scrubs currently available in the market. Dickies’ scrubs boast four-way stretching fabric that increases durability without sacrificing any breathability. This makes their scrubs very washing machine friendly, which increases their value further. Uniquely, these outfits also have an athletic aesthetic that resembles workout gear, which allows you to stand out from the crowd without looking too jarring. In particular, we highly recommend the Dickies Dynamix Scrubs for Men. Currently, the price sits at $32.99 while it holds a 4.6 rating on Amazon, across 3,000+ reviews. Along with quality fabric material, the v-neck and athletic cut make this an excellent option for male HCPs who want to mix things up. This is all while maintaining an exceptional level of quality and functionality.

 Dagacci 

Maybe you want to save some money on scrubs. Even on a budget, there are a number of high-quality options available to the working man. Dagacci has built a reputation for good quality HCP outfits sold at a bargain price. Their polyester and cotton blended poplin still provide the comfort and malleability that any HCP wants out of their work outfit. This material also maintains a level of durability that allows it to survive the machine wash fine. The style and v-neck cut also offers a stylish look, regardless of the figure. The Dagacci Scrubs Medical Uniform Men’s Scrub Set boasts all these qualities while being sold at a reasonable $23.99. At a 4.3 Amazon rating with over 5,900+ reviews, you are guaranteed the bang for your buck.

Carhartt

For centuries, Carharrt has built a reputation as one of the best work outfit manufacturers in the entire world. Unsurprisingly, the company also provides some of the best men’s scrubs available on the market, right now. Carhartt’s scrubs boast a subtle but rugged styling and cut. Mel HCPs can finally express their individuality and masculinity in a reasonable, understated way. Its fabric blend of cotton and polyester maintains the perfect durability and flexibility for machine washing while providing HCPs with the comfort and breathability that they deserve. With a strong appearance that preserves form functionality, the Carhartt Men’s Ripstop Utility Scrub Top receives a resounding seal of approval. Its $23.98 price tag is attainable for the working man, while a 4.6 Amazon rating over 3,300+ reviews is a further testament to its quality.

Cherokee

 As was mentioned earlier, Cherokee provides perfect options for both male and female HCPs alike. The blend of durability, stylishness, comfort, and customizability has few equals in the market today. As it is with the women, men have a bevy of options to choose from, on the Cherokee catalog. In particular, we highly recommend the Cherokee Scrubs for Men Workwear Professionals V-Neck Four-Pocket Scrub Top WW695. The price can range between $19.95 to $30.87, depending on the model you choose and your size. Regardless of what you take, you can rest assured that you are purchasing one of the highest-quality scrubs options available in your price range. At 4.6 over 9,700+ reviews at the time of writing, this is easily the best-reviewed item mentioned thus far. Users across the country have raved about its functionality, light-fitting material, and durability in the machine wash.

To provide the best possible care, HCPs need to be equipped with the right tools. There is only so much you can do with just your hands, after all.

Certain items are irreplaceable, if you want to effectively carry out your tasks. To prepare you for the rigors of hospital labor, we have listed 5 irreplaceable items that an HCP must have, to thrive and succeed. 

Compression Socks 

HCP labor is demanding on your lower body. Healthcare workers are on their feet for the majority of their shift. Oftentimes, they will also be asked to carry and transfer patients or heavy hospital equipment. All this can add up and lead to sore feet, tired legs, and/or lower back strains. 

Compression socks ease some of the pain by promoting healthy blood circulation in your legs. This is opposed to regular tight socks, which can constrict the blood flow on your feet. That being said, HCPs dealing with peripheral vascular diseases in their legs, ankles, or feet should steer clear. Be sure they fit you just right, or else it will cut your blood circulation. 

Nursing Shoes 

A good pair of shoes can ease the burden on your feet, as well. If you are standing for the majority of your working time, you want to make sure that your shoes are providing your feet with ample comfort, support, and stability. Proper support, in particular, can ease the pain and discomfort across your entire lower body. Recently, clogs and other slip-on shoes have gained prominence, as a classic blend of convenience and practicality.

Many HCPs will also opt for running shoes, since their cushioned soles and arches are already designed to support feet in high pressure situations. Consider looking for slip-resistant shoes as well, since trips and falls make up 26% of all injuries in nursing care facilities. You want to alternate between different pairs of shoes, every work day, to avoid quicker wear and tear. 

Stethoscope 

Stethoscopes are an irreplaceable part of an HCPs toolkit. They let you monitor a patient’s organs and vital signs. HCPs can listen to a patient’s heartbeat to check for cardiac complications, or their lungs to look for signs of pneumonia, asthma and more. Stethoscopes also allow you to check on someone’s blood pressure. 

As best as you can, try not to go too cheap on your stethoscope. You want one made of durable materials like non latex rubber and stainless steel. Acoustics is also an important consideration, since you want to hear a patient’s vital signs as clearly as possible. Finally, you want to make sure they are easy to clean and comfortable to use. Ultimately, it is all up to preference. 

Medical scissors

An HCP slices open through lots of material, whether to cut up bandages to dress wounds or access parts of the body that require treatment, an HCP slices through a lot of material within a shift. From skin tissue, to gauze, to bandages, medical scissors allow you to cut through anything you need. These implements are versatile and specifically designed for hospital work. As opposed to regular scissors, the blade is angled and serrated to enable fast,  safe cutting. 

These all-in-one scissors are so convenient and useful, that you may end up owning more than one pair. Some HCPs even save one for personal use, at home. 

Medical scrubs 

A good set of scrubs is more than just a fashion statement. Scrubs are easier to wash compared to regular clothes and possess a more free range of motion. They are also professional-looking, and let you be instantly-identifiable as an HCP. A good pair of scrubs lets you stay comfortable at work, while keeping a stylish yet professional look. 

Try to find scrubs made of light and breathable material, like cotton, polyester, and rayon. Fit, durability, stain resistance, and how they should be cleaned are also important considerations. 

Travel nursing has opened a world of new opportunities for certified nursing assistants. CNAs can now take the best, highest paying shifts from facilities all over the country. Before you can accept a cross state shift, however, are you aware of the status of your legislation? Different states have different CNA licensure requirements and state nursing boards. Even if you are certified in one state, that does not mean your credentials will necessarily carry over to another. 

What can be done, in this instance? Is it possible to apply for a multi state CNA license? Read on to find out, before you take a CNA gig in another state. 

Should I just get licensed in an NLC state?

You may have heard of the Nurse Licensure Compact. If you are licensed in a member state, you can practice in areas under the compact without much trouble. Is acquiring a CNA license as simple as getting certified, in one of these NLC states? Unfortunately, that is simply not the case. 

At the time of writing, the NLC only applies to two kinds of healthcare professionals: Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses/Licensed Vocational Nurses. CNAs, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses and other HCPs cannot enjoy the advantages afforded by the NLC. A true multi state CNA license is currently not available, but there are ways you can attain permission to practice in other states. 

What is Reciprocity? 

In order to practice in other states, you need to apply for reciprocity. With CNA reciprocity, you can transfer your qualifications and credentials to another state without having to apply for a new license, from scratch. Each state has different reciprocity requirements and processes. For the most part, you want to maintain good standing with your current CNA license, as well as a clean criminal record. Expect to finish your fair share of paperwork as well, though how much you have to sign will depend on the state. 

How do I find the requirements? 

As was mentioned earlier, different states will ask for different requirements.. Before you proceed, research whether or not they have reciprocity at all, since not all states offer this kind of program. If you must, contact the State Board of Nursing for the area that you wish to work and inquire about it directly. 

If the answer is “yes,” you can ask for a CNA reciprocity form that you will fill out and submit. These forms also typically have the reciprocity requirements that you will be expected to fulfill, before you can send your application. 

For example: Alaska’s CNA reciprocity program will ask the following from you, if you are a US Citizen: 

1. Proof that you completed a state-approved CNA training program 
2. Ownership of an unrestricted CNA certification in any US state/territory OR from a Canadian province/territory, provided they are active and approved by the Alaskan Nursing Board  
3. Passing a competency exam 
4. A $275.00 application fee

Provided that you read all the instructions and fulfill all your requirements, the process should be smooth and painless. 

Where can I apply for reciprocity? 

At the time of writing, these are the states that offer reciprocity programs for CNAs.

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• Washington D.C
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

 

Being an HCP is more than meeting the initial education requirements. A degree does not make you a good nurse, nursing assistant, or healthcare professional. On top of all the technical skills, HCPs are expected to provide emotional care for patients going through tough times in their lives.

It takes a special kind of temperament to thrive in a space as high pressure and demanding as healthcare. Today, we will go over key nursing qualities that you cannot quantify. They are both intangible, yet screamingly obvious and essential for an HCP’s success. 

Work Ethic

This should go without saying, but healthcare is a uniquely demanding profession. HCPs of all levels will be expected to carry out physically and mentally challenging tasks, over long work shifts. You are likely to spend a majority of your shift on your feet, regardless of which department you work in. Do not be surprised if you are asked to carry sensitive equipment or patients, as well. To succeed in this industry, a strong work ethic is a must. You must be prepared to give all your effort, regardless of the challenges that you face. Even when you are drained and exhausted after a shift, you need to muster the energy to push through.

Empathy and Compassion

Patients admitted to hospitals experience pain that most people cannot relate to. Chances are they are dealing with serious personal issues, loss, or stress and anxiety over their current condition. Even if that is not the case, a hospital stay can be uniquely isolating. Patients are immobilized and often separated from their family members for long stretches of time. On top of the technical and physical labor, HCPs have to provide emotional support for the patients they look after. This requires a great deal of both empathy and compassion.

You may be asking yourself: “what is the difference?” When you sympathize with someone, you understand what they are feeling on a rational level. You know where it comes from, even if you do not feel it yourself. When you empathize with someone, you feel their emotions with them. Whether you sympathize or empathize will usually depend on your own life experiences. After all, it is easier to empathize with a cancer patient if you have undergone similar struggles. Regardless, both qualities are must-haves for any HCP. When you understand what they are feeling on some level, it is easier to provide effective emotional care.

Communication 

Education is a key component of successful healthcare. HCPs will not be with their patients 24/7 so they need to teach them how to take care of themselves. For example: if a patient is able to take medications for themselves, HCPs must instruct them on the recommended dosages and times they should take them on. If a patient is discharged, you will have to teach them and their families about what to do and what not to do, to ensure that their recovery process is unhindered. 

To properly educate, communication is key. An HCP must learn how to break down complex medical terminology in such a way that anyone can understand. Healthcare professionals also have to effectively communicate with a patient and their family members, at every stage of the healing process. They need to explain the condition they are in, and the pros and cons of each treatment alternative. This should all be done while being sensitive to their cultural background or emotional state. 

Composure 

You cannot expect every shift to go as planned. Sometimes, patients will undergo sudden changes in condition that forces you to rethink the care plan. Other times, you will find yourself working on a time limit to save someone’s life. If a patient is undergoing a mental breakdown or episode, the HCP may be forced to evacuate the premises or diffuse the situation themselves. A healthcare professional must have the composure and wherewithal to gather themselves and respond appropriately, in these situations. This is especially important if you want to work in the Intensive Care Unit or Emergency Department. High pressure situations are the norm, and you must be ready for that. 

Eye for Detail 

At every HCP level, you are usually deferring to someone. Nursing assistants answer to their supervising nurses, while registered nurses commonly answer to the facility’s doctors and physicians, when it comes to patient treatment and medication. Even nurse practitioners cannot act autonomously, unless they have physician approval. An attention to detail is necessary, if you want to follow their instructions correctly. Healthcare is so precise with medication, that slight deviations in dosage or time of administration can have severe consequences. 

This attentiveness is also important, when the HCP is watching over their patient. A patient’s condition and any changes need to be added to a medical report, with appropriate detail. From there, the nursing team can determine whether or not a change in treatment plan is necessary. 

A Critical Mind

Solutions in healthcare are not linear. You cannot memorize a textbook, and expect all similar problems to share the same solution. Critical thinking allows you to see the information presented in front of you, consider context, and find a solution that is not apparent yet is still grounded in reasoning and rationality. Relating to the composure point, you must be capable of doing this within a time constraint, and under high pressure. 

A critical mind is also willing to learn constantly. Healthcare is rapidly evolving every day, so HCPs must stay updated with the latest developments and best practices. This is why most states have a continuing education program. Healthcare professionals need to be willing to learn constantly, if they want to have a sustained career.