information regarding education and training for Nursing Assistants.
Formal training is not required for persons interested in challenging the state
of Florida certification exam for Nursing Assistants. Test-prep or training is
recommended due to the nature of the exam. Individuals with no prior
knowledge of materials covered on the exam will be at a disadvantage and less
likely to successfully pass the exam to become a CNA.
Becoming a CNA will
increase the chances for success in securing a job in the healthcare field at
Test-prep and training programs for CNAs are
increasing in order to answer the state mandated call for more CNAs in
Florida's nursing homes.
The need for more CNAs accelerated when the Florida legislature passed a law
requiring for increased numbers of nurse staffing at long-term care facilities
to meet the needs for safety in caring for the residents.
What are some of the
duties of a CNA?
CNAs work under the direction of a licensed nurse, providing residents with the assistance they need to carry out activities of daily
living (ADLs). Certified Nursing Assistants (also called Nurse Aides, Home
Health Aides, Patient Care Technicians) work with residents to help with such
tasks as bathing, grooming, and feeding while helping them to maintain as much independence as possible.
Other job duties may include: collecting specimens, assisting with diagnostic
tests, assisting the nursing staff and physician.
CNAs can work in a variety of settings:
- Nursing Homes
- Medical Centers