Certified nurse aides (CNAs), often called certified nursing assistants, work under the supervision of a licensed nurse. These positions are a vital part of the healthcare team here at United Zion Retirement Community, as CNAs have significant resident contact as they work to keep residents happy, safe, and healthy. Their observations and care are crucial to providing the best-skilled nursing care possible. Nurse aides build strong relationships with residents.
What does a Certified Nurse Aide do daily?
Certified nurse aides find it a gratifying profession with a daily sense of pride and accomplishment. The job can be mentally and physically demanding as the nurse aide provides constant care and support to residents. This care and support include:
- Aiding with daily living activities (like bathing and feeding)
- Taking vitals
- Providing motion exercise
- Transporting residents
- Giving rehabilitative and restorative care
- Supplying psycho-social support and more
What training does a Certified Nurse Aide need?
Training includes 120 hours or more of instruction, including some hands-on training. Once the training is complete, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam to be certified, including a written test and a skills evaluation. Learn more about PA requirements for CNAs here.
What are the requirements for becoming a CNA in PA?
- A candidate must be at least 16 years of age and in good health
- Fully immunized
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Have a clean record
- Have a degree from one of PA’s Certified Nursing Assistant Schools
- Pass state CNA exam
Central Pennsylvania programs for earning your Certified Nursing Aide credentials:
- Lancaster Career and Technical Center – Willow Street
- Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) – multiple locations
- York County School of Technology
- Chester OIC
The CNA Test in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is one of the twenty-five states that partners with the NNAAP to certify its nurses. Pearson VUE provides various resources to help you prepare for the CNA exam, including a free practice test, applications, test sites, and more. You will need to contact one of the regional testing facilities to schedule your test.
The CNA test consists of a written (or spoken) examination and a clinical skills evaluation, which includes hands-on practice. They both take place on the same day. There will be 70 multiple-choice questions in English. You can opt-out and take the test orally if English is your second language. You can take CNA classes in Spanish as well. The oral exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and ten multiple-choice comprehensive reading questions. The skills examination requires you to perform five skills randomly selected from among 25 skills in 25 minutes or less, supervised by an examiner. In Pennsylvania, you must complete your CNA training within two years of graduating from an accredited program.
Already have your CNA credentials?
Consider applying for a certified nurse aide position here at United Zion.
How do I verify my CNA License in PA?
You can verify your CNA is in good standing and confirm its expiration date here.
How to Renew Your CNA License in Pennsylvania:
You must renew your CNA license every two years in Pennsylvania. Within two years, you must complete twelve hours of in-service training and provide proof of at least one day of paid service to maintain an Active status as you renew your CNAs license in Pennsylvania. United Zion covers its team members’ annual in-service training and CPR renewals. Learn more here.
Reimbursement for Nurse Aide Training
Long-term care nursing facilities will cover the cost of training and testing if you are employed or offered employment as a nurse aide when you enter a nurse aide training and competency evaluation program. Federal law prohibits these charges from being imposed on you.
Suppose you are not employed with a long-term care facility when you are accepted into a nurse aide training, and competency evaluation program but become employed or receive an offer of employment within 12 months of completing the program. In that case, you will be reimbursed by the long-term care facility that employs you. Please note that reimbursement will be made on a pro-rated basis. This means you will be reimbursed for half the cost of training and testing after you have worked at the long-term care facility for 130 hours and the remaining half of the training and testing cost after you have performed an additional 130 hours. You must provide written documentation to the long-term care facility to support your payment request.