How do I become a CNA

May 14, 2009 09:46 PM

by natalieinnj

Updated May 14, 2009 at 09:49 PM by natalieinnj

6 years ago I earned a CNA diploma from a hospital nursing school, but put my career on hold to have my family.

2 kids later...I want to go back to my dream. My oldest will be in school and my mom is now retired and ready and willing to care for my youngest.

I did work part time at a mental health facility as a tutor. But I never took state boards for a CNA.

My question is, can I just take the exam for a CNA? I can't find a school for the CNA program (the hospital nursing school only offers it as a required pre-req for RN students). Is this area of nursing on the decline?

My ultimate dream was always to become an RN, but my children came first. I would very much enjoy working as a CNA though and maybe someday advancing.

I appreciate any help/advice! Thank you.

natalieinnj · May 15, 2009, 12:36 PM

Re: How do I become a CNA

Hi again-please help me out!

My state's NNAAP exam states for eligibility: "

An individual who has never been certifi ed as a nurse aide
(NA) in New Jersey and has successfully completed the ninety
(90) hour state-approved nurse aide in long-term care facilities

training course."

I don't know if this means, I just have to brush up on my clinical elements (my 2nd cousin is a dr, and I believe he would help me) OR if I need to take a CNA course/clinicals again because it's been 6 years...please any advice how I can find this out?

ohiogyrl · May 15, 2009, 05:02 PM

Re: How do I become a CNA

I believe you would have to take the class again only b/c at least in ohio, if you go a few months w/o being state tested you have to take it again, also b/c there are new skills that have been added since you last took the class. This is the national website http://www.cna-network.org/ double check. And good luck to you!

ILoveMyCrazyKids9611 · May 15, 2009, 06:05 PM

Re: How do I become a CNA

Just call around to some long term care facilities in your area, (nursing homes) and ask if any of them offer a class, or if they know of anyone who does... sometimes they are even free. And you will get some experience along the way, which will help you out when you are looking for a job...That is what i did, and found a great program, I start my clinicals next week! I also put my career on hold to have a family, 3 kids later

, I am going to classes, and eventually would like to be an RN.......Good luck!

Let me know how it turns out

1BlessedRN · May 16, 2009, 11:54 PM

Re: How do I become a CNA

Originally Posted by natalieinnj

6 years ago I earned a CNA diploma from a hospital nursing school, but put my career on hold to have my family.

2 kids later...I want to go back to my dream. My oldest will be in school and my mom is now retired and ready and willing to care for my youngest.

I did work part time at a mental health facility as a tutor. But I never took state boards for a CNA.

My question is, can I just take the exam for a CNA? I can't find a school for the CNA program (the hospital nursing school only offers it as a required pre-req for RN students). Is this area of nursing on the decline?

My ultimate dream was always to become an RN, but my children came first. I would very much enjoy working as a CNA though and maybe someday advancing.

I appreciate any help/advice! Thank you.

Hello and welcome back to the medical profession, you have been inactive therefore you will have to start over...most longterm care facilities (nursing homes) offer these courses in a shorter amount of time, not to mention the experience...also visit Pearsonvue for NAT's, apply your state and it will answer any questions or concerns..here is the link...best wishes on your journey...

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How do I become a CNA

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