Confused.. Certification needed for LTC but not Hospital??

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I'm a PCT in NJ... along with the responsibilities of a CNA I also draw blood and do EKG's

I'm not certified anything(except BLS)...but want to be

but I was told I cannot take the CNA exam because my work in acute care wont count as CNA work....

how does this make sense?????

The hospitals I work for do not require any type of certification besides BLS... I work in ICU and ER.. soo I don't need any type of certification to work with critical pt's but I do to work in LTC??

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Onc, LTAC.

I wonder if there is a way to prove you have the "skills" they require to take the exam? Maybe they assume you don't perform many cares such as washing pt's, bed baths, transfers, oral care etc.

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exactly.... LTC and Assisted leaving.... saw that been there

and FYI I do use google before I but THANKS SCOTT

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I think you can challenge the state certification exam and take the written and skills test to obtain certification, at least in CA you can. I think the reason hospitals hire people as PCT is so they can train them to do things outside of the scope of practice of a CNA.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

It sucks, but it's a federal requirement. Designed to prevent nursing home abuse.

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It sucks, but it's a federal requirement. Designed to prevent nursing home abuse.

how???

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.
how???

I don't have a clue ask the folks that were in congress when the law was passed.

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It's going to vary a bit state to state, but Scott is absolutely correct. Nursing homes are soooooo very regulated, and this is one of those regulations. Either place, you're doing everything under the license of a nurse. But I guess in hospitals, there are more nurses to make sure you aren't injuring the patients, or it's never been worried about in the hospitals.

And IMO, it's actually a good rule. CNAs in nursing homes are so independent, they're with the residents so much more than the nurses, I think it's good that there's at least a minimum requirement to protect the folks there.

But (like I said, varies by state) way back when I got my CNA certificate, I had to do a minimum number of hours, then take the wonderful written test and a skill test (I think I drew slip knots for restraints, and to this day, I still tie a mean slip knot.)

If you don't plan to work as an aide in a nursing home, don't worry about it. Your experience is what counts in hospitals.

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Specializes in Medical Surgical-Oncology.

Hi there! I'm from NJ as well and taking the classes for CNA. You need 90 hours. You need lecture, clinical skills, and volunteer hours in a nursing home to take the test for CNA. There are 2 tests that you must pass. You must pass the clinical and the written test to become certified. They also do a criminal background check and physical. These are the requirements to get certified for the state of New Jersey. It is required for the protection of the residents who were being abused by caregivers in the past. The book for class is really good and informs you about patient rights and you are also taught clinical skills (oral care, partial bath, perineal care, and much more). Hope this helps! and Good luck!

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You might be able to just take the test. As a nursing student in a BSN program I just did my fundamentals of nursing (most of the CNA stuff was taught in that) and was ble to just take the test.

CNA education includes all of what you know as a tech at the hospital AND abuse education, resident rights and maybe info on aging etc.

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Hi michelle126,

i know this post is like a year old already but i'll take my chances that you'll get them or maybe someone can answer for me :) those who are nurses or finished fundamentals of nursing, did you still take the skills test?or just the written test???

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