For RN Students working as CNA's!!

Published

Where did you get your base of facts and prep questions for CNA test? I've seen one 50 question not too hard, and was verified over a battery of tests recently for a HHA.

But this is 'certified' so I want to take this more seriously, but don't want to spend $400 to $1500 and take an additional 2 weeks give or take.

I'd appreciate any information.

Thanks!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

The only thing I did before the state test was check my skill cards, and read up on care I'm expected to give! the only thing you can do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My facility did not make me take the test. They said that I did not have to because I was in nursing school and had already done all of the basic care and had passed. Is that not usual?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
My facility did not make me take the test. They said that I did not have to because I was in nursing school and had already done all of the basic care and had passed. Is that not usual?

That's how it was for me. At least in CT, if you've completed and passed your first nursing clinical and are still enrolled you are eligible to work as a CNA.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey,

Okay when I was getting ready for my CNA state test all I did was read over my handouts, and go over my skills. It helped that I worked at the time (@ a nursing home) so my skills were already "set in" my head even though I was nervous. HAHAHA

good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Whoops! I'm not a RN student yet, and wanted to start the income flow immediately. So some of your great suggestions are over my head at this time. I did just complete HHA training, so not a complete newby; but wanted to know the additional task responsibilities of CNA over HHA, which may be variable depending on company that the HHA was received at.

Financing, interviewing teachers, etc... will take a few months figuring out in preparation for ADN. I'm just happy a great community college for nursing is only 2 miles away from me.

Maybe I've already got enough to go on and will do good enough on CNA test. But since CNA is the start of being 'certified', wanted to be near perfect if possible, to start off on the right foot.

Thank you for all of your valuable feedback!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho, Tele, ICU, Hospice.
CNA over HHA, which may be variable depending on company that the HHA was received at.

So far as I know, in PA they are equivalent certs.. I have worked as both with my CNA license. Google searching shows they're equivalent in california too.. So, it might be a semantic thing. CNAs work in hospitals and LTC, HHA's do homecare.

So far as I know.

OK, so my vast well of knowledge is lacking tonight, but it's worth what you paid for it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
So far as I know, in PA they are equivalent certs.. I have worked as both with my CNA license. Google searching shows they're equivalent in california too.. So, it might be a semantic thing. CNAs work in hospitals and LTC, HHA's do homecare.

So far as I know.

OK, so my vast well of knowledge is lacking tonight, but it's worth what you paid for it.

Thanks Kipling,

You are right!

In FL, HHA is company tested and CNA is State certified. It seems close enough though from sample CNA test.

I figured I'd get one of those RNA Nurse Test's on-line help for $50/yr and pick out modules that the $300 to $1500 CNA classes advertise. I've already had my hands-on crash course with HHA certification, so feel pretty ready now for CNA tests. But want to do my homework before I am State certified and liable (HHA just gets fired and the company is liable in FL, since not STATE certified).

The only thing the RNA course work won't tell is a CNA can't do anything but wipe rears and bath 400 lb men, ha-ha. Just kidding, but FL has so many levels of nursing that can't do anything with shades of indistinquishable differences in exactly what they can't do. It takes HHA level to wipe rears and bath people. CNA is the first State certified level to wipe rears and bath people.

And yes CNA in hospital settings are more expert from repetition of changing diapers and bathing people. HHA is nice in that respect, but with the price of gas and going into potential 'land-mine' houses, the potential pay differences may not average as well. HHA without CNA to me seems like better chances of getting jerked around by CNA Admin indirect types trying to pad their salaries.

I am looking forward to the challenge though, and thanks for your astute observation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion