NA question

eak16 · Feb 28, 2004

I think this really depends on the state. Here the laws about it jsut changed last year, and there is a lot of confusion. I would check with either the department of health or the state board of nursing, or your nursing school.

shyne · Feb 28, 2004

I agree that it depends on the state and school. My school didn't require us to take an exam, but only to just pass the 1st semester.

PHM · Feb 28, 2004

It also depends on what you mean by "qualified."

After our first semester, we were "eligible" to work in the local hospitals as NAs to distinguish us from the PSAs (Patient Support Assoc) despite both NAs and PSAs having the same job description. It also entitled us to a higher starting pay of a few bucks an hour. All of us had to go through a weeklong hospital orientation for policies, Codes, phlebotomy, etc.

As an actual job "title" it meant very little: no testing required, no licensure, and, as I mentioned, the identical tasking as PSAs. Both our hospitals said they had NA training programs in place to "orient" us to nursing (follow nurses, etc), but that was BS in both our hospitals. We were usually so busy we never had time to mosey around behind a nurse. Basically, we WERE PSAs, plain and simple. Baths, cleaning people, blood draws, EKGs, glucose checks, etc.

That being said, the working experience itself is invaluable. The extensive patient contact alone is well worth it. Excellent chance to see the good and the bad along with the unbelievable side of nursing.

Good luck,

Phil

studentdeb · Feb 28, 2004

I was told that my completion of the first semster in nursing quilifies myself to be a NA. Anone know if that is true? Is there a exam you have to take?
Thanks
Michelle:)

After our first semester, we are allowed to take the state test to become an STNA. I would imagine it would depend on each state.

Achoo!, LPN · Feb 28, 2004

I'm sure it differs with each school. After my first year, I can sit for the LPN exam.

kimtab · Feb 29, 2004

Call the facility where you are interested in working and ask them, they'll tell you. Usually after completing the first year you can work as an Extern, so it sounds reasonable that you should be able to work as a tech after one semester of clinical is under your belt.

Kim

KimRN03 · Mar 1, 2004

Here in MN...you would still have to sit the state test to be considered an NA-R, however, most hospitals will forgo that requirement if you are in nursing school. Check with the local hospitals in your area. As far as nursing homes you MUST be registered with the state to work as an NA-R. Hope this helps!