On-site certification question

rancelumsden · Sep 13, 2008

Your question cannot be answered as there is no general rule about what you will or won't do in training, and titles differ at different institutions.

Most of the LTC, CNA job is to put it simply: bedmaking (with or without a resident in it), transferring, toileting, diapering, bathing, pericare, and feeding.

I would hope that while in training, you would always be with someone who is certified and should not be left alone. But I know for a fact that in places with short staffing, they will assign you residents and let you work on your own quickly.

You're correct, there aren't that many places that offer ojt certification training. It really depends on supply and demand in your area. I'm in the Chicago area. I know of no place offering this because there are so many community colleges and trade schools offering CNA training (but, of course, I don't have familiarity with every one of hundreds of facilities in the area).

CandAmommy · Sep 13, 2008

I have seen places around here offer OJT. They have their own seperate conditions. Like you train for a specific time with someone and than you have a certain amount of time (3-6 months something like that, again depends on where you are and the state laws) to take the state certification test. Than when you pass, you will be a CNA and than can work alone I would take it, free training and than challenge the test.

ecmb · Sep 14, 2008

I've already applied at a local nursing home. This particular home offers on-site training and certification classes, which from what I've read on here seems to be uncommon.
I'm curious though, what the duties would typically be for someone who is working, but not yet certified? I realize I'll know more about this if I get the job but for now I would like to get an idea.
.:)

I took my nursing assistant classes at a nursing home, took all my tests there and did my clinicals. When I passed the final exam, along with performing the clinicals correctly, I was CERTIFIED.

However, I then had to pass the state's exam in order to be LICENSED. Certified and licensed are not the same thing. The state gave a written test and we also had to do the skills tests and be graded on that.

In Ohio, we are called STNA (State Tested Nurse Aide) which is equivalent to a CNA in other states. So to sum it up, I became a nursing assistant when I became certified by the local nursing home. I then became a STNA when I successfully passed the written and skills test issued by the state and I am listed in the the state registry.

Now from talking to others, they interviewed and some were even hired by nursing homes after they were certified (but not before). However, one of the requirements of their keeping the job was that they had to become licensed by the state within four (???) months of becoming certified.

I don't think there is one way this is handled. I think different states and different facilities have different rules. I do think that whoever does hire you will probably require you to become licensed at some point. And even if they don't require it, they should pay more if you are licensed.

Hope this helps a little.

Marie

sonomala · Sep 15, 2008

I don't know of any places around here that do ojt. And theres only one place (ltc) that will take graduates who haven't passed the state test but they don't do cna duties and don't get the same pay until they've past the state test. I'm told the clinical test is so intricate that you really need a college program to pass it.

SammyJay · Sep 15, 2008

Thank you for the replies so far. If I'm understanding things right, based on my research and reading opinions here and there, generally speaking if I'm hired on (I'm assuming as a nurse's assistant) and taking the classes toward certification, I will be doing the same tasks and duties, but will not be on my own while doing so? Is that the main difference between being certified and not...supervision?

I plan on speaking with the Director of Nursing again, because after reading so many threads here I have many more questions to ask about the facility and the general work environment.

I just wanted to have a better grasp of things before going back in. She knows I haven't done any work in the medical field before, but I think it would reflect well on me if I was a tad bit knowledgeable concerning the ins and outs etc. And that will help me ask the right questions too.