STNA Training..Any Advice?

MissJoRN, RN · Jul 26, 2005

Hello..newbie here. I currently work with MR/DD individuals and have dealt in some home health issues, but would like to see into State Trained Nursing Assistant training. My problem is I don't know exactly what that entails and what the duties of the position would be. Also, what is the difference between STNA and CNA? I'm in Ohio, if that helps anyone out there that might know about the state training. Also, what is the ladder on nursing..as in what titles start at the bottom and work their way up? I'm thinking HHA, STNA, CNA, LPN, RN..I really don't know..help someone! I just would like to delve into the duties of each of the titles..very interested here. I also am looking for good info as to how long the training would be for each title..and get an idea of what salaries are going for now. I work for $8 an hour now and am looking to really go up to $10 or more. Then, work my way up the ladder.
Any info any of you smart folks can give me will greatly be appreciated!
Thanks so much,
Deb
:)

Hi! Sorry, I can't help with your STNA question...I'm not very familiar with that role/title. I just wanted to clarify that HHA and CNA are very comperable positions. Pay might be about the same or there may be a difference depending on what medicare feels like reimbursing this year. I just know that 10 years ago, in my state, or at least my area, HH agencies did not hire CNAs until they had at least a year, preferably 2 of experience in LTC. I do know, though that some states/regions had HHA specific training courses and I don't know how they compared to CNA

hollya5334, LPN · Jul 26, 2005

Hello..newbie here. I currently work with MR/DD individuals and have dealt in some home health issues, but would like to see into State Trained Nursing Assistant training. My problem is I don't know exactly what that entails and what the duties of the position would be. Also, what is the difference between STNA and CNA? I'm in Ohio, if that helps anyone out there that might know about the state training. Also, what is the ladder on nursing..as in what titles start at the bottom and work their way up? I'm thinking HHA, STNA, CNA, LPN, RN..I really don't know..help someone! I just would like to delve into the duties of each of the titles..very interested here. I also am looking for good info as to how long the training would be for each title..and get an idea of what salaries are going for now. I work for $8 an hour now and am looking to really go up to $10 or more. Then, work my way up the ladder.
Any info any of you smart folks can give me will greatly be appreciated!
Thanks so much,
Deb
:)

Hi, there! I am an STNA in Ohio, also. I know it depends on what part of Ohio you are in. I'm from Massillon, so I went to training in Navarre. I know the costs of the classes were something like $425 for the classes, plus an additional $100 or so for the state test. I was lucky enough to find a facility that would pay that for me. As for the pay rate, they vary from facility to facility. I heard that hospitals pay more, but I'm not sure. As far as the duties, again, varies if you work in a hospital or a nursing home. In the nursing home, I bathe residents, feed them, change them, clean them up, transfer them from bed to w/c or vice versa. And lastly, the training that I went through was full time (8 hrs/day) for 2 weeks (Mon-Fri). I know there was a part-time class too (4 hrs/day) for 4 weeks (Mon-Fri). Hope this helped!!! :)

casi, ASN, RN · Jul 26, 2005

An HHA is a CNA with a hint more training. A lot of programs in MN are duel certification NA/HHA. Basically in my state (MN) an HHA has been taught the normal vitals in infants and children along with adults. They also get house keeping and creative tips for when you don't have a supply closet at you disposal. There's also a little clause in MN that HHA's can do what their facility/agency trains them. Pay depends on the kind of facility you work in. Between the two titles there is very little difference in pay.

I'm currently working as a HHA in Assisted Living. It's basically CNA work plus stuff that a nurse would normally do in a nursing home. Some of the stuff seems a little risky. I'm still not to horribly comfortable with passing preset up meds, but thankfully on night shift I don't have to do that a lot.

I've never heard ot eh STNA title. Can someone explain that?

Stella-Ohio · Jul 27, 2005

I'm in Ohio.

I took STNA training at the local vocational school that also offers adult education in the evenings. It took a couple of weeks and cost $300-$350 about 4 years ago (the exam was extra). Our local college is also offering this as a one semester class.

I believe a Certified Nurses Aid (CNA) is the same or similar to a State Tested Nurses Aid (STNA) and is what you will find in Ohio.

License Practical Nurses (LPN) is said to be a one year program. Our local college as well as the same vocation school I mentioned offers the LPN program.

Nursing school is a two year program for an Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN). It really will probably take a bit longer as that is really pushing to carry as many credit hours as in on the schedule but you can get all of the non-nursing prerequisitites (sciences and english comp etc) out of the way.

Cost? WHEW. I borrowed over $20,000 to live in my own home and raise my two kids and go to school while working part time for 3 years. We weren't rich but we got along. If you are young and living at home, you could get by on much less.

My next stop is my BSN. I shouldn't really call it a stop because I have never stopped going to school since deciding to get my STNA. I did that in August, started the ADN program in September, got my RN this June and start my BSN this fall. If I lost my momentum I would just stop and give up. I may 'pause' after my BSN for an undetermined amount of time, probably enough to get my experiences up to par with my education.

TLWSTNANOH · Jun 26, 2008

I'm in Ohio.
I took STNA training at the local vocational school that also offers adult education in the evenings. It took a couple of weeks and cost $300-$350 about 4 years ago (the exam was extra). Our local college is also offering this as a one semester class.
I believe a Certified Nurses Aid (CNA) is the same or similar to a State Tested Nurses Aid (STNA) and is what you will find in Ohio.
License Practical Nurses (LPN) is said to be a one year program. Our local college as well as the same vocation school I mentioned offers the LPN program.
Nursing school is a two year program for an Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN). It really will probably take a bit longer as that is really pushing to carry as many credit hours as in on the schedule but you can get all of the non-nursing prerequisitites (sciences and english comp etc) out of the way.
Cost? WHEW. I borrowed over $20,000 to live in my own home and raise my two kids and go to school while working part time for 3 years. We weren't rich but we got along. If you are young and living at home, you could get by on much less.
My next stop is my BSN. I shouldn't really call it a stop because I have never stopped going to school since deciding to get my STNA. I did that in August, started the ADN program in September, got my RN this June and start my BSN this fall. If I lost my momentum I would just stop and give up. I may 'pause' after my BSN for an undetermined amount of time, probably enough to get my experiences up to par with my education.

you go girl!!!!!! :yeah:

Cuddle.ducks · Jun 24, 2010

Hello..newbie here. I currently work with MR/DD individuals and have dealt in some home health issues, but would like to see into State Trained Nursing Assistant training. My problem is I don't know exactly what that entails and what the duties of the position would be. Also, what is the difference between STNA and CNA? I'm in Ohio, if that helps anyone out there that might know about the state training. Also, what is the ladder on nursing..as in what titles start at the bottom and work their way up? I'm thinking HHA, STNA, CNA, LPN, RN..I really don't know..help someone! I just would like to delve into the duties of each of the titles..very interested here. I also am looking for good info as to how long the training would be for each title..and get an idea of what salaries are going for now. I work for $8 an hour now and am looking to really go up to $10 or more. Then, work my way up the ladder.

Hi! I just finished stna training (mid-ohio area) . I went through an adult career program for post high school students. I paid $905 for the 2 1/2 week course which included (tuition, books, physical, 2-step mantoux skin test, free resume done by the school's staff, CPR, First Aid, fee for state test). I have read that the salary for a full time STNA is around $25000, but I am looking for a job right now...and can't say for sure what it is (depends on what kind of facility you are working in and your region)

I am sure you are already way ahead of my starting point...but I am glad I found this post..helpful question :-)

Ducky Love

PatsyD · Mar 27, 2011

Hi. I'm a nursing student in Cleveland, Ohio. I decided to take a break and attend a nursing assistant program at American Red Cross close to downtown. The class was for about 2-3 weeks and the cost was $1600.00. I got a scholarship from American Red cross for $800.00 and there are other financial programs available (also free for low income). When I graduated, I took the state test the following week and was hired the same week by Visiting Nurses Association Of Ohio. My start rate per hour is 11.33 and raise every 6 months. Hope this helps!