1. CNA Training in Idaho
This article posted at the CNA Certification and Training blog.
In Idaho, one of the rapidly growing careers in health
field is the position of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in healthcare facilities, with the
current growth of people who are using healthcare services, as they need personal services
especially the elderly. Therefore, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),
increased demand for quality healthcare is expected to create an almost 20 percent increase in
available jobs in the coming years for certified nursing assistants in the state of Idaho.
In order to work as a CNA in the state of Idaho, you will must complete a CNA training which is
approved by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW), thereafter you'll need to take
and pass a CNA certification test and your name to added on the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry.
Community colleges and vocational schools in Idaho, are the most popular choices for approved
training courses, and are designed to give you all the knowledge and experience you need to be
able to provide support to medical professionals in a health care setting. Also, there are some
hospitals and nursing homes offered their own training programs, as well as several nursing
facilities that provide free CNA training in exchange the candidate to work there for a certain
amount of time.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is responsible for taking patient vital signs, such as record
blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration, weight and height, noting changes in a patient's
condition or behavior, the infection control, as well as the proper operating and maintaining of
medical equipment. Also, the responsibilities and duties include basic nursing care services
under the supervision of qualified professional, such as toileting, bathing and grooming,
dressing, feeding, administering medication, keeping rooms clean, preparing beddings, etc.
CNA Training Requirements in Idaho (ID)
Although requirements differ between facilities, a negative result for TB test within the past 6
months and proof of immunizations will be required. You will also be required to show a high
school diploma or GED certification and criminal background checks.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) is responsible for approving CNA training
programs in the state, and all state-approved programs contain 120 hours of training, with 80
hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours should be dedicated to clinical practice. The
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2. courses last for 6 to 12 weeks and require an enrollment fee that may range from $400 to
$2000.
These courses involve CPR training, lectures, videos, topics such as medical terminology,
anatomy and physiology, human body mechanics, communication and interpersonal skills, basic
nutrition, grooming and dressing, mobility, infection control, emergency procedures, restorative
care, patient's rights, etc. Also, at some healthcare facilities, CNAs are taught to handle and
maintain medical equipment.
Idaho CNA Certification
In state of Idaho, the certification exam is administered by Prometric, and consists of two
sections. A two-hour written test with 60 multiple-choice questions that is divided in the following
principal categories:
Basic nursing care
Promotion of safety
Promotion of function and health of residents
Role of nurse aide
Specific care provided to patients with changes in health
Also, a clinical test involving demonstration of practical nursing skills, that is continuously
supervised by the course instructors and the RNs. In the skills assessment test, examinees are
required to demonstrate their ability to perform the tasks they have learned during training, as
they will be asked to perform 5 skills chosen at random from a set of 25 skills. It is mandatory for
examinees to pass both tests separately, and they have a maximum of three chances to pass
the competency exam before re-take CNA training.
After successfully completing the competency exam, candidate's name is placed on the Nurse
Aide Registry which is maintained by the Idaho State Department of Health and was constituted
in accordance to OBRA-87. The Registry plays a vital role in enforcing healthcare laws and
regulations, as maintains records all of Certified Nurse Aides (CNA) practicing in the state.
CNA Employment in Idaho
The choice to become CNA in Idaho, for some people is a smart move, as be a secure and
rewarding career. This is due to the positive employment outlook, as it is expected sustained
growth in the field, taking into that more and more people are now living longer and need quality
healthcare.
The CNA salary in Idaho ranges from $18,000 to $24,000, but those who need additional
income, they can supplement this salary with overtime work.
CNAs work in nursing homes, hospitals and other health care facilities across the state,
including the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, Complex Care Hospital, St. Luke's Boise
Medical Center and St. Luke's Children's Hospital.
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3. Important Contacts for Certified Nursing Assistants
Nursing - American Red Cross
American Nurses Association
National Association of School Nurses (NASN)
National Network of Career Nursing Assistants
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA)
Nurse Aide Employment Outlook 2010-2011
Idaho State Board of Nursing
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW)
Idaho Nurse Aide Registry
Idaho Nurses Association
Idaho Student Nurses Association
School Nurse Organization of Idaho (SNOI)
Prometric
CNA Training in Idaho
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