Nurse Aide Registries in the United States
Nurse aide employers use a state's Nurse Aide Registry to verify a nurse aide's status such as eligibility to work in a certified nursing home facility. Before allowing an individual to work as a nurse aide, the employer will contact the Nurse Aide Registry and verify that one has met that state's required training and examination criteria. All certified nurse aides are encouraged to call their state Nurse Aide Registry and maintain an active status on the Registry list.
Each state has its own Nurse Aide Registry which is responsible for establishing the nurse aide training and competency evaluation programs as well as keeping a record of all individuals who are qualified to work as a certified nurse aide in a specific state. The Nurse Aide Registry in every state has been created to address the following important functions: to approve and monitor all nurse aide training programs; to design the competency evaluation test required for all nurse aides who wish to become certified; to keep a record of all those certified as a nurse aide; to maintain and update records of client abuse, neglect or misappropriation of patient property; to periodically renew the registration for a nurse aide; and finally, to reimburse facilities or nurse aide students for costs associated with nurse aide training and testing programs. Use the map below to find the Nurse Aide Registry for any state.
Should you know about your state's nursing assistant registry? Absolutely. A state's nurse aide registry serves important functions for any certified nursing assistant as well as for those looking to become certified. An individual who has finished a nursing assistant training program and has passed the state competency exam becomes listed on the CNA registry. Employers check the registry listings to confirm that a potential employee satisfies the training and testing requirements to obtain a nursing assistant job. To work as a certified nursing assistant, your status on the CNA registry must be active, without any charges of resident abuse, neglect, or misappropriation. It is important to update your name and address on the registry. By doing so, your information is current and you are able to receive important documents sent by the registry.
For example, renewal forms are mailed to the address you have provided to the registry. You will not receive the certification renewal forms unless your address on the registry is accurate. One of the most frequent questions we get is how to get a copy of a CNA certificate. The nurse aide registry is in charge of issuing a duplicate of your nurse aide certificate and to obtain a copy you need to contact them. A nursing assistant certificate is typically reprinted when the original has been lost, accidentally destroyed, stolen, or when the individual has changed their name. The nurse aide registry is also the entity in charge of revoking a nursing assistant's certification in cases of neglect, abuse, or misappropriation of a client's property. In such cases, an individual's name is permanently listed on the registry along with the specific findings.
Questions, Comments, Suggestions
Stephanie C. on July 21, 2012 at 05:07 PM
How can I tell if my C.N.A certificate is active? If it is not active how do I go about renewing it?
Admin on July 23, 2012 at 06:04 PM
A CNA certificate is typically valid for two years after which renewal is necessary. If you have the certificate look for an expiration date. If you do not have the certificate then go to the CNA registry for your state and check your status online. The site requires you to enter personal information such as name and date of birth in order to display your nurse aide status. In some states you may also access this information by phone. If your nursing assistant certification has expired you most likely have to retake and pass the CNA exam although some states require retraining as well. Federal regulation requires that an individual work at least eight hours, for pay, in the provision of nursing services without a two year break to remain active. Please note that renewal requirements may differ from state to state and may change over time and that some states make a distinction between inactive and expired CNA licenses. Locate the contact information for the CNA registry of your state and contact them for up-to-date and accurate information regarding these requirements.
How can I get a copy of my CNA certification? Is there a number I can call to get a new copy of my CNA license?
How can I renew an expired CNA license?
Is there any way to study from the CNA book on your own and just take the exam? I am sure doing clinicals is required. Is there anyway to sign up for just clinicals and not the class?
I have a certificate in Medical Assisting and will be attending nursing school to become a registered nurse. Will I be able to challenge the CNA exam without taking a CNA class?
How much does it cost to take the test and become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?