Certified Nursing Assistant Training in Idaho

What is a CNA?

In the healthcare industry, there are dozens of roles that work together to create a seamless experience for patients. Maybe you know how quickly healthcare has grown in recent years and you’re ready to explore nurse’s aide jobs in this field. Keep reading to learn more about CNA programs in Idaho, salary averages, and job duties.

How Can I Become a Nurse Aide (CNA) in Idaho?

The path to a rewarding healthcare career starts with the right education. Nursing aides work in fast-paced healthcare settings to ensure that patients are fed, receive their medications, and get the personal care they need. In just a few weeks, you may be able to learn the basics of nursing, practice your skills on patients, and prepare for Idaho certification exams. Take the first step to a nurse’s assistant job now and contact CNA training classes in Idaho.

What Kind of CNA Training Do I Need in Idaho?

There are lots of reasons you may decide to become a nursing aide in Idaho. Maybe you understand the shortage of home care workers in this state and you know that it negatively impacts patient’s lives. Perhaps you’re interested in becoming a nurse and becoming a CNA is the first step. No matter what has inspired you to get certified in this field, becoming a nurse assistant puts you in a position to change lives.

You may find training programs at many locations throughout Idaho. Community colleges and technical schools often have full-time and part time programs. Full-time programs typically last 3 to 6 weeks, while part-time programs generally last 6 to 12 weeks. Explore your options now by contacting CNA classes in Idaho.

Getting Into a Certified Nursing Assistant Program in Idaho

Applying to a healthcare program may seem intimidating, but there’s nothing to be worried about when you apply to nursing assistant programs. These programs tend to have very reasonable admissions requirements. You do not need to have extremely high grades, healthcare experience, or perfect references to apply to CNA programs. You simply have to meet basic age, criminal background, and health requirements.

There are several ways that Idaho schools verify that you are physically healthy enough to work in nursing. They require that you pass a TB skin test and have a negative drug screen. You may also be expected to undergo a rigorous physical exam that tests your ability to bear weight.

Nurse Aide Application Documents

Application and fee
High school transcripts
Authorization for criminal background check
Physical health report
Proof of residency

CNA Training in Idaho

Certified nurse aide training requirements in Idaho are on par with what you’ll find in many other states. To qualify for a place on the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry, you must go through at least 120 hours of training at an approved nurse assistant training program. You must complete 80 hours of education in the classroom and laboratory. The remaining 40 hours are dedicated to clinical work.

The time you spend in this program may give you a whirlwind introduction to the healthcare industry and what it means to be a nurse’s aide. Before schools are approved, they have to provide curricular outlines that include the following topics.

Required CNA Classes in Idaho

Reporting requirements in healthcare
Workplace standards
Care planning and implementation
Communication with patients and coworkers
Maintaining a safe environment
Feeding
Bathing
Oral care
Skin care
Grooming
Dressing and undressing
Health maintenance
Emotional support of residents

As you may notice, clinical experience is a huge part of nurse assistant training. There’s simply no way to bypass this requirement. As a result, online training programs are not available in this field. Some programs may have flexible blended options for students. These programs allow you to do some of your theory work online, but they still require physical clinical hours at an approved clinical site.

CNA Certification as a Prerequisite for Nursing School in Idaho

While some people may go into nurse assistant programs to start a career in home healthcare, others attend these programs because of nursing school requirements. When you become a registered nurse, you rely heavily on the work of patient care techs and CNAs. You must be able to understand their responsibilities and appreciate the work they put in for your patients.

Nursing schools require CNA licensure to ensure that nursing students are fully prepared for the challenges of a healthcare career. Nursing is a fast-paced field, and proving that you can work as a CNA shows that you may be ready to jump into registered nursing courses.

As an added benefit, you may use your CNA certification to get valuable experience while earning your registered nursing degree. You may opt to work part-time in a local nursing home or assisted living facility while furthering your nursing education, which may benefit your career once you earn your RN license.

Paying for a CNA Program in Idaho

Once you’ve selected a nursing aide program in Idaho, you may wonder how you’re going to pay for your education. At many CNA programs, there are financial aid options for students. These programs are typically based on financial need, rather than academic merit.

You may want to get the ball rolling by filling out the FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid looks at your finances to determine whether or not you qualify for federal assistance. Through Peterson’s, you may apply for scholarships offered by local, state, and federal organizations. The scholarship search function is easy to use, and it offers a convenient way to keep track of deadlines and application requirements. As an Idaho resident, you may be able to apply for local scholarships through the Idaho Community Foundation.

Working as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Idaho

CNA Requirements in Idaho

Now that you’ve finished your nursing assistant training, it’s time to get legally approved to work as a certified nurse aide in Idaho. Upon completion of this process, you should be added to the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry, which is regulated by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

They require that you provide proof of completion of an approved program. This paperwork should show that you’ve gone through no fewer than 120 hours of education. You may then register to take your licensing exam through Prometric. The testing fee is $29 for the written exam and $39 for the practical exam.

During the practical exam, you’ll be tested on several random procedures that you learned during your education.

After you get your first nurse’s assistant certification, you may be able to work in this field for two years. You must work as a CNA for at least 8 hours every two years to remain active on the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry.

Where are the Best CNA Jobs in Idaho?

The demand for nursing assistants is high throughout Idaho, so you may have many employment options to consider as you build your career. Many nursing assistants choose to work in an assisted living facility. In this setting, you aim to help residents live as independently as possible. Your main goal is to respect their independence and rights while giving them the support they need to remain healthy.

Employment options vary throughout Idaho. If you finish your CNA training in Idaho Falls, look into local nursing homes and hospitals. You may also put your skills to work in local clinics. CNAs are often employed in medical-surgical settings, since they provide the care patients need as they recover from surgery.

Regardless of where you choose to work in Idaho, be careful to always stay within your scope of practice. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare sets strict boundaries for what nursing assistants and patient techs may do in their professional roles. If you operate independently or against instructions, you may well be outside your scope of practice. This can be costly for you and your facility.

As you explore job openings, keep an eye on their hiring requirements. You may need to provide proof of your certified nurse assistant preparation classes and supply proof that you are listed on the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry.

What Employers Want in Nurse Aide Applicants

Current placement on the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry
Positive references from instructors and supervisors
Ability to meet changing scheduling needs
Ability to pass a required physical exam

What Does a Nursing Assistant Do in Idaho?

The work that you do every day may vary, based on your patient load and what your facility needs. For example, if you work in the emergency room, you may spend all day on your feet if there are back to back emergencies. On a slow day, you may spend more time communicating with patients, stocking supplies, and catching up on documentation. You must be flexible and willing to change your priorities as situations crop up.

The foundation of your work is patient care. In many facilities, CNAs are assigned to a specific case load. You work with patients by administering medication, feeding and offering drinks, and assisting in the restroom as needed. You may also respond to patients on an as needed basis to handle issues. Each facility provides directions regarding a CNA’s duties and tasks.

Certified Nursing Aide Duties

Record respirations, pulse, output, and blood pressure
Provide bathing care
Offer assistance with dressing and undressing
Feed and hydrate clients
Assist clients with range of motion
Help clients move with gait belt or mechanical lifts

How Much Does a CNA Make in Idaho?

The amount of money you earn may be influenced by a wide variety of factors. As a new CNA, you may be on the low end of the salary scale. This is standard; your income may increase as you earn seniority and become more experienced. Your shift may also determine how much money you earn. Those who work overnights or weekends may earn a shift differential, which accounts for the inconvenience of working an atypical shift.

As a nursing assistant, you may be paid by the hour. As a result, you may enjoy the freedom of picking up overtime when you want. Overtime hours are often available at healthcare facilities, due to the growing shortage of nursing professionals.

In Idaho, the average salary for a nursing assistant is $25,630 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017). Job growth information is unavailable for Idaho, but in general, the demand for nursing assistants is on the rise across the country (O*Net, 2017).

Important CNA Resources in Idaho

When you decide to work in the healthcare industry, you enjoy the benefits that come with a strong professional community. Healthcare workers typically unite to ensure healthy working conditions, fair wages, and representation in legislation. To become part of this active community, you must join local and national groups. This puts you in touch with nurses, nursing assistants, and others in this field. Whenever your schedule allows, try to go to training seminars and networking events.

Now that you know what CNA training involves and how it may benefit your career, it’s time to find the right program for you. Programs are commonly offered at nursing homes, hospitals, and technical schools. As Idaho’s labor shortage grows, you may enjoy a strong job market for CNAs (Idaho Statesman, 2017).

Take advantage of expansion in the healthcare industry now by contacting CNA training programs in Idaho.