[contentblock id=15]Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) can be a very rewarding experience, and a great step for someone who is interested in a career in the healthcare field. A prospective CNA cares about people, and wants to help residents, patients, and their families to cope with whatever situation in which they find themselves. A good nurse aide is caring, compassionate, patient, organized, and takes pride in his or her work. Many nursing facilities provide free CNA training in exchange for an agreement to work there for a certain amount of time (usually 6 months to 1 year). A nurse aide who works in a nursing facility will be assigned a resident, or group of residents to care for. The CNA is responsible for taking vital signs, assisting with daily living activities such as brushing teeth, taking a shower, shaving, dressing, toileting, and socializing.
How Much Money Does a CNA Make in Idaho?
The average CNA in a nursing facility in Idaho is $44,372 per year. A CNA who chooses to work in home healthcare is responsible for all of the above, plus assisting with general housework (cooking meals, washing dishes, washing clothes, etc). Nursing Assistants with more experience can expect higher wages.
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How do I Find CNA Training Classes in Idaho?
See our list of available CNA programs throughout Idaho. The CNA course list includes several approved CNA training programs, but is not exhaustive and there may be additional programs available as well. Many nursing homes offer qualified CNA programs for individuals seeking employment at that particular nursing facility. We try to keep our listings as updated as possible, but we recommend that students verify current program offerings with each CNA school directly before enrolling.
How to Become a CNA in Idaho
The steps a person must take in order to work as a CNA in the state of Idaho are as follows:
1. Complete a CNA training program which is approved by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Training programs take anywhere from 2 to 6 months to complete and include a variety of training methods including lectures, videos, CPR training, practical training during which the students demonstrate their skills on each other, and actual clinical practice in which the students are in a nursing facility or hospital performing hands-on skills in real-life scenarios under the supervision of a qualified nurse educator.
2. Provide fingerprints and submit to a criminal background check.
3. Pass the Idaho state CNA exam and register with the state.
Can I Transfer My CNA License to Idaho?
If you are a certified nursing assistant from another state and have just moved to Idaho you can apply to the Nursing Aide Registry in Idaho for what is called “reciprocity”. As long as you can provide verification that you completed a state approved CNA certification program, are currently certified in another state, and have worked as a CNA recently. You would not need to take the Idaho exam or training if you are granted reciprocity. All CNA licenses need to be renewed every two years and must have worked a minimum of 160 hours within those two years.
Working as a Nurse Assistant in Idaho
It is also possible as for CNAs to find job openings in hospitals. The care of patients in the hospital setting is usually more acute than in a nursing facility. There are generally more supplies and equipment with which to familiarize himself/herself. But the wages usually reflect the increased knowledge necessary to do the job.
Another possibility for a CNA is to utilize a staffing service, or nursing agency, which sends qualified professionals such as CNAs, LPNs and RNs to different facilities as the need arises. There is not usually a guarantee of hours, as in a full time position, but the hours tend to be more flexible and usually pay at a higher hourly rate, making it this a great option for CNAs who are seeking part-time or temporary work situations.
Requirements for CNA Certification in Idaho
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Idaho you must complete the necessary steps to obtain certification from the Idaho state board of nursing. The first step is to find and complete an approved CNA training program. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) requires all CNA programs to include a minimum of 75 hours of instruction. Individual states might require additional training beyond the national minimum. Most programs take about 6-12 weeks to finish. The average cost of a CNA training course is between $800 – $1,500. The second step is to take the Idaho CNA certification exam and achieve a passing score. The third and final step is to register with the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
