Whether you have wanted to be a nurse your whole life or you are inspired by the effort and sacrifices nurses made for your community during the Covid-19 pandemic, becoming a nurse is not as easy as it seems. From choosing the ideal route for you to knowing when to renew your certification, navigating through the entire process can be complicated, especially with requirements differing across states! So, we have compiled a guide for your entire journey to becoming a nursing assistant in Florida.
Choose a Route That Is Ideal for You
In order to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), you have to fulfill the requirements that are stated on the Florida Board of Nursing. However, the timeline to obtain your certificate can differ based on varying factors. Some may opt to complete a CNA training program before they enroll in the state exams, which could take up to a year. The Florida Department of Health has created five CNA certification routes based on your position in your training or career at the moment. You can choose to complete a state-approved training program, continue your state-approved training program, study on your own to take the exam, use your hands-on experience as a nurse-in-training, or renew your expired certificate. All the routes stated above are valid, so reflect on your current situation and choose carefully!
Back to School
To become a CNA in Florida, trainees have to pass a background screening and meet at least one of the three requirements as provided by the Florida Board of Nursing. You would either have to complete a program that has been approved by the Florida Board of Nursing with the minimum passing score, get a passing score for a competency exam administered by personnel approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, or complete a curriculum that adheres to the Education Partnership Grant and Enterprise Florida Jobs with a minimum passing score.
Take the Florida Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Exam
As mentioned above, aspiring CNAs need to take the CNA certification exam. For the exam, you will use a computer for the written portion of the test. This portion has 60 multiple-choice questions, lasts 90 minutes, and has five sections; Promotion of Function and Health of Residents, Providing Specialized Care for Residents with Changes in Health, Promotion of Safety, Basic Nursing Care Provided by the Nurse Aide, and Role of the Nurse Aide. You would also have to pass a clinical exam, where you will be assessed based on five different skills: indirect care, handwashing, and three others that would be assigned to you during the test itself. This portion can be completed in 40 minutes.
Certification and Renewal
Other than meeting the requirements and completing the training programs, there are still several more steps to apply for a Florida CNA license. You would have to apply with Prometric and schedule an electronic fingerprint appointment before scheduling your exam. If you pass your exam, you will be on the CNA registry within two weeks. Once you have completed everything, congratulations! You are now a CNA. However, ensure that you renew your license every two years to retain your certification.
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