Texas Nurse Aide Registry – Overview
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is also called a nurse aide. They are responsible for helping patients with their daily activities and healthcare needs. These professionals work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN).
CNAs are also known by other titles such as nursing assistant, patient care assistant, or nursing aide.
Some certified nursing aides use their skills to further their careers by pursuing a career as an RN or LPN. In addition, some CNAs are already enrolled in nursing school and use their present careers to learn more about healthcare and gain practical, hands-on knowledge.
On the other hand, some individuals become CNAs to decide if they want to continue higher education in the healthcare industry.
Let’s check out how to become a nursing aide and the Texas nursing aide registry.
How do you become a nursing aide in Texas
Certified nursing aides need to complete a state-approved training program. These CNA programs are usually attended at the local community colleges, high schools, technical or vocational schools, and the local hospital.
Most nursing programs vary from one another, so students need to research individual programs and determine the best-suited ones.
Most nursing aide programs have similar eligibility requirements before they accept applications for admission from candidates. Training programs for CNAs are available through various providers across states, including community colleges and vocational schools. While the American Red Cross does offer CNA training programs in some locations, availability varies by state. This program is 4 to 8 weeks long, depending on the location and class size.
Some of the eligibility criteria for this program include:
- Attending an orientation information session
- Verification of GED or High School Diploma or TABE (reading and math assessment)
- Red Cross criminal background check before registration
- Completing the Red Cross physical exam and TB test
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) maintains the Nurse Aide Registry, which lists all individuals certified to work as nursing aides in Texas. This is applicable if candidates want to get employed at any nursing facility or skilled nursing facility that the agency licenses.
What Does a Nursing Aide Do
A certified nursing aide helps to run a unit smoothly. This is especially helpful for nurses with multiple complex cases to handle simultaneously.
Some of the most common tasks and responsibilities that a certified nursing aide is expected to handle are:
- Gathering supplies for the MD or RN
- Repositioning or turning patients
- Answering patient calls at the bedside
- Getting vital signs as per protocol
- Bathing patients
- Feeding patients
- Measuring and recording food and liquid intake of patients
- Documentation of information gathered
- Helping patients with hygiene care
- Stocking supplies
- Cleaning bed linen and room
- Preparing rooms for admission
- Assisting with medical procedures
- Dressing wounds
- Helping patients with the elimination
Nursing aides’ responsibilities vary according to their location of employment and the level of assistance required by the nurse.
Individual states have specific regulations governing a certified nursing aide’s responsibilities, which vary from state to state. The nursing aide must know their state’s guidelines and avoid performing duties outside of these.
Certified nursing aides work in various healthcare settings, including long-term care facilities, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and home health settings. They can also be employed in outpatient or clinic settings, inpatient hospitals and long-term care facilities. These facilities need nursing aides to liaise between the patient and the nurse.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for nursing assistants is projected to grow. Still, the specific growth rate should be verified for the most current statistics as it may change over time.
What are the qualities needed to become a CNA
Nursing aides should have outgoing personalities and interact with people comfortably. This is necessary for an enjoyable and fulfilling career as a nursing aide.
Some of the main qualities and features that potential nursing aides should have are:
- Effective communication skills
- Time management
- Flexibility
- Compassion
- Empathy
- Physical strength
- Reliability
How Much Salary Does a Nursing Aide Earn
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary of certified nursing aides in the country is around $35,760, or around $17.18 per hour.
The type of clinical setting and location significantly influence the annual average salary of certified nursing aides.
For instance, on average, nursing aides working at a VA hospital can earn as much as $45,947 annually. On the other hand, nursing aides working at a private home health care service provider can earn about $30,930.
Conclusion
Many institutions, including community colleges, vocational schools, and organizations like the Red Cross, offer in-person nursing aide classes, and some institutions may also offer online components for CNA programs. Many learning programs also operate clinics at local hospitals, which helps candidates get hands-on experience before getting certified as a nursing aide.
See Also
Nursing Assistant Certification
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