Certified nursing assistant

[a4patch]

I am trying to help out a elderly family member. Her insurance will pay for a CNA if it is a distant relative.

Can I just take the exam? or do I need to take a course?

[marianne202]

You would need to check with your state board of nursing, but in every state that I know of, you have to take the course and pass your classwork and clinical rotations. Only after they submit your paperwork will you be eligible to sit for the state board. You will also have to have a background check and current TB skin test documented. Again, this has been normal course for almost every state, but check with your state.

[cookderosa]

You would need to check with your state board of nursing, but in every state that I know of, you have to take the course and pass your classwork and clinical rotations. Only after they submit your paperwork will you be eligible to sit for the state board. You will also have to have a background check and current TB skin test documented. Again, this has been normal course for almost every state, but check with your state.

>>

Marianne is right. I just did mine. There are two separate things, first is the class and second is holding a state certification. In the state I certified in (Iowa) the certification is being listed on the Iowa Health Care Worker Registry. They are exclusive- in other words, I could have taken my class and earned the CNA piece of paper, but until I passed the state written and practical I was not on the HCW Registry. Also, one could (in theory) take the state exams to be on the HCW Registry and never complete the class (highly unlikely, but possible- I have a link to online lessons).

You'll want to investigate more before you do this. How are you going to bill the insurance company? Or are you going to be paid cash and your family member submit for reimbursement? Also, do you need an RN signature? I'd bet you would. Maybe not, you'll need to inquire. I bet what they actually pay for is a home health care agency that employs CNAs. I could be wrong.
I would specifically look to whoever is the program director for a local CNA class. Call them, tell them exactly what you want to do- You want to take the class/get certified and then work as a self employed CNA so you can care for your uncle Bill and bill through Medicare. Is that possible? See what they tell you, but be very very clear when you ask. They will know absolutely all the hoops and if this is feasible. If they don't know, they will direct you to the state who will.