Upon choosing this career you have become the new face of healthcare. Your role as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Home Health Care Worker (HHCW) is an integral and critical component to the healthcare industry. You will serve as a vital liaison between the patient and their primary care physician. You will also forge a unique partnership with the patient's caregivers and family.1

The need for skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals increases everyday and continues to do so at a record pace. It is anticipated that by the year 2030 the number of people over 65 will top 71 million, a number of whom, will require some form of short-or long-term medical assistance. Researchers also project that between 2006 and 2016 the need for healthcare professionals will increase by 28 percent. Demand is fueled largely by an aging population, and aggressive efforts to contain skyrocketing healthcare costs by moving patients/clients out of hospitals and nursing care facilities as quickly as possible. Additionally, there is an increasing preference, among the elderly, as well as those who are disabled, to stay in their own home. Innovative medical technology also plays a critical role in this scenario, as such tools continue to aid in extending lives it drives the need for short- and long-term care, and thus the demand for skilled CNAs and HHCWs also soars.

Why Become a Certified Nursing Assistant?

When queried about why they became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), a number of CNAs stated that they wanted to eventually use their roles as CNAs to jumpstart their goal of becoming registered nurses or explore other healthcare opportunities. Still others cited the flexible work schedule, high demand for healthcare professionals, and the renewed sense of self worth wrought from providing an invaluable service to other human beings, as the determining factors in their decision to become healthcare professionals. Some stress that they became CNAs because of their commitment to advancing the well being of others, the bond they sometimes experience with their clients and/or families; and lastly, because they feel passionate about providing quality healthcare and equal access to all people.

Whether you've chosen to become a healthcare professional because of the flexibility and monetary rewards or because you are deeply committed to helping others, there are a number of federal and state standards and guidelines that must be addressed and met.

The Role of CNAs

As a CNA you are a member of a dynamic team of healthcare professionals. Every day you are granted the opportunity to make a difference in the life of some one. And whether the gift you bring is that of a much needed smile, or you monitor someone vitals and diet, give a diabetic patient a shot or assist a patient with a task as simple as combing their hair, and getting in and out of bed, your heartfelt commitment to helping and healing others is an invaluable yet humbling gift.

Responsibilities as a CNA

The laws governing CNAs have evolved considerably since 2001. Today, CNAs are expected to adhere to compliance laws, as well as take an active role in making sure that their individual certification meets Federal guidelines. With respect to specific states, i.e., Florida, the Florida Professional Association of Care Givers (FPACG) states that as a CNA or Home Health Aide you are responsible for maintaining your positive compliance status whether it entails making sure that you have the required hours and necessary courses needed to meet certification guidelines, to whether your certificate renewal and/or documentation demonstrates the same.

Federal Guidelines and Laws

With regard to Federal law as set forth by the United States Congress, it should be noted that there are occasions where individual state laws may exceed the standards of Federal law, however, they can never establish requirements below federal standards. For example, Federal Law, Under Title 42, Page 483 requires that approved training programs for certified nurse assistants (CNAs) training be at least 75 hours and include specific subject matter and supervised training. A graduating CNA must also pass a competency evaluation. After completing the program they are known as Certified Nurse Assistants and placed on the State registry of nurses and aides.

Medicare Facility CNA Guidelines

Medical facilities that receive Medicare reimbursement are required to have their CNAs pass a competency test based on Federal guidelines. Depending on the state, a CNA may also be required to be licensed which involves additional training and examination.

Board of Nursing and CNA Registry

The name of every CNA in the state shall be posted on the State CNA registry with identifying information as required by Federal law and specific requirements of the Board. Information contained in the registry is public knowledge and shall be accessible to the public. It is the duty of the Board to adopt testing rules for certification and enforce same. Note the following guidelines as for posting your CNA status on the State CNA registry.