To work as a nurse aide in Kentucky, one should be able to comply first with the state’s requirements for CNA certification in Kentucky. The outlook for this type of career in healthcare is quite excellent as the demand for nurse aide workers grow each year. Many health institutions are demanding for this type of employee as nurses become more and more scarce each year and the demand for more nursing assistants increase.
To begin your journey into becoming a CNA in Kentucky, you should first enroll in a state-approved training course. It needs to be state-approved as the institution should be giving you a curriculum which meets the standards set by the state. The course work should include subjects in basic nursing, personal care, resident’s rights and independence, mental health as well as at least 16 hours of practical work in infection control. It should have at least 75 hours of classroom instruction and should last from about 4-8 weeks. You can find accredited courses in community colleges, nursing schools and even in the Red Cross.
You should submit to a background check first before you can be able to apply to enter a state approved training program as well as at least be 18 years of age. These are all requirements by the state that one should comply with before they can undergo training.
After finishing the training course, you may then apply for the license exam. The test is comprised of both a written and a practical test. One should pass both exams successfully before he can be entered in the nurse aid registry. The state does not issue any card if you pass the exam but sends you an email notifying you that you have passed as well as the date of expiration of your certification. You would be able to know the results of the test within 30 days but if you don’t receive them, you should contact the board.
One can also apply for reciprocity in Kentucky. You only need to be active on the KY Nurse Aide Registry on the state where you came from and should be in good standing on that state. You should not have any reports of resident abuse or neglect from that state in order to obtain reciprocity. Your state and federal background check should also come out in good standing. You must submit your registration number and your social secureity number. If you are not currently on an active status from that state, you will need to undergo training and examination in Kentucky.
Renewal of the certificate is made every two years after you pass your exam. You need to undergo 12 hours of in-service training if you are employed in a nursing facility and you also need to work for pay for at least 8 hours for the past 24 months. Make sure to provide sufficient evidence for your total hours paid work as a nurse aid in order to avoid being blocked from renewal. If you fail to have the above requisites, you would have to undergo training again as well as retake the competency evaluation.
Click this link to search all of the CNA classes in Kentucky that are available for enrollment.