Certified Nursing Assistant

In the United States, Certified Nursing Assistants or Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) provide personal care to residents or patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Educational preparation

The requirements for certification vary from state to state.

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Among the requirements for becoming a state-certified nurse assistant is the mastery of a set of basic skills. The education required to achieve these skills varies widely, in some states no formal education is required. In other areas of the United States this means a two week class and a basic test. These skills are needed to care for patients in both long-term-care facilities and in home settings. The descriptions below refer mostly to the care of elderly patients, but most of them would apply to any nursing assistant situation.

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