What Is an SRNA?

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Written by Jeanne Kal Senior Manager, B2C Content, IntelyCare
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Reviewed by Marie Hasty, BSN, RN Content Writer, IntelyCare
SRNA brings a meal to a senior patient.

SRNAs are health professionals who offer nursing care services to older residents. A state registered nurse aide is not a licensed healthcare professional, but the individual has undergone an approved training program and competency exam.

A state registered nurse aide (SRNA) in Kentucky is called a state tested nursing aide (STNA) in Ohio, a licensed nursing assistant (LNA) in New Hampshire, and a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in other states.

What Are the Typical Responsibilities of an SRNA?

A state registered nurse aide assists patients with direct health care needs, often under a registered nurse’s direction. The typical responsibilities of SRNAs include:

  • Helping patients with daily activities
  • Checking vital signs
  • Lifting and moving patients
  • Serving meals and feeding patients
  • Keeping the environment clean and sanitized
  • Communicating with family members, doctors, and the healthcare team
  • Providing emotional and physical support
  • Setting up medical equipment and helping with some medical procedures
  • Monitoring changes in a patient’s behavior

For more details, review our sample SRNA resume to see what other duties you may be responsible for.

Where Does an SRNA Work?

Nursing homes, adult care facilities, and other post-acute care settings are the most typical places where state registered nurse aides work. Other healthcare settings including:

What Are the Requirements to Become an SRNA?

To become an SRNA in Kentucky, candidates must attend a school that offers an SRNA training program consisting of approximately 75 hours of training and pass a competency examination. Note that nursing students who successfully finished a licensed practical nurse or registered nursing education program within the previous year can take the exam without undergoing nurse aide training.

Candidates must meet the following prerequisites:

  • Valid federal or state photo ID
  • A high school diploma or GED
  • Unlaminated social security card
  • Proof of current immunizations and health examination
  • Proof of current chest X-ray
  • Pass a criminal background check

Learn more about how to become a nursing assistant.

After completing the nurse aide training and competency evaluation program (NATCEP) successfully, your name will be added to the state’s nurse aide registry, and you can begin looking for nursing assistant jobs.

What Are the Benefits of Working as an SRNA?

The job of a state registered nurse aide is rewarding, challenging, and fast-paced. Honing your professional skills will help you bring your best and give the best care to patients. Continuous learning will help you grow professionally and position you for career advancement. Be a patient listener, use your communication skills, and find a job that allows you to maintain a work-life balance.

A Chance to Make a Difference

An SRNA helps patients with essential services carry out daily tasks they struggle to complete, including bathing, dressing, eating, changing bed linens, and getting in and out of bed.

Career Opportunities

A career as a state registered nurse aide provides an enriching experience for people who want to help the elderly, impact lives, and a job that doesn’t require earning a degree. It is also perfect for people that want job stability and opportunities to grow.

Earn More for Being Flexible

SRNAs are paid more for working at night, on weekends, and overtime. If you find the work hours comfortable, you can have more time off for family or to pursue additional education.

What Is the Average Pay for an SRNA?

Pay for SRNAs in Kentucky varies according to skill level, location, and years of experience. On average, the salary for nursing assistants in that state is $32,180 per year and $15.50 per hour. The city you work in can make a difference in your salary. For example, SRNAs in Lexington make $34,180 per year on average, and in Fort Knox they make $31,220 per year on average.

Some other important factors that affect the pay are the number of hours you work weekly and the facility in which you work. Find out what nursing assistants earn in other states.

Ready to Work as an SRNA?

We can help you build your career with a job that is the perfect fit. Find great SRNA jobs on IntelyCare and choose the one that works for you.