What Is an STNA?
A state tested nurse aide (STNA) in Ohio is called a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in most other states. This professional is also called a licensed nursing assistant (LNA) in New Hampshire. An STNA helps patients with daily living and basic tasks, often under a licensed registered nurse’s supervision.
What Are the Typical Responsibilities of an STNA?
So, what does an STNA do exactly? Under the supervision of a registered nurse, an STNA provides a range of support services. Some STNA duties include:
- Monitoring patients
- Changing patient’s bedding
- Helping patients move around
- Aiding patients with their meals, which includes feeding them
- Monitoring patient vitals
- Bathing and grooming patients
- Aiding nurses and doctors to set up for medical procedures and assisting them with it
Most of these activities require physical strength as well as excellent communication skills.
Where Do STNAs Work?
STNAs work anywhere within the healthcare industry. They are primarily found in post-acute care settings where patients need a lot of hands-on help with daily physical activities. STNAs typically work in the following places:
- Nursing homes
- Long-term care facilities
- Hospitals
- Clinics
What Are the Requirements to Become an STNA?
Like other professional positions in the healthcare system, STNAs must be certified before working as nursing assistants. To become a state tested nursing assistant, you need to meet the following requirements.
Candidates must take STNA classes, which can be taken in technical schools, hospitals, and even the Red Cross.
Candidates have to complete the Nurse Aide Training Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). This program contains 75 hours of training, of which 59 are in a class and 16 in a long-term care facility. At the end of this program, candidates will receive a Certification of Completion from the Ohio Department of Health.
Candidates have to pass the STNA certification exam, which contains a 79-question test. Successful candidates can then enroll in the Ohio nurse aide registry as a state tested nursing assistant.
After completing these steps, you may create an optimized STNA resume and cover letter. Then, you can start applying to STNA jobs.
What Are the Benefits of Working as an STNA?
Varied experience
This role is a solid first step along the levels of nursing. As a state tested nurse aide, you’ll encounter different challenges and gain valuable experience that you can put to work every day. You’ll also learn about other healthcare industry areas and what your career path might look like beyond working as an STNA.
Training is affordable
You don’t need to spend a fortune to become an STNA as it is more affordable than other positions in the healthcare industry. Being a state tested nurse assistant does not require a degree, and in places like Ohio, where the training is free in some areas, it’s an affordable career to take on.
Flexibility
As an STNA, you have a lot of flexibility. You can choose to work part time, full time, per diem, or even as a volunteer. Besides, you can even adjust the training classes to suit your availability.
What Is an STNA Expected to Earn?
The national average salary for nursing assistants is $36,220 per year, but your STNA salary will vary by your experience, facility type, and location.
For example, in Ohio, the average annual salary for a nursing assistant is $39,610, with an hourly wage of $19.04. In the Cincinnati area, you’d earn an average $39,430; in the Columbus area, you’d earn an average $39,270; and in the Youngstown area, you’d earn an average $35,060.
Ready for Your STNA Job?
Whether you are looking for your first or fifteenth STNA job, you can find it here. IntelyCare has designed a job board just for nurses that can help you find the right fit, right now. Start your STNA job search here.