What Is an SRNA?
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
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:
- Long-term residential facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Hospitals
- Adult daycare centers
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
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?
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. Some other important factors that affect the pay are the number of hours you work weekly and the facility in which you work.
Looking to Become an SRNA?
The job of a state registered nurse aide is rewarding, challenging, and fast-paced. If you wish to become a nursing assistant, prepare for busy work hours, as there is never a dull moment. 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.
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.