Description:

A certified nursing aide or assistant (CNA) commonly works under the supervision of a registered nurse or other medical professional.

On any given day, a CNA may be responsible for: attending to the needs of multiple patients; aiding patients with routine tasks, including eating, bathing, dressing and exercise; observing and recording patient conditions and vital signs; monitoring patient food and liquid intake; updating care team on changes in patient condition. As CNAs gain experience and training, they may take on additional
responsibilities, including dispensing medicine.

Educational and Licensing Requirements:

In order to work as a certified nurse aide (CNA) in New York State, a person must successfully complete a nurse aide training program (NATP) delivered only by a program approved by NYSED or NYSDOH.

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has contracted with Prometric to develop and administer the New York State (NYS) Nursing Home Nurse Aide Competency Examination and manage the NYS Nursing Home Nurse Aide Registry (NAR). All individuals performing nurse aide duties in a nursing home on a full-time, part-time or contractual basis must meet minimum training and competency
requirements in accordance with state and federal regulations and be listed in good standing on the NAR. The majority of nurse aides on the registry become certified by successfully completing a NYS-approved nursing home nurse aide training program and passing the Competency Examination. The exam consists of two parts: 1) a Clinical Skills exam (practical portion); and 2) a Written (oral) exam.