The demand for nursing assistants has significantly increased in recent years which is why many individuals from different states are looking into becoming CNAs. However, getting a job as a nursing assistant does not just require the completion of any nursing assistant education program, you would need to pass a State-prescribed course and test as well. If you are already Certified, Licensed, Registered or State-Approved in your current state but are planning to get another nursing assistant job in another state, you would need to request for reciprocity so that the other state would recognize the approval or CNA training certification that you received in your home state. Here are the steps for requesting reciprocity, along with some tips that can make the process easier.
1. First off, you would need to call the Nurse Aide Registry that is in your home state then request for an “Application for Enrollment by Reciprocity”. Check with them whether the completed form should be sent to them or to the other state where you would be getting a CNA job.
2. You would then need to contact the Nurse Aide Registry which is in the other state and then ask them about the same concern. There have been some nursing assistants who have been able to directly fax the request to the state where they would be moving. However, to avoid having problems later on, take the time to ask. Also make sure that you list down the name of the people that you have spoken with along with their phone numbers.
3. If the agency in the state you are moving to states that it would be fine to fax or send your information via mail, then be sure to do this right away. Before faxing or mailing, make sure that you have the correct fax number and mailing address. The most commonly requested requirements would include: a copy of your Social Security card, a copy of the approval you received from your home state; a copy of a valid photo ID such as your driver’s license, a copy of a recent pay stub or a document that would prove that you have worked for a nursing home within the last two years.
4. You should also make sure that when you send your information, you would be including a short note to thank the person you have spoken with and ask them to contact you if they need some more information from you.
5. You could get an automated line when you call. Most of these automated lines are toll-free 800 numbers and could readily provide you with the information you need. However, if there is an option, try to talk with an actual person to get more detailed answers to the questions and concerns you have.
6. Lastly, remember that nursing homes are usually able to provide training and testing for all of their nursing assistants. By calling the ones you are interested in working with, you should be able to get information on local training and testing sites which are near your area. Aside from being conducted by nursing homes, training and testing can also be done by community colleges and independent agencies. You can also get more information about training and testing programs available in your area by talking to a DON or trainer that is also in your area. If you are still unable to get information, you can try contacting the NATP agency or the Area Agency on Aging in your state.