September 22, 2011

Certified Nurse Aides: FAQ's


Part 2 of our Frequently Asked Questions regarding CNA's in Kansas: 

Q.  What happens if I don’t pass this course?
If you do not pass the course successfully the instructor will submit a written notification to the state of your name and you will not be eligible to sit for the state test.  You would then have to retake the entire CNA course again.

Q.  What happens once I complete the course successfully?
Once you complete the course your instructor will send your name into the state.  Once the instructor receives the “Approval to Test Notice” your instructor will contact you and get you the Approval letter.  The “Approval to Test Notice” will assign the test date, location, and time.

Q.  What if I am unable to take the test on the date scheduled?
If you are unable to take the test on the date assigned you must contact Health Occupations Credentialing (HOC) at 785-296-1250 to request a rescheduling form to submit along with a $20 application fee.

Q.  Tell me more about the state test.
The state test is timed and contains 100 multiple-choice questions.   You are given 2 hours in which to complete the test.  The score of 75% or greater constitutes a passing score.    

Q.  What do I need to take to the state test?
You must provide the following at the test site when you go to test:
  • Original photo ID
  • Test fee
  • Approval letter to test
You need to be extremely punctual for the state test.  This test is timed and there are other students testing as well.  The testing sites are very prompt on delivering the test.  The testing sites will not accept any students who walk in the door after the testing has begun.  I recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of schedule to get seated for your state test.

You WILL NOT be admitted if you are not listed as eligible on the site schedule, or are late, or do not provide required ID

Q.  What if I have a disability?
Any candidate who has a:
  • Physical disability
  • Learning disability
  • Psychological disability
If you require a reasonable accommodation to take the state test you need to complete a request form.  As a student you must have performed in a satisfactory manner in both the classroom and lab/clinical settings of the course, and successfully completed the Skills Competency Checklist.

Q.  Is the state test given in more than one language?
The state test is read in only the English language.  If English is your second language may use a bilingual language dictionary during the state test.  Computer dictionaries and medical dictionaries are prohibited.

Q.  What happens when I pass the state test?
If you pass the state test, a certificate will be mailed to you at the address in which you provided. On average it takes 3-4 weeks from the time the state test has been taken until the department received and enters the test score.   You should allow 30 days to lapse from the date the test was taken before calling the department to check on the status of the certificate. 785-296-1250.

Q.  What happens if I fail the state test?
You will receive a letter that includes the score.  The information on your performance in the categories will help you prepare to retake the test.  A rescheduling form, if you are eligible, will be included.  You should complete this and send it to HOC with the non-refundable $20 application fee.

Q.  How long do I have to retake the test?
The state test must be passed within one year from the beginning date of the nurse aide training course.  You are eligible to retake the test a maximum of 3 times within that year.  If the test is not passed within one year from the starting date of the course, the entire course must be retaken to be eligible to take the test again.

Q.  What is KNAR?
KNAR is the Kansas Nurse Aide registry which is federally mandated program to track the employment and training for aides in Kansas.  A unique identification number is issued to you if you have successfully completed the state nurse aide course and passed the test.

What are record checks?
The KNAR will be checked for reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, prohibited offenses, or misappropriation of resident property.  Each adult care home must contact the registry prior to hiring you as a nurse aide.  A criminal record check will be requested by a facility to determine your eligibility to work.  A facility may NOT employ any person with any of this on record after April 1, 1992.  You can see prohibited offenses under the tab “Course Information”. 

Q.  KNAR should never be contacted to:
  • Inquire about test results.  The results are mailed to you within 30 days from the test date.  The test results cannot be given over the phone. Call 785-296-1250.
  • Inquire about test sites.  Instead call 785-296-1250
  • Request replacement copies of certificates.  Instead call 785-296-1250
  •  Report abuse complaint about a CNA or other personnel.  Instead call 800-842-0078
  • Inquire about the CNA and competency evaluation Instead call 785-296-0058
  • Inquire about employment verification procedures or issues.  Instead call 785-296-1250
  • Locate course offerings.  Instead call 785-296-1250 or access website at www.kdheks.gov/hoc

Q.  Does my CNA certificate expire?
CNA certificates do not expire therefore you will not receive new certificates automatically.  As a CNA you will be eligible for employment for 24 months following the date the certificate is issued.  In order for you to extend the eligibility period, you as a CNA must be employed to perform nursing or nursing related tasks for at least 8 hours in the 24 month period. 

Q.  What if my employment was not received by KNAR?
If you worked 8hr in a 24 hr period and the information was not received and noted on the CNA”s KNAR record, the CNA should request the Employment Verification Form from HOC.

Q.  What happens if I have not been employed in a 24 month period for 8 hrs?
IF a CNA has not been employed to perform nursing or nursing related duties in the past 24 mo you can have a licensed, registered nurse may elect to administer the Kansas Nurse Aide Task Checklist-For Employment Verification.  The checklist may be done in an adult care home, hospital, or laboratory setting.   The checklist shall not be given to the aide.  Or the CNA may take a refresher course, if available, instead of having a nurse administer the task checklist.    Once completed and submitted to HOC, the eligibility period is extended by 24 months.  It is not necessary to work for “40 hrs” in order to complete the checklist for employment purposes.  The amount of time it takes to perform each task will vary. 

Q.  What if I have lost my CNA certificate?
If you have lost your CNA certificate, an application form is available and a new certificate will be sent upon receipt of the form and a fee.

Q.  What if there is a change in name, address, phone number as a NAT or CNA?
Whenever there is a change in your mailing address, telephone number, or name you need to contact HOC so the department can keep your information updated.  785-296-0060.

To take a We Care Online CNA Class - Click Here

1 comment:

  1. Nursing aides help care for physically or mentally ill, injured, disabled, or infirm individuals in hospitals, nursing care facilities, and mental health settings. They are among the occupations commonly referred to as direct care workers, due to their role in working with patients who need long-term care. Thanks a lot.

    ReplyDelete