When Congress passed the Omnibus Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1987, an adjoining act federally mandated that all states both initiate and approve certified nursing assistant (CNA) training programs.
The Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services (NDHHS) approves dozens of NE CNA training programs throughout the state, and maintains a registry listing all nurse aides certified to work in the state.
This article shows individuals how to find a state-approved CNA Nebraska certification program, and explains the Nebraska nursing guidelines for those seeking certification.
NE CNA Certification Requirements
In order to legally work as a nursing assistant in Nebraska, individuals must be placed upon the state's nurse aide registry. In order to do this, the following requirements must be fulfilled:
- Complete a state-approved CNA Nebraska training program
- Pass the state's CNA competency examination (which contains both a written portion and a skills portion)
- Pass a criminal history background check
Those who hold a valid CNA certification from another state can apply for endorsement through NDHHS, which is the process by which individuals can transfer their out-of-state certification to Nebraska.
Additionally, those who have graduated from an accredited nursing program (RN or LPN) can apply through NDHHS for exemption from the training and testing requirements. However, those students who have below a C average in any required nursing courses are not eligible for this exemption.
Military personnel who have undergone military nursing or medical training can also apply for exemption through NDHHS. Interested parties should contact NDHHS at (402) 471-3121 for additional information on Nebraska nursing guidelines.
CNA Nebraska Training Program Elements
While individual CNA training programs in Nebraska differ slightly depending upon the educational provider, all NE CNA state-approved programs contain the following minimum elements:
- 75 hours of total training (which is the federal requirement)
- An in-class learning component
- A clinical learning component
In the classroom portion of state-approved CNA training programs, students learn a number of important skill areas, including:
- Infection control
- Patients' rights
- Communication skills
- Restorative care
- Emergency procedures
- Basic nursing care
Students are also given the opportunity to work with real patients in a Nebraska nursing home or long-term care facility under the supervision of a nurse educator. This clinical component gives students the opportunity to master those skills which are tested on the state CNA competency examination.
Nebraska Nursing Program Listings - CNA Training
NDHHS approves dozens of NE CNA training programs throughout the state, most of which are found in community colleges, high schools, community centers, and nursing homes or other care facilities.
For a complete listing of state-approved programs, see the NDHHS CNA program list.
Benefits of CNA Nebraska Certification
Those who successfully complete a Nebraska nurse aide training program, and who are then able to pass the state's CNA competency examination, are eligible to be placed upon the CNA registry (thus allowing for legal employment in care facilities throughout the state).
With Nebraska's aging population, CNA jobs are expected to remain stable and in demand for many years to come.
For information on more nurse training options, see also:
The Best Nursing Programs Online
David Harris-Gershon - David Harris-Gershon – a blogger for Tikkun magazine and a freelance writer on Israel, the Middle East and America’s role in ...
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