Becoming a State-Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) can be your first real step into a nursing career. Lots of STNAs may become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) at some point in their career. Some even continue their education and become Registered Nurses (RN).
Even with NO experience whatsoever, you can still jumpstart your career with our STNA training course!
What is the Difference between an HHA and a STNA?
While some of the aspects of the two jobs are very similar, there’s enough of a difference to make STNAs much more desirable in the health care field.
Both attend to patients’ needs and basic personal care such as bathing, cleaning, dressing and other hygiene needs. Some will help patients prepare light meals (or do it for them) and assist them however necessary in order to eat.
STNA duties can go further than that when required. They listen to their patient’s health concerns, noting any symptoms or changes in condition in their patient’s charts. They monitor their patient’s vital signs and report that information to the nurse or doctor in charge. STNAs often administer medications when needed and when necessary.
While HHAs tend to work in patients’ homes, group homes or care facilities, STNAs can work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, private homes as well as other long-term care facilities. Often they act as the primary caregivers and have more contact time with their patients than anyone else on staff, including nurses.
Typically there is also a pay differential between HHAs and STNAs. While HHAs receive on-the-job training for their jobs, STNAs complete a course and must pass a state-administered exam in order to receive their licenses. Most STNAs will receive a higher rate of pay for that alone.
How Long Does the Course Take?
Our STNA course can be as short as 4 weeks, but you want to make sure you don’t miss a single day. Because the course is as short as it is, it can be an intensive course, packing a whole bunch of material into just a few weeks time.
I have more questions. Who can I call and ask these of?
Please feel free to contact Sally at our Proctorville office. She will be more than happy to answer any questions that you might have.
Her phone number is 740-886-7623 ext. 233.