How to Become a Private Duty CNA

Have you been thinking about becoming a CNA with the possibility of working as a private duty employee? There are many opportunities to work as a private duty CNA, since many people want to stay in their homes instead of going to a nursing home as they get older. Private duty CNAs work solely for one person, which may be an elderly client or a disabled child. There are pros and cons to working as a private duty CNA, make sure to do your research and learn what you can about private duty work before applying for a position.

Take a State Approved CNA Program

The first step to becoming a private duty CNA is to take a state approved CNA course. Research CNA programs in your state and choose one that meets your educational needs and schedule. Every CNA program is different, some are only offered full-time during the day and others have the option of part-time evening classes, so it won’t interfere with your day job.

Take the State Certification Exam

After successfully completing a state approved CNA course, you’ll have to sit for the state competency exam, which is administered in two parts; a written multiple choice exam and a skills demonstration test. After you successfully pass the state competency exam, you’ll be listed on your state CNA registry and be eligible to work as a CNA.

Get experience working in a Health Care Institution

After passing the certification exam, you should work in a nursing home or hospital for at least a year to get good experience taking care of patients. That way both you and the hiring family will feel confident knowing that you’ve taken care of patients in the past.

Some Things to Consider When working as a Private Duty CAN

Make sure to ask lots of questions on your interview and before you sign a contract. While working as a private duty CNA, you’ll most like make significantly more money than you would working in a health care institution, but you’ll have to discuss how taxes are going to be handled. It would also be to your benefit if your employer has your salary set up to pay into federal and state taxes along with social security and Medicare. If not, having a higher salary may end up hurting you at tax time. You’ll also have to decide what you are going to do for health and dental insurances since many private duty jobs don’t offer such insurances. Make a list of what you want for benefits and discuss it with your employer to see if she may pay for a portion of it.