Nurse Assistant Training

The American Red Cross has been involved in nursing for more than 100 years and has provided nurse assistant training for the past two decades. Lakeland Chapter continues this strong tradition by offering the Nurse Assistant Training program and providing a vital job training service to the community. With the American Red Cross Nurse Assistant Training course, nurse assistant students learn the skills, communication techniques, and information needed to provide quality nursing care in a variety of health-care settings. The purpose of the American Red Cross Nurse Assistant Training course is to prepare individuals with the information and skills needed to become Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA) and provide quality care to residents in nursing homes and other health care settings. The Nurse Assistant Training course meets all federal requirements and is approved by the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Students who successfully complete the American Red Cross Nurse Assistant Training course are qualified to take the Wisconsin exam to become a Certified Nurse Assistant. Once state certification is achieved, students will be able to seek employment as a CNA in long term care facilities, hospices, hospitals and other locations.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the importance of the nurse assistant’s role in improving the quality of life for people in the health care system.
• Encourage people to be as independent as possible.
• Support and maintain the rights of residents, clients, and patients.
• Be sensitive to the physical and psychosocial needs of people in the health care system.
• Communicate effectively with staff, residents/clients/patients and their families and friends.
• Provide quality basic care for people in the health care system.
• Help reduce the potential negative effects of the health care system.
• Observe and document a person’s physical condition and overall wellbeing.
• Work well as team members.

The Nurse Assistant Training course is scheduled for a total of 120 hours. The course fee is $750 and includes textbooks. Minimum class size is 6 students. Enrollment is limited to 16 students per class. Early registration is encouraged. Acceptance is based on first come, first served for those that qualify. Participants must be at least 16 years of age and be able to read and write English at a 8th grade level. To be considered registered, the following must be completed and received by the Health and Safety Services office:

• Student application
• Self-assessment health form
• State background information disclosure form
• Background information release form
• Initialed and signed policy form
• TB test form (completed within 1 year of clinical and submitted prior to the start of clinical)
• Driver’s license or birth certificate to verify date of birth,
• Social security card to verify social security number
• Minimum course deposit of $375 or an agency/facility agreement if the student's fee is sponsored by another organization.

In addition, the results of the background check must meet state guidelines and the participant, along with their background, must be accepted by the clinical site. If not, the participant will be notified and their deposit refunded less a $25 registration service charge and textbook charge if the book is used.

Acceptance into this course does not guarantee receiving a certificate of completion, nor does it guarantee passing the state test for licensure if the course certification is received.

For copies of the training program registration packet, please call the Health and Safety Services Department at 920-227-4290 or 1-800-733-9909 or pick up a registration packet from the department at 2131 Deckner Ave., Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm.

STATE COMPETENCY TESTING 

The evaluation to include Nurse Aide applicants on the state and federal registry is not part of the training program. Upon completion of the American Red Cross Nurse Assistant Training program, testing will be scheduled with the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Testing Service through the American Red Cross Lakeland Chapter's in-facility testing site. Required documentation and the testing fee of $115.00 must be submitted to the Red Cross at least two weeks prior to the scheduled testing. Deadline dates for the necessary payment and paperwork will be provided during the course. The Lakeland Chapter will schedule the testing date for all course participants and assist participants with the application process.

The American Red Cross Lakeland Chapter does not provide or make arrangements for testing nurse aides outside of those that are enrolled in the American Red Cross Nurse Assistant Training Program.

For other eligible candidates seeking nurse aide registration in the state of Wisconsin, please see the information below.

Quick Reference for More Information

Wisconsin NNAAP Services
American Red Cross
P.O. Box 5875
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(Phone) 866-257-5424
(Fax) 866-257-6506
M-F 7:30am - 4:30pm (CST)

Call the American Red Cross in Harrisburg, PA to:

• Obtain a Candidate Handbook
• Obtain an application
• Schedule the examination
• Cancel a scheduled examination
• Arrange special examination requests and services
• Change your current address or name prior to testing

Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Division of Quality Assurance
Office of Caregiver Quality
PO Box 2969
Madison, WI 53701-2969
(608) 261-8319
M-F 7:45am - 4:30pm (CST)

Call DHS to:

• Inquire about substantiated findings on the Caregiver Misconduct Registry

Go to DHS Nurse Aide Training and Registry Web Site at:
http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/caregiver/NATD/NATDintro.htm

• To obtain information on federal and Wisconsin regulations and guidelines for nurse aides
• To obtain information about Medication Aide requirements

Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry
Managed by Pearson VUE
P.O. Box 13785
Philadelphia, PA 19101-3785
(877) 329-8760
7:00am - 4:00pm (CST)

Call Pearson VUE to:

• Clarify information about the Registry
• Obtain information on maintaining status on the Registry
• Obtain information regarding your Score Report
• Change your current address or name on file with the Registry
• Request a duplicate Score Report
• Obtain information regarding the examination
• Obtain information regarding reciprocity
• Obtain a Registry Renewal Form

Go to Pearson VUE’s Website at www.pearsonvue.com to:

• Download a Candidate Handbook
• Download an Application for Competency Evaluation
• Download an Out-of-State Application
• Download a Change Form
• Download a Nurse Aide Registry Renewal Form
• View Test Schedules and Deadline Dates
• View Frequently Asked Questions
• View the Nurse Aide Practice Written Examination
• Verify your status on the Registry
  

If you do not have internet access call Pearson VUE at 1-877-329-8760 to verify your status on the Registry.