Nursing assistants are a part of the health care team whose purpose is to care for people who are ill or have impaired self-care capabilities. They may work in the hospital, nursing home, or home under the supervision of a professional nurse in carrying out patient care assignments.

You must be able to demonstrate the ability to push, pull, and lift a minimum of 50lbs from various positions. Students will be required to demonstrate competency in moving and lifting of patients. You must be physically able to move, transfer, and lift patients from various positions competently and safely to fulfill the requirements for these demonstrated skills prior to clinical rotation. If you have any medical or physical condition that could prevent you from being able to safely perform these skills independently or there is potential for physical injury while performing these skills, you may be required to provide a medical clearance from a primary care provider before being allowed to continue in the program. This requirement includes medical clearance for lifting at least 50 lbs. If you are unable to perform the skills in a safe and competent manner you will not fulfill the requirements necessary to attend the clinical rotations and successfully meet course requirements.

Students must be at least 17 years of age and demonstrate proficiency in English to include reading, writing, and oral communication skills. Students must be able to perform basic math skills. A TABE test is required and will be administered at the beginning of the semester. A grade equivalent of 8th grade or higher in both reading and math is required to remain in the program. Mandatory drug screening and criminal background checks are required during the first two weeks of the program and will be scheduled by the Health Sciences unit faculty.

Mandatory Drug Screening and Background Check

Mandatory Drug screening and background checks are required during the first week of the program and will be scheduled by the Division of Health faculty. Students must pass the mandatory drug screening to remain in the program. Students exhibiting signs of impaired clinical judgement related to suspected use of chemical substance, legal or otherwise, will be removed from the classroom, laboratory, or clinical setting immediately. Appeals can be made according to the process outlined in the Nursing Assisting Student Handbook. Any student who has been convicted of a misdemeanor within three years or a felony within seven years will not be able to remain in the program. Nursing Assisting courses are offered each semester. Successful completion of the Nursing Assisting Program qualifies as a pre-requisite for the Nursing Program.

Clinical rotations and on-campuslabs are required to successfully complete the program. To attend clinical rotations, the student must meet and adhere to clinical guidelines of both the ENMU-Roswell Nursing Assisting Program and the facilities where clinical rotations are conducted.

Upon successful completion of the program, the student is eligible to take the Prometric exam and obtain certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

RCENA - Nursing Assisting

Download as PDF