So you're thinking about becoming a STNA? Excellent choice! STNAs are in high demand and can find work in a variety of settings.

In this guide, we'll discuss what a STNA is, the duties and skills required for the job, and the work environment and salary you can expect. We'll also provide tips for how to become a STNA and what to do if you want to further your career in this field. Let's get started!

What Is a STNA?

STNA stands for State Tested Nurse Aide. Ohio is the only state that uses this title, other states use the titles of Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) or Nursing Assistant (NA). There is no difference between any of these certifications, just the individual test that each state requires to be listed as an active nurse on the state registry. 

So if you see a STNA job posting then that job will always be located in Ohio. You can also interchangeably become a STNA from a CNA or NA by just taking the state test. The CNA, NA, and STNA exams throughout the country all test the same, basic nursing skills. If you want to become a Nursing Assistant in a state outside of Ohio then read our comprehensive guides on how to become a CNA in your state. 

For more information on how to become a STNA specifically in Ohio, then keep reading. You can also explore our in-depth guide on Getting a STNA Certification in Ohio. There are also guides for CNA Classes in Columbus and CNA Classes in Cleveland. Use the free tool on any of these pages to find STNA classes near you by just entering your zip code. You can also choose to be contacted by schools that interest you. 

Duties of a STNA

So what does a STNA do? A STNA is responsible for taking care of patients in a long-term care facility, hospital, or other medical office. This can include bathing, dressing, and feeding, as well as monitoring their health and vital signs.

STNAs also often provide emotional support to their patients, and build relationships of trust. This is a critical role, especially in long-term care facilities, where patients can often feel lonely and isolated.

Skills to Be a STNA

So what kind of skills do you need to be a STNA? First and foremost, you need to be compassionate and patient. Patients can be anxious and stressed, so you'll need to be able to put them at ease.

You should also be comfortable with handling blood and other bodily fluids. It's also important to have a good sense of judgment, because you'll often be working with patients who are elderly or suffering from dementia.

You should be able to take directions well and follow safety protocols. And it never hurts to be friendly and personable—patients will appreciate having someone who makes them feel comfortable in what can be a difficult time.

The Work Environment of a STNA

So you're thinking about becoming a STNA? Great! It's a challenging, but rewarding career. But before you make the leap, it's important to understand what the work environment is like.

STNAs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. They may also be called on to work in private homes. No matter where they're working, STNAs provide vital care to patients. STNAs typically have work shifts and flexible schedules so this could be a great option for someone who doesn’t want a 9 to 5 job in an office. 

STNAs often form close relationships with their patients, and they play a crucial role in their care. If you're compassionate and patient, this could be the perfect career for you.

The Salary of a STNA

STNAs play an important role in the healthcare industry, and their skills are in high demand.

But before you make the decision to become a STNA, it's important to know what to expect when it comes to salary. Ohio is ranked in the top 20% in the nation for CNA wages, which average at $15/hour, and can start at $30,000 a year. Keep in mind that this is just the average—depending on your location and experience, you could make more or less.

STNAs are an essential part of the healthcare team, and they play a crucial role in the quality of patient care. Plus, the job market for STNAs is only going to get stronger in the years to come. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics there are over 70,000 STNAs currently employed. The Weirton-Steubenville area is one of the nation’s top metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of STNA jobs, with nearly 1,000 STNAs employed. So if you're thinking of making a career change, becoming a STNA is a great option.

How to Become a STNA

The best way to become a STNA is by completing an accredited program. These programs can be found at community colleges, vocational schools, and online universities. You can connect with a STNA school near you for free by using our location tool. To start a STNA training program, you need to be at least 16 years old with a high school diploma, or the equivalent. Your program should have about 60 hours of classroom training and about 16 hours of clinical training.

Once you've completed your program, it's time to take the certification exam. This is a national exam that's administered by D & S Diversified Technologies and once you've passed it, you're ready to start working in the healthcare industry. The state of Ohio requires at least an 80% on each of the 5 skills tested, and on the written portion.

Conclusion

The STNA profession is a great option for anyone interested in the medical field. As a STNA, you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. You will also be responsible for performing a wide range of essential duties, such as bathing patients, providing them with food and drink, and changing their bedsheets.

If you are interested in becoming a STNA, the best way to get started is by completing an accredited training program. These programs are available at many local community colleges and technical schools. Once you have completed your training, you will need to pass the State Board of Nursing test in order to become certified.

Finally, it is important to remember that the STNA profession offers a wide range of career opportunities and excellent salary potential. So if you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career in the medical field, becoming an STNA may be the perfect choice for you.

About the author: Nicholas H. Parker is a content editor at PaperHelp, where he has worked since 2020. His role as an editor involves ensuring that the articles published on the site are free of grammatical and spelling errors, as well as reviewing new articles for content quality.