As will be covered in a CNA training class, one of the areas that certified nursing assistants (CNAs) will be educated on is the need for background checks that are required by potential employers and sometimes even before enrolling in CNA classes. Though it can be a nuisance especially if you have nothing criminal in your past, it is necessary and a lot of employers usually require background checks not just those in the healthcare industry.

1. Certified Nursing Assistants and
Background Checks
By Jamie Madsen

2. Introduction
As will be covered in a CNA training class, one of the areas that
certified nursing assistants (CNAs) will be educated on is the need
for background checks that are required by potential employers and
sometimes even before enrolling in CNA classes. Though it can be
a nuisance especially if you have nothing criminal in your past, it is
necessary and a lot of employers usually require background
checks not just those in the healthcare industry.

3. A CNA Training Class And The
Need For Background Checks
A CNA training class usually covers the various duties of CNAs and
how to perform them properly for patient safety. Since CNAs will
deal with patients most of the time to fulfill their every basic and
even emotional needs, the employer needs to be able to trust a
CNA put in charge of a patient or patients which makes the need for
background checks important.
As covered in a CNA training class, employers need to be able to
safeguard their patients as well as other members of staff to avoid
abuse, theft, and other criminal activity. In order to do this, a
thorough background will be required of a nursing assistant before
becoming employed. In some cases, some background checks may
be required before enrolling in a CNA classes and completing the
training program. This requirement of when the background check
occurs varies and may depend on state guidelines.

4. What Kind Of Checks Are
Performed
The specifics of a background check will also be determined by the
state and/or the employer or training program requirements as you
shall learn in CNA training classes or from your potential employer.
In general terms, if you have violent crimes in your past, this may
preclude you from CNA employment or even enrolling in a CNA
training class.
While having a felony in your past will usually ensure that you are
not hired, some states or employers may take additional steps with
background checks by evaluating whether you have a history of
drunk driving, domestic violence, misdemeanors and various other
citations and you may be unable to work in the healthcare industry
or even enroll in a CNA training class.

5. What Kind Of Checks Are
Performed cont.
This thorough background check is necessary due to information
provided by various statistical data showing that patient abuse or other
instances of abuse in a work setting, theft as well as other criminal activity
is usually perpetrated by those with a history of various criminal activities.
Some employers or CNA training classes may require finger printing as a
surefire way to check your background for any felonies. Your education
history will also be verified with independent parties, references will be
checked and some employers may even conduct a credit check.
Another way to verify a nursing assistant's background before
employment or enrollment in a CNA training class is to request a motor
vehicle record from the appropriate state department. An area that will not
be checked and were privacy is respected relates to medical records.
This is an area that will not be checked although a CNA may be required
to pass a physical before getting hired.

6. Background Checks Performed
cont.
Before conducting any type of background check, your consent will
usually be required and you will need to sign the appropriate
document if you consent to a background check. The particulars of
the background check will be discussed with you prior to requesting
your consent. A background check will usually be requested in the
final stage in the enrolment or hiring process when you have
passed every other requirement to be enrolled in a CNA training
class or when the employer is ready to offer you a position.
Honesty is especially important because every circumstance is
different even if you have areas of concern in your past. As long as
the circumstances can be laid out, you may not necessarily be
precluded from employment. Telling lies will not turn out well for you
even if you do get hired as a result because everything will
eventually come out and you will be caught in your lies.

7. Next Steps of Action
Employers usually want someone that is not only hardworking but
someone who is honest as well even if you lack work experience
since there is always a great demand for certified nursing assistants
and many employers will be willing to work with you if you are the
kind of individual that they are looking for.
If you fail a background check, you will usually be provided with
information on why you will not be hired or enrolled in a CNA
training class based on the results of the background check. If the
information is erroneous, you can then follow up with the
appropriate agency to get the information corrected.

8. Conclusion
In conclusion, a CNA needs to get comfortable with the idea that a background check
will be required before employment and sometimes even before enrolling in a . Even
before enrolling in CNA training classes, you may want to determine if you have any
issues in your past that may prevent you from getting hired after completing the training
so that you can determine whether to go ahead with the training or not. For more
information on CNAs and this popular profession, visit
http://cnatrainingclass411.com/certified-nursing-assistants-and-background-checks/.