How to Become an Elderly Care Provider in Florida
- 1). Apply to take the Florida State Board of Nursing Exam to receive certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). A Certified Nursing Assistant may work as a Home Health Aide for an agency but a Home Health Aide may not work as a CNA unless they have taken the training program and registered for the certification exam. This exam contains two parts. One is a written competency exam and the second part is a demonstration of learned skills such as bed making, bathing, oral care and ambulatory assistance.
- 2). Register for a Home Health Aide or Nursing Assistant Training Program in your county. See the references below for colleges administering the training program in Florida. While Florida Home Health Aides do not have to be licensed, certification is required if the aide works for a Home Health Agency that accepts Medicare funding. This requires completion of 75 hours of training and the successful passing of the competency exam. Florida requires that all Home Health Aides working for an agency or registry also complete 2 hours of HIV/Aids training, 12 hours of in-service training per month, and carry a valid CPR certification.
- 3). Apply to a local adult care program or agency. There are many adult care agencies in the state of Florida that provide services to the elderly as well as oversee workers who provide Home Health Aide Services. Provide copies of your certification and a detailed resume listing experience.
- 4). Interview to work directly for a senior or elderly person in their home. As a private assistant or a companion, Florida does not require certification for this type of position. An assistant or companion may help with personal hygiene, do light housekeeping and prepare meals, run errands or provide transportation to and from appointments.
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