Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are essential members of the multidisciplinary care team. Yet, their contributions to patient outcomes and operational efficiency can sometimes go unrecognized. This, in combination with the concerns of growing CNA shortages, is why healthcare organizations must focus on learning effective methods for how to hire a CNA and also retain skilled nursing support staff.
This challenge is particularly significant in Florida. Over the next 25 years, the state’s population of adults aged 80 years (or older) is projected to more than double, drastically increasing the need for CNAs, who are integral to supporting geriatric patient services. Yet, within that same timeframe, it’s expected that Florida’s CNA shortage will also grow, with workforce predictions estimating a nearly 30% gap in met demand for nursing assistants.
To help organizations prepare to hire in the Sunshine State (and beyond), this guide will examine the role of CNAs alongside a step-by-step roadmap for hiring CNAs in Florida amid the growing personnel shortage, with tips for making the most of your recruitment efforts.
The Importance of CNAs in Florida Healthcare Settings
Hiring CNAs helps patients to receive timely assistance with essential activities of daily living (ADLs) like feeding, toileting, and bathing. These frontline caregivers also play an important role in patient safety by assisting with repositioning to prevent the development of pressure-related injuries and supporting safe ambulation to reduce fall risk.
In addition, CNAs often perform valuable clinical support tasks like obtaining vital signs and conducting point-of-care testing (like obtaining a patient’s blood glucose) for clinician review. These responsibilities contribute to positive patient outcomes while providing healthcare organizations with a cost-effective way to meet staffing needs.
Hiring CNAs in Florida: Key Questions to Consider
To further understand the value of robust CNA programs across healthcare settings, we’ll answer some common questions about the top CNA hiring considerations in Florida.
What’s the process for becoming a Florida CNA?
To become a Florida CNA, candidates must:
- Achieve a passing score on the CNA competency exam proctored by Prometric. Eligibility criteria requires candidates to either: be an adult (18 years or older), hold a high-school degree (or equivalent), or successfully graduate from an approved training program.
- Complete a background screening through digital fingerprinting, using an official fingerprinting form with an approved provider.
- Apply for their CNA certificate through the Florida Board of Nursing. CNAs from other states can also apply for their CNA certificate by endorsement.
How many CNA certification programs exist in Florida?
Florida has nearly 200 CNA training programs that prepare nursing assistants for a wide range of healthcare facilities. Especially when there are limited requirements for CNA hiring (no experience, for example), organizations benefit greatly from the programs’ 120-hours of classroom and clinical instruction. It helps ensure that new CNAs are ready to begin working right away, streamlining onboarding and workplace productivity.
Does it take a long time for someone to become a FL-based CNA?
It’s possible for prospective CNA candidates to achieve their Florida certification within as little as five weeks. However, failure on any part of the CNA exam can delay this timeline. Failing the competency exam three times requires non-negotiable participation in a board-approved training program before retesting again.
This timeframe differs for those seeking their Florida CNA certification through endorsement. They may be able to secure their certification in significantly less time, depending on the timely submission of required materials and how quickly the board processes the application.
How many new CNAs enter the Florida workforce each year?
Because of the many routes to becoming a Florida CNA, this number is hard to pinpoint. After the pandemic, the rate of nursing assistant vacancies improved across Florida’s acute care settings. However, hospital CNA hiring has since struggled to meet growing demand, with a recent upswing in the rate of unfilled positions.
Other workforce studies reveal that currently, for each new CNA certified to practice in Florida, six experienced CNAs leave the profession. This is just one more reason why it’s important to have an effective CNA hiring process in place.
What is the Florida CNA scope of practice?
The Florida CNA scope is defined by the Florida Nurse Practice Act which restricts CNAs from assuming responsibility for any step of the nursing process. Examples of allowable CNA responsibilities include tasks that don’t require advanced clinical judgment to be carried out safely or effectively, such as bathing patients.
How to Hire a CNA in Florida: Step-By-Step Checklist
When it comes to figuring out how to hire a CNA in Florida, the recruitment process largely mirrors other states’ approaches. Whether you’re looking to post advertisements online or host a large hiring event, CNA hiring often occurs in stages. Here’s a step-by-step look:
1. Source Highly Qualified Florida CNA Candidates
Whether you use a healthcare-focused job board, third-party recruiting service, or in-house hiring channels, connecting with qualified candidates is a critical first step in navigating how to hire a CNA. To improve the effectiveness of your recruitment efforts, consider:
- Committing to a marketing scheme that boosts your facility’s name recognition.
- Using clear, informative job descriptions.
- Asking role-specific interview questions that help identify top talent.
- Partnering with hiring-support platforms that specialize in healthcare recruitment.
2. Build a Benefits Package that Appeals to Florida CNAs
Attracting high-quality support staff is likely to become increasingly competitive as the CNA shortage worsens. To strengthen your recruitment efforts, stay up to date on the latest CNA workforce trends and consider offering a CNA benefits package that aligns with the needs and priorities of today’s nursing support staff. Example considerations include:
- Competitive compensation and health insurance options.
- Flexible scheduling and generous paid time off.
- Tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities.
- Childcare assistance programs to help offset the average, annual cost of Florida childcare, which exceeds $13,000 per child.
3. Ensure New CNA Hires are Qualified to Care for Florida Patients
Patient safety is a top priority, no matter the state. Florida facility managers and hiring teams can help safeguard patients by ensuring that new-hire CNAs are thoroughly vetted and qualified to support patient care. This includes:
- Verifying their Florida CNA certification through primary source verification (PSV).
- Validating training requirements (such as a CPR certificate), or providing access to complete those patient-safety imperatives (like a CPR training course offered during the nonclinical orientation stage).
4. Confirm CNAs Complete Florida’s Mandatory Background Check
This is especially important when applicants begin applying for CNA positions before receiving Florida State Board approval. To obtain initial Florida CNA certification (or fulfilling the biennial renewal process), CNAs must complete a Level-2 Background Screening.
If a facility has additional background check policies, employers should also verify that new CNAs have met those requirements before they begin working.
5. Begin Orienting and Onboarding New Florida CNAs
This phase of the hiring process introduces new CNAs to your facility-specific policies, practice standards, values, and expectations. Beyond orientation, a new CNA may benefit from mentorship opportunities or a buddy system that allows them to grow their confidence and deliver mission-forward patient support.
Florida CNA Hiring: Tips for Healthcare Facilities
Effective CNA hiring is essential across Florida healthcare facilities, but especially for settings like nursing homes which depend on certified nursing assistant support to meet regulatory staffing requirements. No matter your facility types, here are some tips for making the most of your CNA recruitment.
Establish a Culture of Appreciation for CNAs From Hiring Onward
It’s no secret that CNAs can sometimes feel as though they aren’t fully respected in the workplace. It’s important to combat this risky contributor to job dissatisfaction from the very start — before your CNAs even sign their offer letters. This means prioritizing the CNA candidate experience by ensuring all recruitment communication is clear and timely. That approach sets the organizational tone for the value of CNAs’ time and energy.
When it comes to how to hire a CNA in Florida, this early level of engagement can also set you apart from other facilities, especially for experienced CNAs who may be looking to escape a negative work culture.
Tips:
- Integrate language into both the job posting and your candidate interactions that emphasizes how well-respected and appreciated your CNA staff are.
- Use templated, expert-backed CNA interview questions to keep the discussion free of bias and focused on the position’s requirements.
Create a Tailored CNA Job Description That Targets Your Needs
A job description often forms a candidate’s first impression of both the role and your organization. Ensuring that yours is clear, informative, and easy to read further demonstrates your respect for CNAs’ time while also guaranteeing that candidates understand what the position entails. This can help set expectations and prevent downstream CNA candidate drop-off.
Tips:
- Use a high-quality template to keep your description concise yet informative, while customizing the document to reflect your facility’s (or department’s) priorities.
- Ensure that qualifications that are preferred (vs. required) are clear to candidates to avoid dissuading highly motivated, inexperienced CNAs who may develop into top performers down the road.
Utilize a Hiring Partner to Connect With High-Quality CNAs
Whether you outsource the entire process or ally with an industry-leading job board to increase the quality of your candidate outreach, working with a partner can help focus your efforts and streamline CNA hiring. Community and health system relationships can also be used to spread recruiting awareness for your organization, creating authentic interest in your CNA programs.
Tips:
- Invest in recruitment partners who specialize in healthcare (or CNA-specific) hiring. This can help target high-quality support staff who are seeking an organization like yours.
- Expedite your onboarding by using a service that also helps verify CNA credentials to streamline your CNA hiring checklist items, filling your vacancies with ready-to-work staff faster.
Want to Streamline Your Process for Hiring CNAs in Florida?
Now that you know how to hire a CNA in Florida, you’re ready to begin building your talent pool of applicants. At Credenza we efficiently collect key applicant information up front, so we can deliver the best-matched CNA candidates based on your needs.