STNA

Stna, typically written as STNA, stands for State Tested Nursing Assistant. It is a credential used in the United States, most prominently in Ohio, to designate a nursing assistant who has completed state-approved training and passed a state competency examination. The STNA designation identifies individuals who are qualified to provide basic, supervised care to residents in healthcare settings.

Training and certification programs for STNAs usually combine classroom instruction with supervised clinical practice. Programs cover essential topics such as personal care for patients, help with activities of daily living, hygiene, mobility support, vital signs, infection control, safety, and resident rights. After completing the training, candidates must pass a state-administered Nurse Aide State Test, which typically includes a written or oral component and a clinical skills evaluation. Successful candidates are then placed on the state nurse aide registry, allowing them to work in eligible facilities.

Scope of practice for STNAs includes assisting with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and repositioning; helping with basic medical tasks under supervision; observing and reporting changes in a patient’s condition; and promoting safety and well-being in settings such as long-term care facilities, hospitals, and, in some cases, home health agencies. STNAs work under the direction of licensed nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Regulation and maintenance of the STNA credential vary by state. Certification is typically overseen by a state health department or nursing regulatory body, and recertification or continuing education requirements are required to maintain active status. Some states have reciprocity or transfer processes for STNAs who move from one state to another.

Note: STNA is most closely associated with Ohio’s nurse aide program, though similar roles exist under different titles in other states.