Before hiring a nurse assistant, a facility should ensure she holds a current certification.

Before hiring a nurse assistant, a facility should ensure she holds a current certification.

• A. Make sure she has a current certificate to practice as a nurse assistant.
• B. Verify her criminal background
• C. Require two professional references
• D. Ensure CPR certification is current

Answer: (A)

Verifying a current credential confirms that the individual has completed the required training and passed the competency standards to legally practice as a nursing assistant. This credential shows they’re qualified and authorized by the regulatory framework to perform the duties associated with the role, which is essential for patient safety and compliance. While other checks are important—criminal background checks help assess safety, references speak to reliability, and CPR certification is valuable for emergencies—these do not prove that the person meets the formal qualifications to practice as a nursing assistant. A current certification specifically demonstrates that the person has met the mandated education and testing requirements to work in this role.

Verifying a current credential confirms that the individual has completed the required training and passed the competency standards to legally practice as a nursing assistant. This credential shows they’re qualified and authorized by the regulatory framework to perform the duties associated with the role, which is essential for patient safety and compliance.

While other checks are important—criminal background checks help assess safety, references speak to reliability, and CPR certification is valuable for emergencies—these do not prove that the person meets the formal qualifications to practice as a nursing assistant. A current certification specifically demonstrates that the person has met the mandated education and testing requirements to work in this role.