Illinois Nurse Aide Registry

Illinois Nurse Aide Registry
Illinois Department of Public Health Care Worker Registry
525 W. Jefferson Street, Springfield, IL 62761
Phone: (217) 785-5133

What are some of the state and federal requirements one must meet in order to be listed on the Illinois CNA Registry? Those who want to qualify to work as a nurse aide in Illinois must complete the following essential steps: complete a nursing assistant training class and pass the state competency evaluation program; have an Illinois State Police criminal history background check showing no convictions; a clear nurse aide record of any history of abuse, neglect or misappropriated property in Illinois or any other state; be at least sixteen years old; speak and understand English; show proof of completing at least eight years of grade school. The state of Illinois requires that a nurse aide must be listed on the registry within four months of being hired for a nurse aide position. If you are a nurse aide student currently enrolled in a CNA course, then you must call and become listed on the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry within 120 days of completing the nurse aide program and competency examination.

CNA Registries in the United States

Select an area from the map below to find addresses and phone numbers for Nurse Aide Registries in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia as well as links to online nursing assistant registries if available.

Should you know about your state's nursing assistant registry? Absolutely. A state's nurse aide registry serves important functions for any certified nursing assistant as well as for those looking to become certified. An individual who has finished a nursing assistant training program and has passed the state competency exam becomes listed on the CNA registry. Employers check the registry listings to confirm that a potential employee satisfies the training and testing requirements to obtain a nursing assistant job. To work as a certified nursing assistant, your status on the CNA registry must be active, without any charges of resident abuse, neglect, or misappropriation. It is important to update your name and address on the registry. By doing so, your information is current and you are able to receive important documents sent by the registry.

For example, renewal forms are mailed to the address you have provided to the registry. You will not receive the certification renewal forms unless your address on the registry is accurate. One of the most frequent questions we get is how to get a copy of a CNA certificate. The nurse aide registry is in charge of issuing a duplicate of your nurse aide certificate and to obtain a copy you need to contact them. A nursing assistant certificate is typically reprinted when the original has been lost, accidentally destroyed, stolen, or when the individual has changed their name. The nurse aide registry is also the entity in charge of revoking a nursing assistant's certification in cases of neglect, abuse, or misappropriation of a client's property. In such cases, an individual's name is permanently listed on the registry along with the specific findings.

Questions, Comments, Suggestions

Tracey W. on July 31, 2014 at 04:10 AM
I currently work in Illinois as a CNA, but I am looking to move to Arizona. I saw from someone else's question the form I should fill out, but I still want to be active in Illinois until I get the job in Arizona. They only hire if you have current state certification. How do I keep my CNA certification in Illinois, yet get it transferred to Arizona for the job searches? Is it possible to have a valid CNA certification in two states at the same time?

Admin on July 31, 2014 at 08:22 PM
As far as I know, a certified nursing assistant in one state may apply for certification by endorsement in a new state and if the application is accepted and all the endorsement criteria are met then you may hold a CNA certificate in more than one state. Of course, you can always call the Nurse Aide Registries of both states and make sure this is the case before you apply but I don't see a reason why they would have an objection to this.

In 2006 I got my Illinois CNA certification, yet I have yet to be employed as a nursing assistant. How long does my certification last?

I haven't worked as a CNA for over a year now, I was wondering if my CNA certification is still valid. How can I verify my CNA status? Also can I just volunteer to keep my CNA valid, instead of working for pay?

I am applying for a nursing assistant job in Illinois and they are asking me for my CNA license number. How do I find out my CNA license number for the state of Illinois?

I completed my CNA training in Chicago, Illinois and would like to get registered as a nursing assistant in Kentucky. How can I get this accomplished?

How do I transfer my CNA certification from Illinois to Virginia?

CNA Resources

Being a Successful C.N.A

Besides knowledge and proficiency there are many qualities which define a competent CNA. Our list includes the answers of residents, families, and those of experienced nurse aides who have been in the health care field for an extended period of time. Most of the qualities listed below represent the reasons and motivational factors driving new individuals to become certified nurse aides.

A competent CNA shows support for others, as well as patience, compassion and empathy. To become a good nursing assistant one needs to understand the meaning of being a team player. An effective nursing assistant learns to become a good listener who cares about and understands the needs of the residents, has a helping nature and a positive attitude. Both patients and co-workers appreciate a smile, an upbeat personality, as well as someone who takes pride in their work. A nurse aide job requires good organizational skills, patience, good judgment, and effective communication.

Nurse Aide Registries