SACRAMENTO - CAHF’s non-profit education foundation, the Quality Care Health Foundation, (QCHF) has been awarded a $2.4 million state grant from the California Department of Public Health to increase the number of in-house training programs for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in skilled nursing facilities.

CNAs are the bedrock of skilled nursing facilities, providing basic care, taking vital signs including temperature and blood pressure and helping residents perform daily activities such as bathing, dressing and eating. To be eligible to take a certification exam, a candidate must obtain 160 hours of classroom and clinical training.

The CNA Training Kickstarter Project will train 500 CNAs through available programs during the first six months and another 500 CNAs in facility-based programs during the second year of the grant.

The Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) estimates that the state will need 23,000 additional CNAs within the next four years.

“There is a severe shortage of qualified front-line caregivers,” said Craig Cornett, CAHF CEO/President. “Right now, there are only 48 facility-based training programs in the entire state, down from a high of 300 in 2001.  A big ingredient in providing quality care is a well-trained, available workforce,” he added.

The CNA Training Kickstarter Project will assist providers in the development of in-house training programs with the intent of gaining 60 new facility-based programs approved by the state Department of Public Health.

Training program costs will be reimbursed, but facilities will be financially responsible to provide a $500 retention bonus to CNAs who complete 12 months of employment.

Webinar-based instruction, monthly support calls, and web-based resources will be developed and maintained by QCHF.  Topics for technical assistance include strategies to develop a successful in-house training program, hiring quality candidates, expanding facility career ladders and creating quality work environments.

All facilities in California are eligible to participate during the first phase of the project. The grant is supported with money resulting from  federal civil monetary penalties paid by nursing facilities when cited for compliance violations.

For more information contact Claire Enright, QCHF Executive Director