Temporary nurse aides (TNAs) should be encouraged to take advantage of the pathway to become a CNA by submitting their applications to the Board of Nursing (BON) to be deemed eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination. The BON can only act on fully completed applications and provide deemed eligibility for a TNA to test during the time Executive Order (EO) 57 remains in effect.

It is important to note the TNA to CNA pathway described in EO 57 will be time limited by the duration of Virginia’s state of emergency due to COVID-19 as set forth in EO 51. Virginia’s public health emergency is slated to expire on June 30, 2021.

To be considered for the NNAAP, a TNA must first complete an application through PearsonVUE and the employer must provide written verification of competency and employment as a TNA—see this sample attestation letter for instructions and sample text. Additional details about the TNA to CNA process are detailed on this BON webpage. 

We know that many members have used TNAs over the last year and want to retain these individuals who have become familiar with working in the long term care setting. At present, only a fraction of the approximately 1,800 individuals working as TNAs have submitted their applications to the BON NNAAP examination. If you have any questions, please contact April Payne.