South Carolina Long Term Health Care Administrator Practice Test

How many non-licensed nursing staff (CNA's) are required for the first shift?

1. Thirteen

2. Nine

3. Twenty-two

4. Fourteen

The correct answer is: Nine

The requirement for non-licensed nursing staff, such as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), is typically determined by state regulations and established staffing guidelines that take into account factors such as the number of residents and their care needs. In South Carolina, the number of CNAs required for each shift can vary based on the facility's licensed capacity and specific operational needs. The choice indicating nine CNAs correlates with the regulatory standards that aim to ensure adequate care and supervision for residents during the first shift, which is usually the busiest due to higher activity levels and the number of residents needing assistance. Facilities may also have their own internal staffing policies that align with or exceed state requirements, but the answer of nine reflects a balance between compliance with regulatory standards and the practical considerations of care delivery in most long-term health care settings. This number provides sufficient staffing to address the needs of residents efficiently while adhering to safety and quality standards in care. The other choices presented likely exceed or do not meet the established staffing requirements based on typical resident-to-staff ratios that require careful consideration to ensure that resident needs are met appropriately without unnecessary strain on staff resources.