What You Need to Know About Nurse Certifications and ShiftMed
ShiftMed employs a nationwide network of healthcare professionals with various nurse certifications. Through our nursing jobs app, we currently offer shifts at healthcare facilities, from skilled nursing facilities to hospitals, in 158 markets across 28 states. Every state has different requirements for practicing in the nursing profession. Not to mention, every facility has unique procedures for providing patient care. This blog post will cover the basic ShiftMed requirements and state-specific nurse credentials you must have to claim shifts in a particular state. We'll also discuss the additional credentials you might need to work at certain facilities.
Core ShiftMed Requirements
No matter what type of nurse you are, anyone who wants to work with ShiftMed must upload the following documents to the ShiftMed app as part of our credentialing process:
Government-issued Identification
Active Professional License
COVID-19 Vaccination (or a completed medical or religious exemption form)
We also require CPR certification for LPNs and RNs before they can claim shifts in our app. CNAs working in Illinois must also be certified in CPR. Please note that upon review of a professional license, if there's a board action or public order on the license, ShiftMed reserves the right not to proceed with an offer of employment.
Arizona Credentialing Requirements
In Arizona, we hire certified caregivers (CCs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed nursing assistants (LNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of Arizona.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Negative TB Test Results
Two References
Fingerprint Clearance Card Verification
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
California Credentialing Requirements
In California, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of California.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Annual Physical
Negative TB Test Results
Checkr Criminal Background Check
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
Colorado Credentialing Requirements
In Colorado, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of Colorado.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Negative TB Test Results
Colorado Background Check
CAPS System Verification
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
Florida Credentialing Requirements
In Florida, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of Florida.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Annual Physical
Two References
Fingerprint-based Background Check via the Agency for Health Care Administration
Office of the Inspector General Exclusion Check
Georgia Credentialing Requirements
In Georgia, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of Georgia.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Annual Physical
Checkr Criminal Background Check
Georgia Sexual Offender Registry Check
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
Illinois Credentialing Requirements
In Illinois, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of Illinois.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Annual Physical
Negative TB Test Results
CPR Certification
Two References
Applicable Illinois Registry Checks
Additionally, CNAs working in Illinois must complete a background check through the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Indiana Credentialing Requirements
In Indiana, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of Indiana. The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Annual Physical
Negative TB Test Results
Indiana State Police Background Check
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
Iowa Credentialing Requirements
In Iowa, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of Iowa.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Annual Physical
Negative TB Test Results
Iowa Criminal Background Check
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
The following credential is required for LPNs and RNs:
Resume
Kansas Credentialing Requirements
In Kansas, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of Kansas.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Annual Physical
Negative TB Test Results
Fingerprint-based Background Check via the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability
National Sex Offender Check
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
Kentucky Credentialing Requirements
In Kentucky, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of Kentucky.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Negative TB Test Results
Fingerprint-based Background Check via the KARES System
KY Required Registry Checks
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
Louisiana Credentialing Requirements
In Louisiana, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of Louisiana.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Annual Physical
Negative TB Test Results
Checkr Criminal Background Check
National Sex Offender Registry Check
Louisiana State Adverse Actions List Search
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
Maryland Credentialing Requirements
In Maryland, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), geriatric nursing assistants (GNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of Maryland.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Negative TB Test Results
Criminal Background Check
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
Massachusetts Credentialing Requirements
In Massachusetts, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of Massachusetts.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Annual Physical
Two References
Criminal Background Check
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
Michigan Credentialing Requirements
In Michigan, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of Michigan.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Annual Physical
Negative TB Test Results
Fingerprint-based Background Check via LARA
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
Minnesota Credentialing Requirements
In Minnesota, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of Minnesota.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Negative TB Test Results
Criminal Background Check via the MN Department of Human Services
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
Missouri Credentialing Requirements
In Missouri, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your certification or professional license must be through the State of Missouri.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Annual Physical
Negative TB Test Results
Checkr Criminal Background Check
Employee Disqualification List Check
Family Care Safety Registry Check
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
New Jersey Credentialing Requirements
In New Jersey, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of New Jersey.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Annual Physical
Negative TB Test Results
Checkr Criminal Background Check
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
New Mexico Credentialing Requirements
In New Mexico, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of New Mexico.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Negative TB Test Results
New Mexico Background Check
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
New York Credentialing Requirements
In New York, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of New York.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Annual Physical
Negative TB Test Results
MMR Vaccinations
Office of the Medicaid Inspector General Exclusion Check
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
System for Award Management Exclusion Check
NY SORA Exclusion Check
The following credentials are required for CNAs:
Resume
103 CHRC Form for Orientation Shifts
The following credential is required for LPNs and RNs:
Criminal Background Check
North Carolina Credentialing Requirements
In North Carolina, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of North Carolina.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Negative TB Test Results
Two References
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
The following credentials are required for CNAs:
Name or Fingerprint-based Background Check
The following credential is required for LPNs and RNs:
DHSR Registry Check
Ohio Credentialing Requirements
In Ohio, we hire state-tested nurse aides (STNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of Ohio.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Annual Physical
Negative TB Test Results
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
BCI Criminal Background Check
Additionally, if you are a non-resident or have lived in Ohio for less than five years, you must complete an FBI background check.
Oklahoma Credentialing Requirements
In Oklahoma, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of Oklahoma.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Annual Physical
Negative TB Test Results
Oklahoma Criminal Background Check
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
Required Registry Checks
Pennsylvania Credentialing Requirements
In Pennsylvania, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of Pennsylvania.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Annual Physical
Negative TB Test Results
PATCH Criminal Background Check
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
Additionally, if you are a non-resident or have lived in Pennsylvania for less than two years, you must complete an FBI background check through the Department of Aging.
South Carolina Credentialing Requirements
In South Carolina, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of South Carolina.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Annual Physical
SLED or Checkr Criminal Background Check (depending on residency)
South Carolina Sexual Predator Registry List
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
Tennessee Credentialing Requirements
In Tennessee, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of Tennessee.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Negative TB Test Results
Checkr Criminal Background Check
Tennessee Abuse Check Registry
Tennessee Sex Offender Check Registry
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
Texas Credentialing Requirements
In Texas, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of Texas.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Negative TB Test Results
Checkr Criminal Background Check
Texas Employability Status Check Search
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
Virginia Credentialing Requirements
In Virginia, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of Virginia.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Annual Physical
Negative TB Test Results
Checkr Criminal Background Check
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
Wisconsin Credentialing Requirements
In Wisconsin, we hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Your professional license must be through the State of Wisconsin.
The following credentials/clear records are required for all hires:
Physician Statement
Negative TB Test Results
Wisconsin Criminal Background Check
Office of Inspector General Exclusion Check
If you are a non-resident, you must complete a Checkr criminal background check instead. Non-resident CNAs must complete applicable registry checks.
Additional Credentials
When onboarding with ShiftMed, you can upload additional credentials into our app. While these aren't ShiftMed requirements, they're credentials that some of our facility partners require. Essentially, the more credentials you have, the more shifts you'll have to pick from. For example, approximately 75% of our partner facilities in Georgia require drug testing. So, if you don't have a recent negative drug test on file, you're limited as to where you can work. Another credential not required to work in most states—but highly sought after by our facility partners—is your resume, especially if you're an LPN or RN. Currently, Iowa requires LPNs and RNs to have a resume on file with us, while New York requires resumes for CNAs.
Here are some of the most common additional credentials our facility partners look for:
Annual Physical
References
Resume
Flu Vaccination
MMR Vaccination
Varicella Vaccination
Negative COVID Test Results
Get Started With ShiftMed
If you're a licensed CNA, GNA, STNA, LPN, LVN, or RN looking for job flexibility, download the ShiftMed app and start your onboarding process today.