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Long Island Nursing Department

Find your place in the ever-changing field of nursing.

On our Long Island campus, we prepare you to be future leaders in nursing. How? By providing a stimulating environment in which you can explore careers in today’s health care system.

• A four-year nursing program for anyone looking to enter the nursing field.
• A blended RN-BSN program maximizing the strength of registered nurses. (Applications are not being accepted at this time.)

St. Joseph's University has everything you need to succeed. From freshmen to working adults, St. Joseph's University's innovative courses prepare nursing students at the undergraduate, graduate and professional level.

Nurses are consistently in high demand, especially in New York, and St. Joseph’s prepares you for professional practice in traditional and unstructured health care settings. Find your place in the ever-changing field of nursing.

Learn more about our undergraduate option

Nursing four-year program.

The ways in which nurses were educated during the 20th century are no longer adequate for dealing with the realities of healthcare in today’s fast-paced, high-tech world of medicine. Many institutions now require registered nurses to hold a bachelor’s degree for this reason.

Given the increasing healthcare demands of our population, opportunities in nursing employment are expected to grow by more than 40 percent by 2031, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. At St. Joseph's University, our mission is to prepare the next generation of nurses by offering a four-year, B.S. program for undergraduates.

Danielle Monteverde '19

"When I found out about the four-year program (in nursing) here at St. Joseph's University, I was very hopeful. I came to orientation and was told about all the exciting things that were in store for this program, and I was anxious to get started. I remain grateful for the opportunities presented through the University, and to continue the path to not just a profession, but a lifetime of learning in nursing."

Learn more about our graduate options

Nursing M.S.: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist

The clinical nurse specialist concentration prepares students for the multifaceted role of the CNS in a variety of health care settings. Click here to learn more.

Nursing M.S.: Nursing Education

The nurse education concentration prepares students for educator positions in either academic or service settings, or in patient education. Click here to learn more.

Nursing M.S. — Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

The M.S. in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program responds to emerging national demographics and policies in healthcare. Click here to learn more.

Nursing M.S. —Family Nurse Practitioner

The Family Nurse Practitioner M.S. program offers you an unparalleled opportunity to excel in the dynamic field of advanced nursing practice. Click here to learn more.

Nursing Options That Work For You

Whether you want to work directly with patients or to help advance nursing education, we likely have a program for you. Gain experience from some of Long Island's top nursing instructors through hands-on teaching and research. There's never been a better time to become a nurse, and never a better time to study nursing at St. Joseph's University.

Accreditation Information

The Baccalaureate nursing programs at St. Joseph's University located on the Brooklyn and Long Island campuses are accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the baccalaureate nursing programs is continuing accreditation with one condition.

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at the ACEN website .

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How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

• What is a CNA?
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What is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?

A CNA, or Certified Nursing Assistant, is a healthcare professional who provides basic care to patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). CNAs are sometimes referred to as nurse aides, patient care technicians, or nursing assistants. They assist with daily patient care tasks like dressing, bathing, and checking patient vital signs.

These vital patient care providers are the backbone of the American healthcare system. With a short certification process, becoming a CNA is often the most accessible way for new workers to enter the nursing field. 

This article will explore what certified nursing assistants do, how much they earn, and how to become a CNA. Keep reading to prepare for your nursing assistant career today.

What Does a CNA Do?

CNAs can help a unit run smoothly, especially for nurses with multiple medically complex patients. Common CNA responsibilities include:

• Turning or repositioning patients
• Gathering supplies for the RN or MD
• Checking and charting vital signs
• Answering patient calls/bells
• Bathing, feeding, and dressing patients
• Measuring and recording patient food/liquid intake
• Preparing rooms for admissions 
• Assisting with medical procedures
• Dressing wounds
• Assisting patients with elimination

Direct responsibilities will vary based on the location of employment and the nurse's level of need. Different states have individual CNA requirements and duties. You can check your state guidelines for specific details about approved CNA duties and tasks in the state where you plan to practice.

How to Become a CNA

Certified nursing assistants must complete a state-approved training program. CNA programs are generally found at local community colleges, high schools, vocational or technical schools, or local hospitals.

Most programs have similar CNA certification requirements that must be completed prior to application and acceptance. The American Red Cross runs a popular CNA training program throughout the country which runs for 4-8 weeks depending on class size and location. Prerequisites include:

• Attendance at an orientation information session
• TABE (reading and math assessment) OR verification of High School diploma or GED
• Red Cross criminal background check prior to registration
• Completion of Red Cross physical form and TB test

Where Do CNAs Work?

The most common CNA workplaces include:

• Hospitals (state and local)
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Long-term residential facilities
• Rehabilitation centers
• Adult daycare centers

Certified nursing assistants rarely work in outpatient, office, or clinic settings. These facilities all require nursing assistants to act as a liaison between the nurse and the patient. 

CNA Qualities

As patient care liaisons, CNAs must enjoy interacting with people and have good bedside manners. But other skills or attributes that can help your nursing assistant career include:

• Flexibility
• Advanced communication skills
• Time management
• Reliability
• Physical Strength

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual nursing assistant salary in 2022 was $38,200 per year or $18.36 per hour. 

However, CNA salary expectations will vary depending on the setting and area. CNAs working in dentistry earn the most, with an average mean salary of $57,450. On the other hand, home healthcare services have the lowest median pay at $35,640. 

Highest Paying States for CNAs

According to the BLS , the following states have the highest pay scale for certified nursing assistants. 

Highest Paying Cities for CNAs

Metropolitan areas tend to pay higher for nursing assistants. Some of the highest-paying cities include:

Highest Paying Nonmetropolitan Areas for CNAs

Nonmetropolitan areas that pay CNAs the most in the US include:

• Alaska nonmetropolitan area
• Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area
• North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area
• Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area
• Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area

Top CNA Programs

We consulted nursing experts to curate the top 10 CNA programs in the nation. To determine which programs made this list, our nursing panel used Nurse.org's proprietary ranking methodology .

Our nurses considered several crucial factors in selecting these programs, including:

• Program length
• Acceptance rate, when available

3 Registered Nurses with years of experience and multiple degrees comprise our selection panel:

• Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
• Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
• Kathleen Gaines, MSN, BSN, RN, BA, CBC

Because individual nursing pathways take various forms, our panel ranked the top CNA programs in no particular order. 

1. Uintah Basin Technical College

• Total Tuition: $300
• Online: Hybrid
• Program Length: 6 weeks

Students can complete the three-credit CNA program at UB Tech in as little as six weeks. This program covers everything new nursing aides need to know, including patient care, medical law and ethics, infection control, and life-saving procedures like CPR.

This program uses a hybrid learning format and is available on each of UB Tech's campuses, Roosevelt or Vernal. It incorporates classroom and clinical training, culminating in a written and skills test.

Learn More About This Program

2. Cochise College

• Total Tuition: $1,500
• Program Length: 16 weeks

Based in Cochise County, Arizona, Cochise College offers multiple allied health programs, including a nursing assistant certificate. Cochise College's two-course CNA program teaches skills to become a nurse assistant as well as basic CPR and First Aid skills. Graduates also become CPR and First Aid certified. Arizona residents get an in-state discount, though Cochise also extends discounts to senior citizens and charges a per-credit rate. 

3. Hutchinson Community College

• Total Tuition: Resident - $558 | Nonresident - $698
• Program Length: 12 weeks

Created to educate nurses to work with elderly patients in long-term healthcare settings, Hutchinson Community College's CNA program requires just 4.5 credits to graduates, making it among the shortest and most affordable CNA programs available.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, students must study on-site in Hutchinson, Kansas. While the Kansas Board of Nursing doesn't disclose outcomes for CNA programs, this short program quickly prepares nurses to gain a CNA certification.

4. Pratt Community College

• Tuition Per Credit: Resident - $70 | Nonresident - $84

Pratt Community College, another college located in Kansas, offers its CNA program in a hybrid format, allowing students to complete coursework and theory online. The program requires five credits, though students who choose to study online do not receive an in-state tuition discount. Regardless, Pratt CC's CNA program costs far less than other programs. Graduates can find positions in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and various hospitals. 

5. Elizabethtown Community and Technical College

• Total Tuition: $558

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College offers the best CNA program in Kentucky and perhaps in the region. The low-cost CNA program requires the completion of just 96 hours of practice, 16 of which must be supervised clinical skills training. 

Students can also complete a Medicaid Nurse Aide Certificate to boost their job prospects and potential earnings. Graduates must attend 100% of courses to graduates. Elizabethtown offers courses on weekdays, Saturdays, and in the evening. 

6. Fox Valley Technical College

• Total Tuition: $529.75
• Program Length: Up to 12 weeks

Located in Appleton, Wisconsin, Fox Valley Technical College's CNA program is among the cheapest routes for becoming a CNA, though the school's estimated costs do not include exam fees. The full-time program consists of daytime and evening courses, and FVTC also offers an accelerated format that takes less than 12 weeks to complete.

Students cannot take courses online but can complete courses at six different locations in Wisconsin. Graduates can also transfer their CNA credits into an associate's or bachelor's degree. 

7. Elgin Community College

• Total Tuition: $5,476
• Total Tuition: $1,040 

Elgin Community College offers one of the most comprehensive nurse assistant programs. The training program requires the completion of seven credit hours (double what other programs require) to increase graduates' job prospects by increasing their potential scope of practice. By the end of the program, graduates can take the nurse assistant certification exam in Illinois, though the program might also meet requirements for other states. 

8. Century College

• Total Tuition: $825.64

Century College, based in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, offers its four-credit nurse assistant certificate program in both part-time and full-time formats. Available year-round, the CNA program allows students to complete courses either for credit or not for credit.

Both options lead to program completion, though for-credit courses can be transferred into an associate's or bachelor's degree. Regardless of which option students choose, Century College is among the most affordable institutions in the region. 

9. City College of San Fransisco

• Tuition Per Credit: $452.00
• Program Length: 6-10 weeks

With several CNA options available, the City College of San Francisco is one of California's most versatile CNA programs. Nurse assistant students choose to specialize in acute care or convalescent care, which take 6 and 10 weeks to complete, respectively.

The convalescent care route also requires twice as many credits, meaning double the tuition cost. The City College of San Francisco is definitely more affordable for California residents who pay a fraction of what out-of-state students pay. 

10. Miles Community College

• Total Tuition: Resident - $740 | Nonresident - $964.00
• Program Length: 10 weeks

Miles City, Montana-based Miles Community College offers one of the region's best (and most affordable) CNA programs. Students complete 45 of the required credit hours online and 30 hours of clinical practice in person. The 75-hour program counts as four credits that students can transfer into another nursing program.

Note that while Miles CC's CNA program prepares nurses for Montana certification, the costs associated with the exam are not included in the total tuition. 

Online CNA Programs

While most of the top CNA programs offer in-person classes, some vocational schools and community colleges offer online CNA programs. Many programs operate clinics at local hospitals.

There are pros and cons to online programs. While individuals may be able to obtain their CNA certification quicker, there is concern that graduates from these programs are not gaining the same core knowledge and skills as their in-classroom counterparts.

How Do CNAs Transition to Other Nursing Positions?

Becoming a certified nursing assistant will not immediately prepare you for other nursing occupations.

However, the base of knowledge and experience earned as a CNA can help you gain entry into LPN or RN programs. However, earning these nursing certifications will require completing separate continuing education programs.

Remember that your CNA experience and education won't likely translate to shortened LPN or RN training. But it could translate to less stress and confusion as you navigate nursing school courses. It can also help your career outlook because you'll already have a professional network when you graduate.

CNA Career Outlook

Certified nursing assistants are in high demand, and the need is projected to continue through the next decade. The BLS predicts CNA career growth of 4% between 2022 and 2032. 

This number will only increase as the baby boomer generation ages, and there is an increased demand for additional long-term nursing care facilities. Nursing assistants will be needed to care for this population which is more likely to suffer from dementia and other neurologic changes.

Related Healthcare Careers

If you're interested in becoming a CNA, you might also want to check out these other healthcare careers you can start working in quickly!

CNA vs Medical Assistant

While certified nursing assistants and medical assistants (MAs) have some similarities, they are not the same job. Both careers assist doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers with treatments, procedures, and tests. However, MAs primarily conduct patient assessments and evaluations as they assist doctors with patient care and treatment.

On the other hand, certified nursing assistants focus on direct patient care and have specific job-related duties that are dictated by their state of employment.

>> Related: Medical Assistant vs CNA: What's the Difference?

To  become an LPN , you must pass a state-mandated exam and obtain a nursing license. On the other hand, CNAs only need to obtain a certification to practice.

Though both career paths don't require a college degree to practice, LPNs have higher education requirements than CNAs. For example, LPNs gain a deeper knowledge about healthcare and the human body during their year-long training programs. Such additional knowledge allows them to perform more complex procedures that CNAs cannot, like inserting a peripheral intravenous catheter.

CNA vs STNA

State-tested nursing assistants, or STNAs, essentially have the same role as CNAs. The only difference is their state of practice. While most states use the CNA title, Ohio uses STNA. You can learn more about the differences in these careers in our STNA vs CNA guide.

CNA Resources

Professional nursing organizations such as the Nursing Association of Health Care Assistants are great resources for information about becoming a CNA. Being a member of an organization provides you with several professional development opportunities, including:

• Discussions on growing healthcare trends impacting CNAs
• Healthcare conventions for nursing assistants
• Access to education hours
• Job boards and opportunities
• Contact information for local chapters

These associations are more than just a great resource for new CNAs. They also provide vital information for those who are already established in their career. By joining these professional organizations, you can make vital connections with industry experts and managers, leading to future career growth opportunities.

What Does CNA Mean?

• CNA stands for Certified Nursing Assistant. 

What Does a Nursing Assistant Do?

•  A CNA assists with nursing duties in patient care–this can include everything from help with grooming, bathing, feeding, and activities of daily life. 

How Much Do CNAs Make an Hour?

• A CNA's median hourly income is $18.36, according to the BLS.

How Long is CNA Training?

• You can become a CNA in as little as 4-12 weeks. 

What State Pays CNAs the Most?

• The District of Columbia, Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington are the five highest-paying states for CNAs.

What is the Difference Between a CNA and an LPN?

• A CNA is a nursing assistant, while an LPN is a Licensed Practical Nurse. An LPN has more responsibilities and earns more than a CNA.

How Much Does it Cost to Become a CNA?

• You can complete nursing assistant training for under $1000. 

How Can I get my CNA Faster?

• Most CNA programs can be completed in a matter of weeks. 

What Type of CNA Earns the Most?

• CNAs who work at dentist offices earn the highest salaries.

Plus, get exclusive access to discounts for nurses, stay informed on the latest nurse news, and learn how to take the next steps in your career.

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How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse

3 min read • April, 28 2023

Nursing is a rewarding field with plenty of room for personal and professional growth. Choosing the right  nursing career pathway  starts your profession on the right foot. To become a licensed practical nurse (LPN), you must complete an LPN training program and pass a licensing test.

Becoming an LPN involves less time and expense than becoming a registered nurse (RN). That makes it an excellent option if you're interested in  becoming a nurse  but want to start working as soon as possible. LPN-to-RN bridge programs can help you advance if you decide to complete a more intensive nurse training program later.

What Is an LPN?

A licensed practical nurse is a health care professional responsible for basic patient care and comfort. LPNs are essential to the patient experience and work closely with RNs and physicians. They monitor a patient's status, manage basic care, and keep up-to-date medical records. An LPN is often a patient's primary point of contact and can relay the patient's concerns to the rest of the care team.

What Do LPNs Do?

An LPN performs tasks such as taking vital signs, administering medication, placing catheters, dressing wounds, and carrying out health care instructions created by the RN, physician, and other care team members. An LPN typically works under an RN's direct supervision and assists patients in daily routines like eating, dressing, and bathing.

The Difference Between an LPN and LVN

Licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) perform similar job functions and have the same education requirements. The main distinction is the title based on the state where they work. California and Texas use the term LVN while all other states refer to these entry-level nurses as LPNs.

The Difference Between an LPN and RN

RNs receive more training than LPNs and, as a result, have more responsibilities. A registered nurse works with physicians,  advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) , and a team of specialists to develop a patient care plan that the LPN helps to execute.

LPN Schooling and Training Requirements

Becoming a licensed practical nurse is a relatively quick way to start a nursing career. The general LPN requirements include the following:

• Earning a high school diploma or GED
• Completing a vocational training course
• Passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN)

Before beginning your studies or employment, you may need to pass a background check or basic skills test. LPN education covers theoretical training and various practical skills for nurses. The licensing exam ensures you have the skills and knowledge to work safely as a nurse.

How Long Does It Take to Become an LPN?

The process to become an LPN takes at least a year. An LPN training program through a community college or technical school typically runs for about twelve months. You'll then need to pass the NCLEX-PN, so thoroughly prepare for the exam and check for testing dates and locations in your area. If you don't pass the NCLEX-PN exam, don't worry, you'll be able to retake the test after 45 days.

Images sourced from Getty Images

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Election latest: Starmer makes 'Swift pit stop'... at the Eras Tour

The Labour leader has taken a break from general election campaigning tonight - to shake it off at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. Listen to the latest Electoral Dysfunction as you scroll.

Saturday 22 June 2024 00:33, UK

• General Election 2024
• Starmer makes 'Swift pit stop'... at the Eras Tour
• Tories raised less than £300,000 in donations in second week of campaign - Labour received £4.4m
• Sunak asked if he's confident no more Tory candidates will be caught up in betting scandal
• Electoral Dysfunction: What are odds betting scandal sinks Tories?
• 'Own it': Corbyn responds to latest Starmer comments
• Live reporting by Faith Ridler

Election essentials

• Manifesto pledges: Alliance Party | Conservatives | Greens | Labour | Lib Dems | Plaid Cymru | Reform | SNP | Sinn Fein | Workers Party
• Trackers:  Who's leading polls? | Is PM keeping promises?
• Campaign Heritage: Memorable moments from elections gone by
• Follow Sky's politics podcasts: Electoral Dysfunction | Politics At Jack And Sam's
• Read more:  Who is standing down? | Key seats to watch | What counts as voter ID? | Check if your constituency is changing | Guide to election lingo | Sky's election night plans

We'll be back from 6am with all the latest from the general election campaign, with a little under two weeks to go until polling day.

You can scroll back through the page to catch up on what you've missed, or check out our 10pm round-up for a brief look at the day.

Join us on Saturday for another day of live updates.

Slashing red tape for Britain's pubs, restaurants and music venues would be the focus of a review launched within the first 100 days of a Tory government, the party has said.

Ministers would look into ways to "crack down" on councils imposing "disproportionate conditions" and restrictions on licences as part of a bid to boost the UK night-time economy, the Conservatives say.

It comes as Rishi Sunak seeks to shift the focus of the campaign away from the betting scandal that has thrown his party into fresh turmoil in recent days.

The Tories used the announcement to attack Labour's record on nightlife in London and Wales, as polls continue to put the opposition party on course for a historic victory on 4 July.

Business minister Kevin Hollinrake said: "The night-time economy is a vibrant sector that's vital to our economy and our society as a whole.

"We've always supported our night-time economy, with business rates reliefs, economic support during the pandemic - but wherever Labour have been responsible for the sector, it's suffered.

"We'll continue to back our night-time economy - Labour would cripple it further with higher taxes and more burdensome regulation."

It's 10pm - time for your evening election update.

The general election takes place in under two weeks, and political parties from across the House of Commons are busy on the campaign trail.

Here's what you might have missed today:

• Rishi Sunak has reiterated he was "incredibly angry" when he learned about allegations that his own parliamentary aid Craig Williams, who is a Tory candidate, had placed a bet on the election;
• Laura Saunders, the candidate for Bristol North West, and her husband, director of campaigns Tony Lee, are also being investigated by the Gambling Commission;
• David TC Davies , the Welsh secretary, told Sky News this morning that he "certainly" did not bet on the date of the general election;
• And the Conservatives got less than £300,000 in party donations between 7 and 12 June - far behind the £4.3m handed to Labour;
• But a Tory candidate told Sky News tonight that the Conservatives have a "sizable war chest" to run a "decent campaign" this year;
• Mr Sunak's favourability is now at an all time low, with three quarters of Britons having an unfavourable view of him - less even than Mr Johnson's lowest polling;
• The Welsh Conservatives have launched their manifesto today.
• Over with Labour , who - as we just mentioned - have come top of the list for party donations for the second week of the general election campaign.
• And Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer today said he would not enter negotiations with the Scottish government on an independence referendum if the SNP wins a majority of Scottish seats at the 4 July election;
• Sir Keir has also admitted today that the choice the public faced in the 2019 general election - Boris Johnson or Jeremy Corbyn - "wasn't a good one";
• But he opted to have a night off - at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in London;
•  And Welsh Labour has launched its manifesto today,  with shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves detailing the "simple choice" voters have to face on 4 July.
• Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey today criticised Rishi Sunak's response to his party's betting scandal as "not good enough"; 
• And Plaid Cymru has claimed Welsh Labour's manifesto lacks ambition and undermines devolution. The party said that Labour is imposing further austerity on Wales with £1.8bn worth of cuts to public services.

While you're here, check out more of our election coverage below:

By Rob Powell , political correspondent

The architect of the government's delayed reforms to social care has told Sky News politicians need to "grow up" and tackle the crisis in the sector.

Amid a bitter election row over public spending, Sir Andrew Dilnot said he believed the two main parties were reluctant to discuss care reform for fear of being accused of plotting future tax hikes.

Sir Andrew - whose 2011 report laid out several key measures adopted by the government - described social care as the "biggest risk that isn't managed" that the country faces.

He said: "Four out of five people are going to need  social care  before they die, we should grow up and face it."

"I think politicians are reluctant to talk about it firstly because they're worried about anything that means an increase in public spending and therefore possible taxation," he added.

You can read more below:

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has taken a break from general election campaigning tonight - to shake it off at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.

Sir Keir and his wife Victoria joined thousands of Swifties at the first of three Eras Tour shows at Wembley Stadium - which will be followed up by five more in August.

Government borrowing was less than expected in May, new figures have revealed.

Net borrowing - the difference between public sector spending and income - was £15bn, an increase of £0.8bn on the same time last year, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported on Friday.

The amount is below the £15.7bn forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) and less than expected by economists.

However, it was still the highest amount for the month of May since the  COVID-19 pandemic .

The ONS also said that public sector net debt, excluding public sector banks, was provisionally estimated at 99.8% of gross domestic product (GDP) in May - the highest level since March 1961.

The figure is also 3.7 percentage points higher than during the same period last year.

Economists said it showed that whoever wins the  upcoming general election  will face a string of potential financial challenges.

Nigel Farage has stood by his comment describing Andrew Tate as an "important voice" for men as he greeted supporters in Clacton-on-Sea.

The Reform UK leader had praised Tate while speaking on the Strike It Big podcast in February for defending "male culture" and said the "jury is out" on investigations into the influencer, The Guardian reported.

Since December 2022, Tate has faced charges in Romania of human trafficking, rape, and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women, which he denies.

Asked whether Tate was an "important voice" for men as he was leaving a meeting with supporters, Mr Farage said: "He's got a massive following and that shows you how big the gap is.

"I mean, clearly he's facing some serious allegations and has said some things that are difficult to level with, but the fact that he's got the following shows you how big the gap is."

Mr Farage did not specify what "gap" he was referring to.

Our live poll tracker collates the results of opinion surveys carried out by all the main polling organisations - and allows you to see how the political parties are performing in the run-up to the general election.

It currently shows a drop in support in recent days for Labour and the Tories - with a jump for Reform and the Liberal Democrats.

Read more about the tracker here .

The Politics Hub is live on Sky News every night at 7pm throughout the general election campaign.

But stick with us online - we'll have updates throughout the evening.

Norman Phillips and his wife Ros - who lives with multiple sclerosis and dementia - are the human faces of the social care crisis.

Initially Norman was able to combine work with his caring responsibilities, but as Ros's condition worsened, he took early retirement.

The couple found help hard to come by and after Norman suffered an injury, they were forced to sell their home to settle care-related debts.

Ros is now subject to an NHS continuing healthcare plan after Norman suffered a breakdown earlier this year and authorities decided he was unable to carry on caring for his wife.

This includes around the clock care for Ros - something Norman said would not have been needed if a lower level of help had been made available earlier.

He said: "They've got six million of us unpaid carers. If they… help us, we can help the system.

"But what's happened to me, you know, is the system just kept backing away and backing away until I cracked."

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