[flwannaB]

I passed the CNA exam on Oct 06 of this year and I still have not received my certificate from the state. My question is, will hospitals hire a CNA without the actual certificate? I know most nursing homes will hire me but a friend of mine in the same situation as I am is getting paid .50 less until she gets hers. I have checked on the website and it's still not available. I just started LPN school and would like to work weekends as a CNA. I have been told that all I have to do is show that I passed the exam until I receive my certificate. I really don't want to work as a CNA in a nursing home. Does anyone know why it is so taking so long? I live in Florida. Any feedback would be appreciated.

[nrcnurse]

Call the board of nursing and ask them when you can expect to receive your certificate. I think it took only a week or so before I got mine in 2003. There have been some new changes to the CNA license in FL. They are renewed every 2 years, and they were never renewed before. Maybe yours is delayed because they are processing a lot of renewals. You should call and ask.

Re working while in school, why not check with some agencies? That's a good alternative to a full-time hospital job. Also, hospitals generally prefer that you've had some experience. Why don't you ask at your school about agencies that hire their students. There was one called Universal in the same office complex with Galen that used a lot of their students. I think the name has changed to ATS, and I don't know if they're still there. Check with your school first.

Good luck!
Nancy

[flwannaB]

Thank you for the information. I believe they are held back due to the new policies and renewals.

Originally Posted by nrcnurse

Call the board of nursing and ask them when you can expect to receive your certificate. I think it took only a week or so before I got mine in 2003. There have been some new changes to the CNA license in FL. They are renewed every 2 years, and they were never renewed before. Maybe yours is delayed because they are processing a lot of renewals. You should call and ask.

Re working while in school, why not check with some agencies? That's a good alternative to a full-time hospital job. Also, hospitals generally prefer that you've had some experience. Why don't you ask at your school about agencies that hire their students. There was one called Universal in the same office complex with Galen that used a lot of their students. I think the name has changed to ATS, and I don't know if they're still there. Check with your school first.

Good luck!
Nancy