LPN now CNA?

[Jules A]

Hi,

I'm applying for a student nurse externship at a really nice hospital that does not hire LPNs. The nurse recruiter I spoke with said I will have to get my CNA license to be eligible for the externship because they do not hire LPNs. I realize that for this position I will be working as a tech, cna or whatever you want to call it and that is fine however for some reason I'm a bit put off that they want me to get a CNA license when I am already a nurse. I am huge fan of CNAs and respect the hard work they do for such little money so this is as much about having to spend money on the license fee as it is about my title. Bottom line is that if I get offered the position I'll do whatever I have to do but I would like to diplomatically try to get in with my current license. Anyone ever encounter something like this? Is it possible the recruiter I spoke with just hadn't encountered a LPN applying before and wasn't sure how it would be handled? Any tips you can share would be most welcome. Thank you, Jules

[gentlegiver, ASN, LPN, RN]

I am an Agency LPN, I was sent to a place that put me to work as a CNA. I told my boss that if they wanted an LPN, call me, other wise forget it! A lot of places consider LPN/LVN's to be glorified CNA's. It really burns my candle, I went thru alot to get this licence, I deserve respect for that. I wont demote myself for a job.

[ZooMommyRN, ADN, RN]

I guess I don't understand why you would want an externship at a facility that isn't going to hire you in the capacity you train & become licensed for? Unless you are planning to bridge to RN soon it seems to be a waste of your training?

[Jules A, MSN]

I guess I don't understand why you would want an externship at a facility that isn't going to hire you in the capacity you train & become licensed for? Unless you are planning to bridge to RN soon it seems to be a waste of your training?

Yes, the idea was to try and get my feet in the door on an interesting speciality while I work for my RN and then hopefully get hired on as a nurse. Sounded like a decent idea at the time.