Working as an Aide after you take your Boards?

caliotter3 · May 31, 2007

The answer to your question is yes. And in my state you can work as a CNA even with an RN license, but are cautioned about doing so because of the legal ramifications. Even when working as a CNA, one is legally held to the standards of the higher license held.

Rhfish2 · May 31, 2007

That's correct, you are helf to your highest license and can be considered in a lawsuit eventhough you cannot legally do "nursing"

caliotter3 · May 31, 2007

As a matter of fact, thinking about it, if I were doing this, I would not let it be known to any patient that I had an RN license if I were working as a CNA, as a precaution against the not so rare bird who is looking for a lawsuit. It seems like the perfect setup for someone to claim some wrongdoing if they know you are an RN working as a CNA. When your nametag says CNA or PCT or whatever, that's the job description you are fulfilling. It is up to you to know that if you see something not according to the norm, you must report it immediately to the charge nurse and not let it go. Congratulations on finishing school and taking the boards. Hope you passed!

Briah · Jun 4, 2007

I have been told by hiring managers that MGH will not let you work as a CNA / PCA once you have passed NCLEX. I don't know how the other hospitals in the city are with this.

st4wb3rr33sh0rtc4k3 · Jun 5, 2007

There were a couple of classmates that passed their boards that were unable to work as Certified Nursing Assistants. They said, that their superiours said, it was "out of there practice". Maybe it is different from facility to facility.

Shopgirl1 · Jun 5, 2007

Thanks for the response everyone, it's really helped!