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  1. Feb 4 by downsouthlaff
    Hi,

    2 days ago I realized that when I finish my Certified Nurse Assistant class in May 2012, Ill still be 17 years old for several months. Some people tell me that you have to be 16 to be hired as a CNA, some say 18, will I have trouble finding a job at 17? I will have a high school diploma, a nursing assistant license, and a CPR certification! Can they really not hire just because the number of years ive been living is not quite 18 yet???? HELP?? I dont know what ill do if i cant find a job???
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  3. 11 Comments so far...

  4. Feb 4 by MN-Nurse
    I don't think you are having an age crisis, I think you are having a "what action should I take if I am wondering about my employment eligibility status crisis." Along with a "I have LPN in my username but I haven't even got a CNA cert yet" crisis.

    One at a time, though.

    You could start by calling your chosen CNA school and see if they have someone you could talk to. You could also call any LTC, AL, or SNF (nursing homes) in your area and see what their policies are.
    Hoozdo, hey_suz, and Lynx25 like this.
  5. Feb 4 by Lynx25
    We have young CNAs here. One I know for sure is 17. If you can't get anything in a large hospital, try more rural nursing homes.
  6. Feb 4 by downsouthlaff
    Well that wont be a problem because we live in an area here in louisiana with many rural nursing homes thanks!!!
  7. Guide
    Feb 4 by Meriwhen
    The only thing I could think that would work against you is that you are legally still a minor, and a facility may not be willing to take you on for that reason. That being said, just go ahead and apply to wherever you want to work...after all, the worst they can say is "No".

    And off-topic...you may want to ask the admins for a username change: since you're not a LPN (yet) you shouldn't have it in your username

    Good luck!
    DarkBluePhoenix, hey_suz, JustBeachyNurse, and 1 other like this.
  8. Feb 4 by bernikitty
    lol!! i'll be 46 and starting my second career when i graduate in august. i thought that the post surely had to do with being an older new nurse.
    nursel56 and kcmylorn like this.
  9. Feb 4 by GitanoRN
    Quote from louisianamaleLPN
    Hi,

    2 days ago I realized that when I finish my Certified Nurse Assistant class in May 2012, Ill still be 17 years old for several months. Some people tell me that you have to be 16 to be hired as a CNA, some say 18, will I have trouble finding a job at 17? I will have a high school diploma, a nursing assistant license, and a CPR certification! Can they really not hire just because the number of years ive been living is not quite 18 yet???? HELP?? I dont know what ill do if i cant find a job???
    First of all congrats!!! for acquiring your CNA . However, first you must check with your State labor dept. for their rules and regulations regarding age limitations. Although, I have witness several 16yr. CNA's working in hospitals. Unquestionably, I was one of those myself, I begun my beloved nursing career at 16 years old, as a CNA, then LPN, then RN, and to BSN; Therefore, I wish you all the best on all of your future endeavors~
    downsouthlaff likes this.
  10. Feb 7 by downsouthlaff
    Ok guys im tired of having to explain this on every post lol The LPN in my username does not stand for Licensed Practical Nurse, it stands for Laffayette Parish Native, I know its very confusing and I didnt think about it when doing my username, I wish i could change it but dont kno how!
  11. Guide
    Feb 7 by Meriwhen
    Quote from louisianamaleLPN
    Ok guys im tired of having to explain this on every post lol The LPN in my username does not stand for Licensed Practical Nurse, it stands for Laffayette Parish Native, I know its very confusing and I didnt think about it when doing my username, I wish i could change it but dont kno how!
    I suppose someone named Robert North would have the same problem if he wanted to use his initials in his user name...but here, LPN refers to nursing, so until you become a LPN you are going to hear it and often

    To change your username, ask one of the forum administrators. Best place to find one is here: http://allnurses.com/admin-help-desk/

    Start a thread and explain the deal, and I'm sure they'd be happy to help you out.
  12. Admin
    Feb 8 by tnbutterfly
    Quote from louisianamaleLPN
    Ok guys im tired of having to explain this on every post lol The LPN in my username does not stand for Licensed Practical Nurse, it stands for Laffayette Parish Native, I know its very confusing and I didnt think about it when doing my username, I wish i could change it but dont kno how!
    Please start a post in the Help Desk and submit 3 choices for alternative usernames. We will see if one is available and make the change for you.

    Also, please check your inbox for private messages. I sent you a message 3 days ago.

    tnbutterfly
    co-admin