Any reason for me to renew my CNA license after RN license?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

This will be my first time renewing my license and wanted to get some advice before I give up my CNA license. Is there any reason for me to keep my CNA license after I have been licensed as a RN? Cost is $50 for CNA and $100 for RN renewal. I only got CNA license to see if I can get a job as one during the school, but I never even looked for one because the school was so busy... By the way, I'm still unemployed and looking for a first job out of nursing school :(I don't think any benefit in renewing CNA license, but I want to hear from others before I commit to letting it go. Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Some facilities won't hire RNs to do tech/CNA work due to liability issues. I don't have a solid answer as I never had a CNA license prior to my RN, but I do know of techs that could not go back to teching after receiving their RN/not finding the RN job as their facilities would not let them work as techs for liability reasons. For example, In NYS, you're held to the highest license you have, so if a patient were to experience an issue (negligence, etc) in front of you, that could potentially be a liability for you and the facility even if you were not the patient's nurse.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

A lot of states have it so you cannot be a CNA once you have your RN license. Conflict of interest. Before you go spending $50 to renew your CNA certification, check out your state's policy. I would probably just stick to finding an RN job either way. They may be harder to find, but you didn't go through all that school just to be a CNA. Best of luck :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
A lot of states have it so you cannot be a CNA once you have your RN license. Conflict of interest. Before you go spending $50 to renew your CNA certification, check out your state's policy. I would probably just stick to finding an RN job either way. They may be harder to find, but you didn't go through all that school just to be a CNA. Best of luck :)

I agree. Good luck in the job search.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

if you work as a CNA and you have a nurses' license you are held to the highest standard of licensure - which means you would be expected to think and perform as a nurse regardless of job title. The CNA license is worthless now. Congrats on getting your RN!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

I never renewed my CNA after becoming an RN. Being an RN qualifies you to do all the tasks of a CNA anyway, so even if you did apply for a CNA job, your RN license would supersede a CNA certificate. You can always let your CNA go inactive and then renew later if you find you need to.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in FNP, ONP.

Agreed. As much as I'm sure the state would like to have your $50, it serves you no advantage.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice / Psych / RNAC.

License to be a CNA?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
License to be a CNA?
Common error made on here... They really mean CNA "certification." The words license and certification are not interchangeable, but license sure sounds better :) Either way, the state takes your money. Lol. I was disappointed to see my CNA state certification was on a cheap flimsy piece of paper. The supermarkets give you a stronger plastic rewards card. Okay, now I am rambling off topic... Lol
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks guys! Well, both of my CNA certification and RN license are printed on same kind of paper and yes, I was pretty dissapointed after suffering through 4 yrs of school to get a cheap piece of paper and we don't even get any new "license" when we renew. Just an updated date on website showing expiration date... Come on, driver's license is like $10 to replace and we get a plastic with holograph on it. Also, I think my BLS and ACLS certificates are printed on heavier stock paper. HAHA

Anyway, I did sent my $100 for RN renewal, but decided to let go of my CNA certification.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Haha, you are right! The BLS is on a nicer paper. Great decision going with the RN. Congrats, and good luck :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Nursing.
Thanks guys! Well, both of my CNA certification and RN license are printed on same kind of paper and yes, I was pretty dissapointed after suffering through 4 yrs of school to get a cheap piece of paper and we don't even get any new "license" when we renew. Just an updated date on website showing expiration date... Come on, driver's license is like $10 to replace and we get a plastic with holograph on it. Also, I think my BLS and ACLS certificates are printed on heavier stock paper. HAHA

Anyway, I did sent my $100 for RN renewal, but decided to let go of my CNA certification.

I don't think so. Isn't everything a CNA does subsumed under RN scope? In other words isn't everything CNAs do delegated to them and therefore included in the total of RN responsibilities?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment