Are 2nd semester nursing students considered CNA's?

[nursingwithjen]

I recently heard online that once you finish Funds, you are eligible to either sit the CNA exam or can use your transcripts which show that you have completed your first semester in order to get a CNA job. Is this true? I'm in Georgia by the way if that helps at all.

[WanderingWilder, ASN]

In my state, NH, you can sit for the test for the CNA after the first semester, and you can sit for the test for LPN after the first year.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

When I attended a Los Angeles-area LVN program in 2004/2005, students were eligible to challenge the state test to become CNAs once we successfully completed the nursing fundamentals portion of our schooling.

[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

For your financial security, obtaining the CNA certificate, then the LPN license, is a wise thing to do, just in case something unforeseen happens which delays or prevents the student from completing the RN program.

You will always have those careers to fall back on and be able to support yourself.

[USMCRN2015]

I live in Mass, and I was eligible to work as a CNA after my first semester of Nursing school. They also keep us on until we pass our RN licensure exam.

[NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN]

I worked as a nurse tech when I was almost finished with my PN school and until I passed my boards and became an LPN but this was 15 years ago. No schooling was required to take the CNA exam. A person could go and take the exam but school will help prepare someone for the exam that has both a written and a practical component. If a facility wants to hire you based on being at a certain point in your nursing program some facilities can, depending on what kind of care they offer. For example, I did not have my CNA but I was graduating PN school in a few weeks. I was hired at a hospital to work as a nurse tech because there were not any laws that stated that the hospital had to have certified nurses aides. However, the hospital also had a "skilled" unit that was a separate area in the facility that took patients that no longer met hospital admissions requirements but needed skilled care such as IV antibiotics. This was regulated like a nursing home and only CNAs could work that unit because of regulations set by the state. Also, without a CNA in my state a nursing student cannot work for a nursing home. As for ALFs, they can hire and train people off the street so they would hire someone in nursing school without the certification.

To make a long story short, depending on who you apply with and the laws in the area you may be able to work as an aide. You are not a CNA without taking and passing the exam. I would highly recommend working as an aide (either level) prior to working as a nurse (LPN or RN) because you will appreciate your co-workers and know just how hard they bust their butt to work as part of the nursing team. I worked as an aide, then LPN, and am working on my ADN prior to BSN for my RN and I appreciate everyone that I work with. Nothing is worse than someone who starts at the top and doesn't appreciate those around them and all they do to care for the patient.

[AP030314]

You can fill out the form to sit for the CEP, im doing it. But you have to have at least 2 semesters complete of your nursing program, in TX anyway

[nursingwithjen]

Thank you everyone for all of your wonderful advice! I am spoken with my instructor and she says that I should be eligable to take the exam after my first semester.

[Dream Catcher]

Yep, in my state after the first semester you qualify to take the state examination to be certified. Good luck.

[delphine22]

In Florida a student who has completed one semester of RN program can sit for the CNA exam (written and skills) and become certified. This is different from "nurse tech," which is a position offered at some local hospitals, not connected at all with a state certification. A nurse tech basically works as a CNA -- I think they must also possess a CNA certification -- but is in the RN program. Due to the nature of their advanced education beyond CNA, they are allowed certain extra tasks, under the supervision of an RN, which is clearly spelled out and varies by hospitals. This can include inserting Foleys (under the RN's direction).

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

You are not issued CNA certification by virtue of being an RN student, but many facilities will hire you to function as a CNA. In CA, acute care facilities are not required to hire certified CNAs, although most opt to do so. The good news is that it's a wonderful opportunity to network and be seen as a good employee. It will help in your job search and you will gain skills. Good luck!

[softrbreeze]

I'm in GA also and you can get a job as a nurse extern I after 1st semester. Haven't ever heard of getting a CNA position after fund.

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

It is a great skill to have under your belt as you go into your nursing career. If you can work part time, even better! I have SUCH an appreciation for my LNA's that work with me.