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.

[Veldtor, BSN, MSN]

In NYC metro area, you need to complete at least one semester of clinical and preferably two. I am currently a CNA here without ever sitting for an licensure exam. Once I graduate, I hope to reapply internally as a nurse.

[FutureNurse5678]

Up until last July my community college program allowed you to sit for the CNA exam after first semester. However since the regulations changed its no longer offered. However, many hospitals will hire you as a PCT and not require a CNA certificate. Also there are many other places you can get work at and don't need a certificate. Check out Visiting Angels in your area. You won't do medical procedures but it's more of companionship. I'm in Illinois by the way. After two semesters tho we are able to sit for the LPN exam, that has not changed as far as I know. :)

[BSN_VIP]

My class was told the same thing by our instructor, I'm in Florida.

[CC Freakazoid, MSN]

The wording may throw people off.....to be certified you must take a certification exam but you after fundamentals you should have the basic skills of a nurses aide. Some hospitals may take you just like that. Some hospitals (some in FL, GA and Ohio) will set aside tech positions for nursing students. I know Childrens here in Cincinnati require that you have completed, at a min, your med surg rotation to work as a tech.

If you decide to get certified look into the rules of your state. I know in FL you can challenge the exam meaning take it without having taken a formal nurses aide program. Because of this, you can go on craigslist and find weekend skills courses or even week long courses but I think you can only challenge it once or twice and if you cant pass, you wil have to take a formal course. That being said, you should be able to pass it after fundamentals

[socialworknurse]

I believe your instructor is misinformed unless your school has combined a state-approved CNA training program into the nursing program. I am a CNA and CMA in GA who is also in nursing school. Here is the application for registration which lists the routes of eligibility:

http://asisvcs.com/publications/pdf/071101.pdf

Here is the phone number for questions regarding CNA eligibility in GA: [phone]

And here is the website for the GA CNA registry: https://www.mmis.georgia.gov/portal/PubAccess.Nurse%20Aide/tabId/73/Default.aspx

However, you are eligible for hire by most hospitals as a patient care tech or nurse extern and do not need a CNA certification.