Can I become a CNA after completing Nursing Fundamentals?

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Hi,

I was told that since I've completed my 1st Nursing fundamentals class, I am now able to take the CNA exam. But, I called New York State and they say I'd have to specifically take a CNA course and then take the state exam. However, I was also told that New york was one of the only states that requires this. I was wondering if anyone knows if North Carolina would allow me to take their CNA state exam and receive my Nurses Aid License. I am still in school up here, and I am trying to stay the course, but I need to get out of a bad marriage as soon as possible in order to maintain my sanity. It seems as if I will need to relocate too, because New York is just too expensive for me to raise my two school aged children. I was aiming on going to NC because I have family Property there, but can't do anything with it until I get a job and get settled. Sorry for the Venting!!! I am just exausted from being in this marriage and I know my kids are too. Thanks for any help you may offer. :)

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Yes you can in Florida. You just need a letter from your school to show that you have completed the first semester.

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Make a call to the NC certifying authority and find out if you can do this. Are you sure you want to leave nursing school at this time? You should make certain that you can transfer to a new school before you go. I can assure you that you will not be able to make a very good living for yourself and your children on CNA pay.

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NJ allows you to become a CNA once you pass first module of Nursing school. I do not even think they make you take exam, they just need a letter from school and nursing program.

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

i checked the nurse aide registry list on the cna forum of allnurses. the cna registry in north carolina is handled by the north carolina board of nursing. i went on the nc board of nursing website (http://www.ncbon.com/). you can find this same information that i found by clicking on the "practice" link at the left side of the home page and going to the "na 1" path.

i didn't have time to read everything, but it looks like they also have medication aides in nc. that would be a good skill to get.

good luck to you.

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Thank you all for the great information!! I really don't want to leave Nursing school now after I've waited so long to get in. Maybe if I finish next semester out and perhaps be qualified to take the LPN state boards in NC or NJ. You guys are so kind, thanks so much!!

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Be aware that if you want to take the LPN boards, you will need to get the cooperation of your school as well as find out if the state will allow this. Since NY no longer allows this option for its own students, there is a very strong possibility that your NY nursing school will refuse to sign off on your paperwork to test elsewhere.

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I live in NY but I lived in KY at the time I became a CNA. When I moved back to NY, they just switched everything over and I became certified in NY. I'm not really sure how it works when in your situation. Good luck...I hope you find happiness soon!

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In Tennessee after you finish 2 semesters of school you can apply at several hospitals to work as a nurse extern. It's like clinicals with pay, you are supervised by a nurse that works there and it pays more that beginning CNA pay. Around here nurse externs make at least 15 and hour while CNA's with no previous experience make about 7. After school starts back in the Fall you can adjust your hours and stay on at your hospital...and it gives you a foot in the door for a job when you graduate! Check where you live to see if this is available to you. Good Luck!

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Be aware that if you want to take the LPN boards, you will need to get the cooperation of your school as well as find out if the state will allow this. Since NY no longer allows this option for its own students, there is a very strong possibility that your NY nursing school will refuse to sign off on your paperwork to test elsewhere.

Many states besides NY do not allow this option (LPN). So please be careful and call the BON in the state you are interested in before you make plans.

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Be aware that if you want to take the LPN boards, you will need to get the cooperation of your school as well as find out if the state will allow this. Since NY no longer allows this option for its own students, there is a very strong possibility that your NY nursing school will refuse to sign off on your paperwork to test elsewhere.

Wow, I'd heard that NY had stopped allowing Rn students to test as Lpn's, but I wonder why? You've given me some real food for thought!! After completing Fall 2009, I hope to start doubling up on my clinicals starting Spring 2010. Thank you for the much needed guidance. :yeah:

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Wow, I'd heard that NY had stopped allowing Rn students to test as Lpn's, but I wonder why? You've given me some real food for thought!! After completing Fall 2009, I hope to start doubling up on my clinicals starting Spring 2010. Thank you for the much needed guidance. :yeah:

Our state recently stopped that as well. I asked one of our Prof.'s and she said it was because the curriculum in the first year wasn't the same as what is covered in an LPN program. The two groups just spend that year focusing on different things, while there are of coorifice similarities, not enough for one to replace the other.

Peace,

CuriousMe

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