Can I become a CNA after completing Nursing Fundamentals?

[Felicia327]

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. :)

[kcochrane]

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

Your prof is pretty close:

Several factors resulted in the Department's position to phase out this option. Based on a number of patient safety concerns the Department re-examined its policy regarding this issue. Our investigation found that:

• As a result of curricular changes in registered professional nursing programs, the fourth semester of the program may contain all of the didactic and clinical assignments related to certain content areas such as obstetrical or psychiatric nursing, for example. Students not taking this last semester and licensed as LPNs under the 2-EQ option, therefore, might have little or no contact in these areas. We have concluded that the assumption of substantial equivalence can no longer be supported.
  
• Persons licensed as LPNs under this option have had no content on the differentiated scope of practice of LPNs and RNs and therefore do not know how to practice as an LPN.
  
• Individuals so licensed are not able to be licensed in other jurisdictions as the requirement in other states is for completion of an LPN program.
  
• This option is not available in any of the 47 professions regulated by the Department.
  

http://www.op.nysed.gov/nurse2EQelim.htm