Can I challenge the CNA cert after first semester of RN?

[RainbowHead]

If any of you have read my recent discussions, you'll know I've been trying to get into the CNA program. But I had a thought: if I'm going into the RN program, won't I just learn every thing a CNA would need to learn during the first part?

I don't see why I should waste the time and money to learn something I'm going to learn down the road anyway.

[RainbowHead]

Bumping this to hopefully get an answer.

[Extra Pickles]

the question isn't whether you would be wasting your time and money it's why are you trying to get into the CNA program in the first place. If it's to get a job, you can get working long before you can challenge an exam later in your RN program. If it's to get into an RN program at all because it's a requirement for admission, then you have your answer. Some schools require this.

If you want to work as a CNA to get a foot in the door when it comes to job hunting as an RN because the facility will get to know you and you'll have an edge over other new grads then it isn't a waste of money or time at all, it's an investment.

So what is it you're thinking?

[rachaelofcourse]

At my school, we were eligible to take the CNA exam after block 1. We just had to have our instructor fill out a waiver.

[AshleeMT]

At my school, we didn't even have to challenge the test. The nursing office sent in our transcripts and skills checklist from fundamentals lab to the board of nursing and we became certified that way.