Can I take the CNA tests?PLS HELP..

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Hi Everyone!

I just migrated here in Wisconsin, USA to marry my fiance' :redpinkhe Got my green card, SSN#, and my EAD.. I am a Registered Nurse in the Philippines, have worked there for almost 3yrs and 6mos. I just would like to ask for your comments, suggestions, and opinions if I could take the CNA tests here in Wisconsin without the CNA training program. I had finished my BSN and became a Registered Nurse in the Philippines in 2004 and worked as a Nurse until 2009. I just wanted to work first as a CNA, earn money while orienting myself in the healthcare setting before jumping in taking the Wisconsin State Licensure for RNs (NCLEX).

Please guyz..I need some help..I'm kinda confused:confused: of what to do first..I would really appreciate all your suggestions..:o

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the International forum

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I can understand what you're saying. You might as well as go ahead and take the NCLEX-RN. Why would you want to be a CNA? There are refresher courses you can take for the RN. You already have years experience as a RN, you might as well as keep going for it. Good Luck

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Hi Nursecubanita! thank you for responding to my post..I really appreciate it.. I would like to work first as a CNA while waiting for the processing of my papers in the Philippines to take the NCLEX. It will take me the most 6mos for everything! I would like to be oriented as to how the healthcare services work in the US. I am trying my luck by sending the Wisconsin Board of Nursing a letter requesting a letter of verification from them and other supporting documents, in order for me be eligible to take the NNAAP exam. Do you think I am doing the right thing? anyone's welcome to post your opinion. Your help & suggestions are highly appreciated..Thank you all..

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I will also send my Transcipts, copy of my Nursing License in the Philippines, marriage cert., certified photocopy of nursing course description, certificate of graduation, and a copy of my green card. any additions?

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I know of several nurses from the Philippines who did the CNA thing. I completely forgot that nurses do that. I'm unsure how it's done in your state but in California they challenged the exam (some didn't pass). Don't waste any money taking the CNA course, because you may not need to. Contact the local Red Cross and ask them how you would go about taking your CNA and let them know that you're a RN in the Philippines, and that you have 3 years experience. I'm unsure if that makes a difference or not. Regarding what to send, I would just send what they ask for. If they didn't ask for it, then don't send it. No need to open up a can of worms if you don't need to. I think it's a great idea that you're going to do the CNA while you wait. You're right it will give you an idea of how health care works here in the US and I completely forgot that some nurses do that while they're waiting. Hope you find this information helpful and Good Luck!

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I have contacted the Red Cross :nurse:already, told them everythin'... but, the lady just said that I should first contact the Wisconsin BON and let them know of it so that they could do the rest:crying2:. I have read in the January 2010 Nurse's Aide Handbook (found in Pearsonvue) that I'm under E-3 Foregin-Educated Nurse, and that I will be eligible to take the tests if I will submit a letter from the Wisconsin BON verifying that I am a foreign-educated nurse eligible to take the NCLEX. They did not even state what documents to submit, for me to get the verification letter. So, I just submitted what I thougt were necessary..:idea: :pI hope it works!:up: I really do hope...and pray..;)

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I hope it works for you too!

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