Can I work as CNA with RN degree?

I<3Nursing · Mar 11, 2009

Don't know what an IP is, but some places will let you work as a nurse tech or graduate nurse meaning you work tech jobs CNA job level but you get a higher pay until you take boards. THat's what I did because I needed money after I graduated but before I took the NCLEX. GOod luck!

caliotter3 · Mar 11, 2009

If you can find an employer who will hire you under these circumstances, yes, you can. However, this is not advised. You will be held to the higher standard of practice based upon your license. So, conceivably, you could encounter legal problems should something go wrong. Some employers will jump to hire RNs as CNAs, others will not follow this practice. You might attempt to get a job as a CNA, with the understanding that they will consider moving you into an RN position once one opens up.

BradleyRN · Mar 11, 2009

Maybe you should consider an LPN job first.:)

chenoaspirit, ASN, RN · Mar 11, 2009

Nope, wouldnt do it. They would LOVE to have a nurse as an assistant (getting paid assistant pay) but expecting more from you because you CAN do more. One nurse may ask you...do you mind starting that IV in room 12, another...do you mind inserting a foley cath in room 13? Nope. And legally, if something is going on with a patient, can you do nursing stuff if you are a CNA. And if you do, will you get in trouble? I dont know, just doesnt sound like a good idea. Work as a GN (graduate nurse) until you can find something. Something will open up, just give it time. Good luck!

lpnflorida · Mar 11, 2009

You could work as a CNA I suppose. However you would have to remember that you could only work within the scope of Practice of a CNA even though you are trained and licensed to do more. If a hospital hires you for one job, it does not mean they will cover your behind should you on your own work above that classification. Yes, you make a mistake as a CNA even if what you are doing is within the scope of a CNA you will be held to higher standards once it would be known you have trained and also have licensure as an RN.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Mar 11, 2009

Maybe you should consider an LPN job first.:)

Even though the OP is licensed as an RN? I didn't think that can be done. Unless, maybe she challenged NCLEX-PN as well?

I RN A · Mar 11, 2009

I think I can't practice as LVN, just because the scope of practice differs dor RNs and LVNs. And it is all depends on licensure. Since CNA considered to be UP I think that it is possible for RN to work as CNA, but I guess I will check with local hospitals, it might depend on individual organization and their policies and procedures.

Valerie Salva, BSN, RN · Mar 11, 2009

To the OP:

Can you relocate? You could look for jobs in other areas on Monster and Career Builder that will pay for relocation.

I moved to an area which is saturated with RNs- I too, applied for LPN jobs but couldn't get hired. I could not leave the area due to familiy reasons, so I became a traveler and that has been my solution.

I RN A · Mar 11, 2009

I'm considering relocation, that's assuming I have passed the boards. Travel nurse is an option for those who have 1 year of experience. I have been contacted by numerous agencies, but as soon as they find out that I'm a new grad they tell me I need 1 year of experience.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Mar 11, 2009

One scenerio keeps coming to my mind. From reading these forums, it seems that in many areas, LPNs are being reduced to working as techs/CNAs if they were employed at hospitals and did not become RNs. Now, to me, the case is the same as well...here is a nurse who is held to a certain standard. She is basically forced to work as a CNA because her title has been phased out and probably does not want to lose out on her pension or seniority. She is also a nurse, isn't she also taking a risk at being held to the standards of the higher license?

sjt9721, BSN, RN · Mar 11, 2009

With an undergraduate degree in nursing, yes, you could work as a CNA. You would be bound by the job description provided by the hiring facility. You could not identify yourself as a nurse since you do not have a license.

If you have your RN license, yes, you could work as a CNA if employers were willing to hire you. To keep your job, you would have to work within the provided job description. However...as one with an RN license, your state's board of nursing would hold you to the higher standard. Remember there's a difference between an employment role and scope of practice related to licensure.