can I work as a CNA if my RN license is inactive??

ED Nurse, RN · Jan 2, 2016

So you are an RN but cannot work bc of government regulations? Why not go through the steps required to gain citizenship? Why not do what is required to work as an RN. What makes you think you can get certified as a cna? I doubt you will get hired, and what is the point of working as a cna for a year before working again as an RN? You will be even more ill- prepared after that, RN and cna are completely different things. I feel like there are pieces missing here. If you want to be an RN the get your license active and apply for jobs- they will train you.

Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN · Jan 2, 2016

Your circumstances are very unusual and the BON is probably going to be your only source for proper information. If you have never had a license and never worked as a nurse, I wouldn't consider you a "nurse" for employment application purposes, though.

1_fit_male_nurse2b · Jan 3, 2016

Im going to step on your feelings like it or not.

You thought that you could just jump to the head of the line? Right?

I don't understand folks. You busted your ass to become a nurse but you waited 11 years to get a green card? what the ****!

I don't feel for you what so ever. You come with ambition to work but not to become a citizen? Perhaps you need to evaluate "YOU?"

Become a citizen and reap the pleasure of REAL FREEDOM, or what's left. TAKE PART OF AMERICA AND BE AMERICAN!

Everything falls into place after that.

iShaybie, ADN · Jan 3, 2016

I wouldn't mention it on your resume yet. Focus on getting your CNA job if that's what you want to do right now, and thennn after your license is active you can put that on your resume for when you apply for RN jobs!

Psychcns · Jan 3, 2016

I think if you have the SC RN license you should work to get it activated. I think an employer would hire you as a CNA with your inactive license. I would be honest about your situation. I don't think you need citizenship to work. Try nursing homes. They always need people. You might find a place you can start as a CNA and move up. And yes these are two very different jobs. Best wishes!!

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Jan 3, 2016

My South Carolina RN license is in inactive status since 4/2014 as I didn't have work authorization to renew it. I recently finished a CNA course ( state certification testing pending) because I wanted to work at least as a CNA and get healthcare experience. I have never worked as an RN. Now I have work authorization ( we have been granted green card after 11 years in the US ) and looking to apply for PCT /CNA jobs. I'm kind of lost, do I mention that I'm an RN ( inactive license) in my cover letter/ resume? In my opinion I should mention.
But when I mention they would not even look at my resume after that.
My other concern is am I allowed to work as a PCT/ CNA even if my RN License is inactive?
I don't plan on re-activating it until I find a CNA/ PCT job and have worked in that job for at least 1 year.
I tried to find it in SC board of nursing web site but I can't find anything regarding that. I have been trying to contact the board but they are closed since before Christmas. I know I should have contacted them before the CNA course. But I'm glad I took it because it was kind of like a little refresher course for nursing fundamentals.
what do you guys know/think? Thank you in advance

You can't work as aCNA if you don't have work rights/work visa Most won't hire if they find out you're an RN

AniraP · Jan 3, 2016

Thank you everybody for commenting.

I don't have to be an American citizen to work here. I already have work authorization. But I still haven't renewed my RN license. I thought I could work as a PCT or a CNA and get experience before becoming a Nurse. I do know that there is a big difference between CNA work and RN work. But my intention was to get hired as a CNA or PCT and gain some kind of healthcare experience and make connections while I'm in that place. Like I said before when I graduated from RN school I couldn't find a job as fresh graduate. I didn't have any experience as well as I was given only 1 year of work authorization. So my license was valid only for 1 year. On top of that government gave me only 3 months to find a job , It was a tough time and I couldn't find a job within 3 months.

to answer the question why did it take 11 years for us to get green card....... well sometimes we wonder the same thing. :laugh:

My husband came here to do his post graduate studies on student visa. After finishing his studies he's been working on drug discovery research and he worked his butt off to get qualified to apply for green card. He had to publish research papers not just one more than 10, and that took some time. As his work is of national interest ( cancer, diabetic, pain research) finally he was approved for green card. So this green card is very valuable for us because my husband earned it. Not like many other people who come here he had to work towards that. so that's why it took us 11 years to get green card. I know some people get it very easily but some people have to work towards it. I understand most people don't know about these immigration issues unless they go through it.

And no you don't have to be a citizen to work here.

Thank you again everybody. but please be nice, no need to be rude here.

Psychcns · Jan 3, 2016

Take your CNA certification exam

Activate your RN

Then start applying for both

Network

Stress what a good employee you will be and how much you want to work.

I think they would hire you as a nurse especially in long term care. And if you will work weekends. And off shifts. Make sure you interview well and maybe take a RN refresher course. You do not have to give us or anyone explanations about your green card. If the US says you can work, you can work. Best wishes!

Editorial Team / Admin · Jan 3, 2016

Posts merged.

dishes, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2016

Working as a CNA will not provide you with nursing experience, if your goal is to work as a nurse, I think you would be better off taking a RN refresher course that has clinical placement(s), then you can make connections through your clinical placements, rather than through work as a CNA.

TriciaJ, RN · Jan 3, 2016

WE have a green card? I hope you have your own green card. With it, you are eligible to work for anyone who will hire you. I personally don't think it's a bad idea to work as a CNA while you figure out what to do about an RN license. Yes, it will get you back into healthcare. You will make some connections. And you'll be earning a paycheque while you figure out your next step.

You may be required to take an RN refresher course. You may decide you don't even want to work as an RN in this country and be happy being a CNA. When applying for a job, why not just put ALL your education in the education part of the application, and put ALL your experience in the experience part. I really don't think you'll be summarily disqualified for having been an RN. Good luck to you and keep us posted!