Can a licensed nurse still work as a nursing assistant in New Jersey?

33762FL · Sep 8, 2011

As far as I've ever known, no. Once you pass NCLEX you can't work as a CNA in NJ. Call the BON to be 100% sure on that.

RFRN · Sep 8, 2011

I don't know the answer, but I agree with checking with the State Board of Nursing. I had the same issue when I graduated - I had not worked as a CNA during school due to time issues (even though I had the certification) but thought about doing it after graduating because I was not finding a job and thought some experience as a CNA would help my resume and get my foot in the door. I was told that hospitals will not hire a licensed RN as a CNA because they have policies in place regarding paying someone based on education and if they hired you as a CNA that they'd still have to pay you as an RN. I even had a friend that worked as a CNA and the manager didn't like her because frankly she wasn't a great employee so after she passed NCLEX they basically said she had to quit because they weren't going to hire her as an RN.

Merlyn · Sep 8, 2011

As far as I've ever known, no. Once you pass NCLEX you can't work as a CNA in NJ. Call the BON to be 100% sure on that.

Unless they change the rules, In NJ you can't hold more than one license in the Med field. if you have your CNA license you can't hold an LPN or RN or MD license. I was taught this back in the Dark Ages when I went to school. But I would email the BON to be sure. :yeah:

RNOTODAY, BSN, RN · Sep 9, 2011

I wasnt aware you could do that in any state.....

VRN-RN · Sep 9, 2011

I just passed the NCLEX and when I spoke to my nursing manager she said that in the past the hospital did not allow nursing assistant's to continue working once they were licensed but that they changed the policy because they know how hard it has been for new grads to find a job. However, I am a little concerned because during nursing school my professors told us that once we got our license we would no longer be able to work as a nursing assistant. I know in certain states the board of nursing does not allow it but I am not sure what the law is in New Jersey. Therefore, I am very confused! Help! Any number or email would be helpful!! Thanks in advance.

I don't think you can work as a nursing assistant still. definitely call BON..

Roxyann57 · Sep 9, 2011

I don't think you can or should. I wouldn't because you know way more than a CNA would and you don't want to get yourself into trouble. I would contact BON just in case.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Sep 9, 2011

CNA certificates in NJ are issued by the Department of Health. CHHA, LPN & RN are issued by the BoN (and massage/somatic therapists are under the BoN now too). I was taught the same, that you shouldn't be working as a CNA once you have a LPN or RN license. You can call the NJ BoN. Calls are being answered more quickly as now they are routed through a call center that has access to significant amount of information regarding common queries, and the call center staff can transfer you through to BoN staff if necessary. There is also an email contact form on the NJ BoN website.

Mukfay · Sep 9, 2011

I can't for the life of me understand why they would have such a rule. If you're smart enough to get through nursing school, then you'd be smart enough to know not to overstep your duties as a CNA. Many nurses support the CNA's when things get hectic.

Her Own Catalyst RN · Sep 9, 2011

As far as I know, you can not. That's what I was taught in school as well, although I know people that have and do....

Merlyn · Sep 12, 2011

I can't for the life of me understand why they would have such a rule. If you're smart enough to get through nursing school, then you'd be smart enough to know not to overstep your duties as a CNA. Many nurses support the CNA's when things get hectic.

It's not a question of supporting CNA's. It's a question of CNA's being able to practice as MDs, or me Practicing as an RN, or bleeding heart RNs saying I'll do the CNA work and it's also the question of money. Why should the hospitals pay RNs salary if they have a goofy nurse that cares for patients so much that she would give up the money and education for which she went to school to really care for her patients, I have worked with a lot of them. You go to school 3,5,8 years just to be a servant of the sick? That went out with walking two steps behind the doctor. You have the education. You should use it. I'm not saying don't help the CNAs out, but don't do it all of the time. Next it would be " Well, since you do the work of an CNA, then we will pay you as a CNA . As a male nurse I have had supervisors that want to pay me as an orderly because I was lifting patients in bed for the female nurses. That's when I put the Dept. of Labor and BON on speed dial on my cell phone. Call me uncompassionate . Call me a mercenary. but I want to be paid for my education, such as it is. I am not a strong back, I am a Nurse. I like to help but don't ware it out. :twocents:

martinez2010 · Oct 17, 2012

I called the board of nursing since I have the same issue. They said an RN licensed person can't work as a CNA because of liability issues.

BON said to look online for the regulations but I can't find anything written. If anyone can help me with finding written information on this it would really help me. I applied for unemployment since it's so hard to find a job as a new grad and they won't accept my claim because they say I voluntarily resigned although I explained the situation.

Thanks!!!