Can a new RN still work as a CNA

MissJessica,RN · Jun 7, 2011

You should check with the facility and BON in your state. In my state (prob yours too), you are held to the standards of a RN, even if working as a CNA. Therefore, at my facility, the answer is no....once you pass boards, you have to work as a nurse!

klone, MSN, RN · Jun 7, 2011

In many states, it's totally okay to work as a CNA.

wee_oneRN · Jun 7, 2011

This is an often asked question, and unfortunately, one that no one can give a concrete answer to. It really depends on your state and on the particular facility. Many facilities do not want the liability of an RN working as a CNA. Nor to they want the temptation of staff using you as an RN while working as a CNA. However, I know that in the bay area, there are many foreign trained RNs and Physicians working as CNA's in LTC while they pass their boards here. So, you may want to try LTC or even Doctor's offices who would gladly hire you as an office MA for less pay than RNs make.

ETA: If the facility is unionized, I would say the answer would most certainly be 'no', IMO.

tobesmartt · Jun 7, 2011

Good luck

kabooski · Jun 7, 2011

There going to ask in the interview why you decided to step down to a vocational occupation

It is like going to college for 8 years to be a lawyer and stepping down to be a paralegal.

Sorry if this offends you TABE tested CNA's but that is the truth.

I recommend expanding your horizon beyond Hospitals. "seek and ye shall find"

There are also expertise training programs that you can now enter with your RN license, which will make you even a better prospect for employers.

You can also volunteer at the Nursing Floor. Which helps with "Networking"

and can be easily explained in the interview.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Jun 7, 2011

Until you get LICENSED (pass the NCLEX-RN) you can work as a CNA. Once you pass the NCLEX and receive your RN, most states will not allow you to work as a CNA because of scope of practice issues.

Jenni811, RN · Jun 7, 2011

i worked as a CNA for 2 months while i had my RN because of employment stuff. You just can't be working as a CNA and an RN at the same time in the same facility.

Jenni811, RN · Jun 7, 2011

Until you get LICENSED (pass the NCLEX-RN) you can work as a CNA. Once you pass the NCLEX and receive your RN, most states will not allow you to work as a CNA because of scope of practice issues.

Yea, scope of practice is an issue but as long as you don't step outside your boundries as a CNA.

Check your state and what they allow.

Also wanted to add: You still need your CNA certification. You can't work as a CNA on an RN license. the reason i was able to was because i had a CNA certification

aredenyf · Jun 7, 2011

If you just graduated in nursing school and dont have any license yet many facilities will hire you as CNA. some needs certification as certified nurse assistant. because you dont have any license.

but if you graduated in nursing school and hold a license as RN they will see you as a professional nurse. they will not hire you as a nurse assistant because of conflict and liability. Remember your license is important.

CaliforniaRNnow · Jun 7, 2011

No, you can't. The new rules say that if you are a licensed nurse, you can't work as a CNA. I called hospitals about that. So I'm not making it up. And I have a friend who knew somebody who (in another state) worked as a CNA and when she graduated nursing school, she was fired because she can no longer work as a CNA now that she's a nurse. This is all new. And yes, it sucks big time.

klone, MSN, RN · Jun 7, 2011

Until you get LICENSED (pass the NCLEX-RN) you can work as a CNA. Once you pass the NCLEX and receive your RN, most states will not allow you to work as a CNA because of scope of practice issues.

And which states specifically forbid this?