Can RN work as CNA in MA?

U.S.A. Massachusetts

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Is this allowed? I know I've seen threads on this topic in the past, but I'm not having luck using the search and google and checking the BORN. I thought I had read here that it was not allowed in certain states, I'm wondering about MA. Thanks!

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Transplant, Education.

Most facilities do not allow it, for liability reasons. I have heard of some facilities turning their head or having a don't ask don't tell policy when it comes to their techs passing the boards, but my facility did not allow me to stay on as a tech once I passed my boards. My floor threw me a party on my last night before the exam, and after I found out I passed, I could no longer come back to work. Made for a tough summer, financially, because due to the glut, I am not starting work till within the next few weeks.

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No RNs and LPNs cannot work as CNAs. I have had nursing students have to leave their CNA positions once they finish school.

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Thanks. I just don't see how I'm going to get a job in this market unless I'm already working for a hospital that will hire new grads again this winter. I have heard a rumor about one hospital in MA that is hiring RNs as CNAs right now. So it is not technically illegal or jeopardizing my license, it is up to the hospital??

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Specializes in Med/Surg.
Thanks. I just don't see how I'm going to get a job in this market unless I'm already working for a hospital that will hire new grads again this winter.

I don't understand "why" you want to work as a CNA when you are a new grad?

Hospitals realize that new grads needs a longer orientation time, they don't just throw you in as if you are a seasoned nurse.

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Binkie - I don't want to work as a CNA! ;) MA hospitals are pretty much only hiring internal candidates to their new grad programs. Many of these hospitals weren't even able to hire all their CNAs that graduated this year (one particular hospital in my area had 14 CNAs graduate this May and only had 7 slots in their new grad program). So that leaves no chance at all for the rest of us to get hired as a new RN. I guess this happened in 1993 also, there were tons of new grads and no positions for them. The reason I was interested in the CNA opportunity is because I heard one place is hiring new grad RNs as CNAs now and will put them through their RN orientation early next year when the preceptors and budget are available. I'm worried that if I'm not an internal candidate when the next round of opportunities come up this winter, I will be in the same position I am in right now, along with loads of other unemployed new grads in MA.

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Hospitals are not the only place a RN can work. Clinics hire RN ( often new grads), Skilled nursing facilities, places like Spaulding rehab and New England Sinai.

Don't give up, be flexible. I don't think working as a CNA after obtaining your RN will help you get a position.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

:yeahthat: Also home health, outpatient surgery centers, public health department, LTC, anything to get your proverbial foot in the door and get some experience. Best of Luck. That's a tough situation for you. I'm sorry you're having to deal with this.

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Hospitals are not the only place a RN can work. Clinics hire RN ( often new grads), Skilled nursing facilities, places like Spaulding rehab and New England Sinai.

Don't give up, be flexible. I don't think working as a CNA after obtaining your RN will help you get a position.

This makes me feel so good. I am starting RN school tomorrow so I know I have plenty of time (and let me pass) before I have to worry about getting a job. All I have been reading on this site is how nobody can find jobs...and my thought was exactly what you wrote. There "has" to be some sort of job out there for new RNs. Sure everyone wants the big hospitals in Boston but aren't there other places to get jobs too?? At least to start and get some experience and then I would hope it would be much easier to get into a Boston hospital. Right??

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Transplant, Education.
This makes me feel so good. I am starting RN school tomorrow so I know I have plenty of time (and let me pass) before I have to worry about getting a job. All I have been reading on this site is how nobody can find jobs...and my thought was exactly what you wrote. There "has" to be some sort of job out there for new RNs. Sure everyone wants the big hospitals in Boston but aren't there other places to get jobs too?? At least to start and get some experience and then I would hope it would be much easier to get into a Boston hospital. Right??

Here's hoping. I personally am starting out in sub-acute due to the glut, with plans to go to ICU someday. Many new grads are being advised to try SNFs, LTACs, rehabs, etc...some people I know are still having no luck.

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Specializes in thoracic, cardiology, ICU.

I'm pretty sure it's frowned upon since you'll always be held by the standards of the higher license. I did clinicals in new hampshire and one guy was an RN but would take on extra shifts as an aide which i always thought was kind of odd. in MA i'm not sure, but i doubt it's done much in acute care settings anyway

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I'm pretty sure it's frowned upon since you'll always be held by the standards of the higher license. I did clinicals in new hampshire and one guy was an RN but would take on extra shifts as an aide which i always thought was kind of odd. in MA i'm not sure, but i doubt it's done much in acute care settings anyway

"Frowned upon...?"

Why should a licensed, experienced, RN NOT be allowed to work as a CNA?

In a tight labor market, perhaps this represents a realistic (though undesirable) choice.

MD=RN=LVN=CNA.

What "qualifies a CNA" when someone with more experience/knowledge is willing to work for less?

I'd rather be a CNA, using my knowledge/expertise, than an unemployed RN trying to find work.

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