Job offer but not state tested yet

[Dresdenchick]

I am just finishing up my STNA certification class. I did update my resume on Career Builder even though I won't be able to take the state test for a couple of weeks. I didn't expect anything to come of it, but today I got a call from the place I did my clinicals at and was planning on applying to, they found my resume!

I don't know what to do know. Should I call and tell them I am not tested yet, but will be in a couple of weeks? Should I just not call back and wait to put in my resume when I am tested? Not really sure what I should do here, never been in this situation before.

[caliotter3]

Call them and tell them what the situation is. In my state you can work up to four months before it is required that you be certified. Perhaps you can start your job prior to the test. Although if this happens, they will probably pay you less until you get your certification. Good luck.

[Dresdenchick]

I won't be able to take the test for two weeks. Do you think that they will be interested in holding out for me? I know the are hiring a lot of people so it's possible.

[CoffeemateCNA]

It's possible they would hold the position for you, but in my experience, LTC facilities just want to get empty positions filled ASAP, even if it means hiring other candidates. They have high turnover rates and often just need warm bodies to fill staffing ratios. Like Caliotter said, call them and explain to them that you will not be taking the state exam for another two weeks. Ask if they will hire you as a an uncertified nurse assistant (NA) in the meantime. Then, when you receive your certification you can turn it into your employer and have them "promote" you to CNA/STNA.