Failed NCLEX, need a job, can I be a CNA in CA?

neuron · Nov 21, 2012

I believe if you have proof of completion of nursing school, you can take the exam. When I took mine there was an R.N. taking it and he did not know how to put on a transfer belt. Make sure you know how to do that.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 30, 2012

You can take the certification exam without completing a CNA program. However, workplaces will be unlikely to hire you because they fear you'll jump ship and quit once you do pass NCLEX. In general, workplaces are leery of spending the time, money, and effort on a worker who will be likely to seek other opportunities as soon as they have the nursing license in their possession.

funtimes · Dec 1, 2012

I believe if you have proof of completion of nursing school, you can take the exam. When I took mine there was an R.N. taking it and he did not know how to put on a transfer belt. Make sure you know how to do that.

If that had been a CNA student, that person would have undoubtedly failed the test, but im sure they passed the GN. To the OP, CNA rules seem to vary by state, so I dont know specifics about California, but you could possibly work as a PCT in a hospital even without being a CNA.

If you do take the skills exam to be a CNA, just beware, although none of it is rocket science, some of the skills can make you look foolish if you dont know what your doing, as the gate belt guy found out. If your a graduate nurse, theyd probably pass you no matter how you did, so long as you didnt do something like roll a manniken onto the floor while doing a bed bath.

Acton · Dec 2, 2012

I'm a nursing student as well, and during my CNA class last summer, we had a GN in our class (didn't take the NCLEX yet) and he failed the class! He was really arrogant and he ****** off the instructor, he couldn't understand the concept of lowering/raising the bed rails either. . . go figure.

ckypp · Dec 6, 2012

You can take the certification exam without completing a CNA program. However, workplaces will be unlikely to hire you because they fear you'll jump ship and quit once you do pass NCLEX. In general, workplaces are leery of spending the time, money, and effort on a worker who will be likely to seek other opportunities as soon as they have the nursing license in their possession.

Thanks for the reply.

Let's say I do get an interview for a CNA position, would it be wise to emphasize a certain level of loyalty if they were to hire me? Telling them I will work for them as an RN as soon as I pass the NCLEX?

But in the event I do not find a job as a CNA/PCT/UAP, should I just find some other part time job at the mall or what? I already have a part time job for a catering company but it's not enough to pay the bills.

ckypp · Dec 6, 2012

If that had been a CNA student, that person would have undoubtedly failed the test, but im sure they passed the GN. To the OP, CNA rules seem to vary by state, so I dont know specifics about California, but you could possibly work as a PCT in a hospital even without being a CNA.
If you do take the skills exam to be a CNA, just beware, although none of it is rocket science, some of the skills can make you look foolish if you dont know what your doing, as the gate belt guy found out. If your a graduate nurse, theyd probably pass you no matter how you did, so long as you didnt do something like roll a manniken onto the floor while doing a bed bath.

I probably would roll the mannequin onto the floor. I don't know my own strength :wacky: That last part is pretty reassuring, but I would be really nervous for the skills test because it's been so long since I've had clinical experience. Hopefully I can find a job as a PCT without taking the test. However, I will review my fundamentals and all the skills required of a CNA.

I'm a nursing student as well, and during my CNA class last summer, we had a GN in our class (didn't take the NCLEX yet) and he failed the class! He was really arrogant and he ****** off the instructor, he couldn't understand the concept of lowering/raising the bed rails either. . . go figure.

The concept is so simple though! You raise the bed rails so that the patient has no where to escape your wrath as you force a 30 French urinary catheter into their urinary meatus.

All kidding aside, my bet is that GN isn't suited for bedside nursing. He should go into nursing research or teaching, or something else entirely haha

Thank you all for the replies.

Graduation2016 · Dec 6, 2012

You could also apply for a nurse tech position. Pays a bit more than a CNA and they are usually available for students who have completed their first semester of school. Also the job duties include a bit more than what a CNA does. Good luck!

ghimiresabina · Dec 7, 2012

where do u live in california?they are hiring in paediatric hospital in loma linda.............if this helps and need more info .............feel free to email me [email protected]

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Dec 7, 2012

duplicate threads merged.....:)

jstbpositive · Feb 23, 2013

go to www.bvnp.com website and apply to challenge the exam as a cna they just ask you to send your credential

BORI-BSNRN, BSN, RN · Feb 23, 2013

I have a BSN and Im working as a Medical Assistant I didn't have to take any tests at all, also they know I'm studying to take the nclex RN they hired me w/o any problems. Unfortunately they don't hire RN's just LPN's so they already know if I pass the test ill leave the facility...good luck finding a job!! Hopefully we will pass the Nclex RN!!!