Fingerprinting process might delay my entrance

[DesertRain]

Aside from waiting for my NLN results, now I have another problem. I am in CNA training to get extra points towards my entry into the ADN program and in order for me to claim my CNA status I have to have a license. Well in order to have my CNA license I need to get fingerprinted. I just went to get my fingerprints today and they said it could take up to 4 months or longer for the state BON to get my fingerprinting results back which is June and past the completion deadline for my application to the ADN program. I asked the girl if it really could take that long or if they say that just in case something goes wrong and she told me that she has seen perfectly cleared fingerprints take 4 months or longer, just like she said. Even though the CNA program will totally help me in my RN studies, I'm so upset about the effort and the money I have put into it, that I really couldn't afford but did it to help with my application. So, I have a question. If I have completed my course and passed my state boards is there any type of temporary license issued to me while the BON waits on my fingerprints so that I can provide my Nursing school with evidence that I am in fact certified? I'm so bummed right now.

[caliotter3]

You should have used the Livescan process, it only takes from 2-3 wks. If you can scrounge the money why not do it again Livescan? Am assuming that Livescan is an option in your state. And as for your last ?, most programs realize and make provisions for the "bureuacratic" process for everything. Otherwise it would be easy and smooth for everyone concerned. Just ask at your school, somebody should be able to advise you. Good luck. And don't get discouraged if the glitch slows you up, it happens to most people along the way. You should just mentally factor glitches into your process from newbie to nurse.

[caliotter3]

I thought about your situation some more. If it comes up, anything that documents your graduation from the CNA course and your paperwork to apply for the certification should be proof enough for your purposes. Just list on your application for school the info you have at the time you fill the papers out, i.e. graduated from CNA course on date, applied for cert on date, awaiting completion by certifying auth. Hope this helps.

Also, wanted you to know, that having read your post......I got the impression that you have displayed initiative.... many people that are in your "competition category" will not have even done the iminimum of getting CNA training. Suggest you get some kind of NA employment. Nrsg homes will hire people pending cert. That would show even more initiative and goal-oriented behavior on your part. Look forward to you becoming a licensed nurse! We need more motivated people like you!

[arpeggiated]

I just finished my CNA course, and I haven't got my certificate from the state yet. I do, however, have a printout of my grades, a certificate the school sent me, and my score reports saying I passed. The state application I sent in also says that after I have submitted all the paperwork and passed the test, I am eligible to be hired as a CNA pending clearance from the Justice Department.

[DesertRain]

I thought about your situation some more. If it comes up, anything that documents your graduation from the CNA course and your paperwork to apply for the certification should be proof enough for your purposes. Just list on your application for school the info you have at the time you fill the papers out, i.e. graduated from CNA course on date, applied for cert on date, awaiting completion by certifying auth. Hope this helps.

Also, wanted you to know, that having read your post......I got the impression that you have displayed initiative.... many people that are in your "competition category" will not have even done the iminimum of getting CNA training. Suggest you get some kind of NA employment. Nrsg homes will hire people pending cert. That would show even more initiative and goal-oriented behavior on your part. Look forward to you becoming a licensed nurse! We need more motivated people like you!

Thanks so much for your advice! I appreciate it. The place I went to actually used Livescan and it's the Department of Public Safety and FBI that informs of the 2-4 month process so it's a problem with the state and not the method I used unfortunately. But that could also be due to state politics and the geography of where the state capitol is...but that's a political science gripe,not a nursing one lol. I also just wanted to thank you for what you said about my initiative, you have no idea how much that meant to me. The CNA program is not required in my school but I know that it's a win/win situation once I am accepted into the program as I know the experience I will gain doing it will help me (mentally and educationally). I also enrolled in a Medical Terminology course that isn't required but I am looking out for the long run and want to succeed in my actual ADN studies and not just jump in the deep end, you know? So it really means a lot to me for someone to recognize that. I have been told that I would be able to apply for an NA position as well even prior to the actual license being issued so I'm glad you mentioned that as I can now look even further into it but honestly, taking the CNA course has already enlightened me and if I don't get in for fall, I can work as a CNA and gain even more experience and respect for every aspect of the nursing team while I wait for the spring semester. Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my post!

[DesertRain]

I just finished my CNA course, and I haven't got my certificate from the state yet. I do, however, have a printout of my grades, a certificate the school sent me, and my score reports saying I passed. The state application I sent in also says that after I have submitted all the paperwork and passed the test, I am eligible to be hired as a CNA pending clearance from the Justice Department.

Congratulations on your pass! I wish you the best and hope yours gets in soon too!