Finised ONe full year of nursing school now how do I get my CNA!!!!!!!

nurz2be · Dec 18, 2008

I just became a senior in nursing school and everyone has been telling me I can now get my CNA license just like that!
But how do I get the license, do i just show my classes i passed to an emploer or do I have to apply for it somewhere thanks?????

I don't know where you are but the area of Florida that I am in, once we are done with Fundamentals we can get jobs as "aids" or nursing "techs" without having a "license." As long as we bring proof we are in a nursing school and passed Fundamentals we can do so.

Check with your local hospitals......

GOOD LUCK

paganoid · Dec 18, 2008

I volunteered to help first year faculty sort this problem out. I learned that the CNA licensing system here in California is very tortuous and impenetrable, designed to funnel applicants to various employers who sponsor the training. (Yes, it's a bit more complicated than that; I'm collapsing my research into a brief posting.)

At least here in my part of California, the easiest way for a level 2 nursing student to become a CNA is to present yourself to the personnel office of the SNF where you did your first year clinical rotation and talk to the hiring manager. It helps if you established a connection or two while you're doing that SNF rotation so they both remember you and like you.

Good luck!

Not_A_Hat_Person, RN · Dec 19, 2008

In my state (MA), you have to get a letter from your nursing program, stating how many clinical and classroom hours you've had, then go to the Red Cross for a practical exam. Once you pass that, you get your CNA certificate.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Dec 19, 2008

In Texas you need a certificate from the State. Better call a local hospital and find out what your state requires.

Reno1978, BSN, RN · Dec 19, 2008

Check with your Board of Nursing for requirements for this certification.

lizmatt · Dec 19, 2008

It really depends on your state. In PA, you have to take the certification test (as I would assume to be a certified nursing assistant in any state you would need to do) But, as a nursing student you can bypass the CNA class needed to qualify to take the test.

You need to check with the people who handle the testing (here it is through the red cross) to see what they require.

You may also qualify for jobs that don't require the certification like an assisted living facility or a hospital.

ZooMommyRN, ADN, RN · Dec 19, 2008

The ifnormation should be available to you on your state's BON site as well as the necessary applications, in FL you can challenge the exam and your clinical instructor can fill out the competency form, some hospitals don't require the actual CNA license if you are a nursing student, but if you already have it when you apply, then you are 2 steps ahead of someone who doesn't.