Get your CNA license!

memphispanda, RN · Mar 9, 2003

Surely that is a state to state (or even facility to facility) type of thing. We don't have to have a CNA license to be in school, so I can't imagine that being any sort of condition of employment. But it does make sense that if you are employed conditional to passing boards that you wouldn't be employed if you fail.

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Mar 9, 2003

Ya we don't have to have anything like that here (Oklahoma) either. I have never heard of such a thing, that is really terrible that that is happening!

Marilyn

tonchitoRN · Mar 9, 2003

yes, it happens. in florida you are allowed to take the lpn exam approx. midway through the RN program. one person in my class did fail but he had the lpn to fall back on.

SN Gone Crazy · Mar 9, 2003

Here in San Antonio I heard that if you fail your boards that you are demoted to a PCA and you are given another chance to take and pass it. Also, a lot of hospitals will have tutors and classes to help you study and past the second time.

I Know God Will Not Give Me More Than I Can Handle. I Just Wish He Didn't Trust Me So Much. _ Mother Theresa

moonshadeau, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, APN, NP, CNS · Mar 9, 2003

Just from the brief search that I have conducted many states do not allow you to practice as a Graduate nurse post failure of boards. In fact your grad license immediately becomes deactivated.

I just wanted you guys to know so that you could have an action plan. You need to know what your state board of nursing says about what you can do if you fail and also what the policy is of those institutions that you are interested in working.

Ortho_RN · Mar 9, 2003

Well at the hospital I work at now, if you fail your boards, then you are automatically dropped down to PCA status until you pass them.. They don't fire you

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2003

Just a reminder-

CNAs do not have licenses. They have certifications.

Most places where I've worked, grad practical nurses whom do not pass boards are demoted to CNA. Grad RNs whom do not pass boards are demoted back to LPN, if they already are licensed as an LPN. If not, they are demoted to CNA or let go.

moonshadeau, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, APN, NP, CNS · Mar 10, 2003

Originally posted by Hellllllo Nurse
Just a reminder-
CNAs do not have licenses. They have certifications.

Most places where I've worked, grad practical nurses whom do not pass boards are demoted to CNA. Grad RNs whom do not pass boards are demoted back to LPN, if they already are licensed as an LPN. If not, they are demoted to CNA or let go.

Tomato, tomatoe on the license thing.

You can't be demoted to an LPN if you have failed your RN NCLEX, you would have had to pass the NCLEX PN prior to taking the RN exam. Not all schools require you to have your CNA certificate to be enrolled. You can't be demoted to a CNA if you don't have it.

moonshadeau, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, APN, NP, CNS · Mar 10, 2003

and in Vermont, you are a licensed nursing assistant. BTW.

MishlB · Mar 10, 2003

Originally posted by moonshadeau
Just from the brief search that I have conducted many states do not allow you to practice as a Graduate nurse post failure of boards. In fact your grad license immediately becomes deactivated.

I just wanted you guys to know so that you could have an action plan. You need to know what your state board of nursing says about what you can do if you fail and also what the policy is of those institutions that you are interested in working.

Not true here.

Jenn_RN · Mar 10, 2003

Well, regardless of how it is in all states (which as we are learning all do things differently and have their own rules), I appreciate moonshadeau sharing what she's learned. If it helps one person, or helps us all learn the rules of our state so we can protect ourselves, then it was of great benefit to post about it. Thank you, Moonshadeau!!