Graduate LPN wants to work as CNA in Georgia until license is issued

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Dear colleagues,

1. Does anyone know if there is any legal impediment for a graduate PN that is waiting for her license to work as a CNA in the state of Georgia? Do I need a CNA certification even though I was in school for 2 years? I graduated in August 08 in Michigan but I am relocating to Georgia for personal reasons. The Georgia BON states that a PN cannot work without a Georgia License. That might take a while. I need to work asap so I would love to start working as a CNA to get acquainted with the nursing home environment and make some money until my licenses are issued.

2. Yes, I said licenses. I have applied for a Michigan license and will apply for a Georgia license by endorsement according to Georgia BON requirements. That leads to another question. Do you need to work in a state before you can transfer your license to another? I appreciate any help. I really need to go to Georgia soon.

Thanks,

Flo

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Specializes in Rehab, Geriatrics & School Nurse.

Hey u can find a couple of private duty jobs where u can work without a certification, but u can also go to assistant living facility too. I'm in the same boat as you are. I graduated from NY but currently live in Atlanta and applying for both too, but I was just reading on the GA BON site and it says that u have to have 3 months or 500 hours to apply, but I'm going to call them to see if I can get around it. I got my certififcation before I started the PN program cause I never knew if I needed it to fall back on(in this case I did) I've been out of school for 4yrs now..don't want to go back to NY right away to work....Keep me posted on what u find out...I would love to know what lies ahead. Where do u live in GA?

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Specializes in Rehab, Geriatrics & School Nurse.

oh yeah I forgot to add you can also apply at the independent living nursing facility as a medication aide and that will give u a lot of practice 2...

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Thanks so much for your answer but I was already offered a job but they don't know if I can work without certification, that's why I asked if anyone knows of a legal impediment. I guess I have to get in touch with GA BON but I don't like to call. I would rather e-mail but they don't have any address on their page. Things can get mixed up over the phone. I like things black and white. You already have a CNA certification, right? I don't. I am a graduate PN. I am in North Georgia. Are you in Atlanta? Did you go to school in NY for LPN? I am not sure I understand your situation. I will keep you posted and try to help you get your PN license.:nurse:

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Specializes in Rehab, Geriatrics & School Nurse.

Sorry for the confusion yes I'm certified CNA and yes im a grad PN from NY living in Atlanta. I'm thinking about taking my boards in Dec. I worked for Sunrise assisting living as a care giver and a lot of the girls didnt have a CNA certification. How far is north GA from Atlanta?

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Ok. That helps. That probably means she can give me the job. I just talked to her over the phone and she said she is going to check with HR and get back with me. I just got the ATT (authorization to test) and I will wait on her answer to schedule the test. I can take it here or there. If she can hire me right away I will take the test in GA. I can't wait to get there. I am stuck in MI right now and it is getting colder and colder...Have you heard of Ellijay or Cherry Log? It is about 1 and 1/2 hours drive from downtown Atlanta. It is a beautiful area.

Now about your PN license, you should apply for a license with the NY BON because that is where you went to school so you have the qualifications (credits). You can take the NCLEX in Atlanta and then once you get your license you apply for a GA license by endorsement. Ta-Da! That's it. It is not as hard as you think. I hope it works well for you.

Flo :nurse:

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Specializes in Rehab, Geriatrics & School Nurse.

Yeah that's what I plan on doing...Good luck!!!! Do we have to work as LPN once we pass in order receive endorsment?

Hope you get the job 2.....:nurse: keep me posted on how it work out

I

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Specializes in Rehab, Geriatrics & School Nurse.

Yeah that's what I plan on doing...Good luck!!!! Do we have to work as LPN once we pass in order receive endorsment?

Hope you get the job 2.....:nurse: keep me posted on how it work out

I think I have heard of the area..not sure.everything is far here...lol nothing is close

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That is a good question. I hope not. I wish someone else was watching this topic to answer this. Someone like this super moderator they have here. Her name is Susanne4. Unfortunately there is no contact for her :(. She would know the answer.

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Specializes in Rehab, Geriatrics & School Nurse.

Im going to call GA BON to see

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