Is it a bad idea to go back to school for a CNA license after graduating as LVN?

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I was thinking of getting my CNA license but I've heard I can lose my LVN license if I work as a CNA? Is this a myth? I'm in California

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In most states nursing assistants get certified through the health department, not licensed. I don't know if California has licenses or certificates but it doesn't really matter. If you get hired as a CNA you are still held to the standards of your LVN license. You can't say you're only a CNA, you aren't working there as a nurse because they aren't paying you as a nurse. You will still be held to the practice of a nurse and being paid as a CNA. Why would you do that?

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Extra Pickles said:
in most states nursing assistants get certified through the health department, not licensed. I don't know if California has licenses or certificates but it doesn't really matter. If you get hired as a CNA you are still held to the standards of your LVN license. You can't say you're only a CNA, you aren't working there as a nurse because they aren't paying you as a nurse. You will still be held to the practice of a nurse and being paid as a CNA. Why would you do that?

just to get my foot in the door, the CNA course is 3months(I think). I was thinking if I work as a CNA for 6months to a year eventually I can move up to the lvn position at the same place.

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As a nurse, you are already qualified to work as a nursing assistant. That being said, CNA experience does not count as nursing experience. You would still be an inexperienced nurse- which is what you are now ...and an employer would likely be reluctant to hire an LVN for a CNA position for a variety of reasons.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

In California, completion of the first semester or quarter of a nursing program renders you eligible to take the state test to become a CNA. Returning to school to become a CNA would be a waste of time if you already have the education.

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CA LVNs are not allowed a CNA certificate. You can obtain CNA work with your LVN license if you can find an employer willing to hire you in that position.

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caliotter3 said:
CA LVNs are not allowed a CNA certificate. You can obtain CNA work with your LVN license if you can find an employer willing to hire you in that position.

Can you elaborate? What do you mean they are not allowed a CNA certificate? The problem is I can't find any employer that would hire a CNA position with lvn license only. And how would they know if you're a license lvn when going in only applying for CNA position?

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Virtual said:
Can you elaborate? What do you mean they are not allowed a CNA certificate? The problem is I can't find any employer that would hire a CNA position with lvn license only. And how would they know if you're a license lvn when going in only applying for CNA position?

The BON for RNs does state that dual licensure is not permitted. An RN can't get an LVN license or a CNA certification. I'm unsure if the same rule exists for LVNs, but it's not hard to believe that it might.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Virtual said:
The problem is I can't find any employer that would hire a CNA position with lvn license only.

...Because the employer assumes you'll make a beeline for the exit door and quit once you find a licensed nursing job that actually pays you a living wage.

Most reputable employers do not want to invest in a newly hired employee who is going to quit for greener pastures in relatively short order. A nurse who is working below his/her licensure level for low pay is a prime candidate for someone who would resign if a better opportunity arose.

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TheCommuter said:
In California, completion of the first semester or quarter of a nursing program renders you eligible to take the state test to become a CNA. Returning to school to become a CNA would be a waste of time if you already have the education.

but if I did go back to school for CNA certification, will that make my lvn license null? I heard it cancels it out so in the future I can't work as an lvn..?

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

It is pointless to go get a CNA certification when you already have your LVN license. The LVN scope includes the CNA scope and gaining a higher certification level usually invalidates the lower level certification. If you already had your CNA before becoming an LVN the BON would most likely inactivate your CNA certification, and hold you to the active LVN license.

I have no idea why you would want to spend time and money to go backwards in certification that would then be invalidated the certification you already have. Focus your energies on finding work as an LVN.

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CNA certification was taken away from CA licensed nurses in 1994.

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