Lost Certificate, can't apply to Nursing Program?

[clover2012]

I have been taking classes at my local community college to get into the RN program. I love in Washington State. I took Nursing 90 in the Spring of 2011 which is the same as a Nursing Assistant Certified course. However, I didn't take the state test for NAC licensure because I was just planning on going straight into the program and not working as an NAC. Just now as I am getting my stuff together to apply for Fall 2014, I find out that even though the course (which is 8 credits, EXPENSIVE, and I worked my BUTT off in and got an "A") is on my transcript, right there, saying I completed it, I also have to turn in, along with the application, my official Certificate of Completion of the course (which I don't even remember them giving me, but they must have because the Allied Health Secretary said they did).

Now...it's been 2 1/2 years since that was given to me, and I don't keep papers around for long in my house. I can't find it anywhere! I've torn the place apart, frustrated and on the verge of tears. I've been told by my Educational Planner that they'll make me re-take the course if I don't have it!! I'm freaking out! I'm also confused as to why something so important wouldn't be documented in a computer system somewhere, and why it something so important would rely on a piece of paper. Are all certifications like this, where unless you have the literal physical document there is no proof?

So my questions are: is this normal? Does your school have the same requirements? Am I missing something here? What do I do?

I would just take the state skills test however I believe they also require a Certificate of Completion from an accredited course in order to take it!! Help!

[loriangel14, RN]

Why don't you just ask them for another certificate?

[krisiepoo]

I had to have physical proof, but we also had to take the state exam to get into the nursing program.

so, your college issues this certificate? Am I understanding you correctly? And they're saying they don't have it either? Have you contacted the teacher?

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Whatever entity issued your original certificate will send you a new one. Calm down and give them a call and ask; if they want a small fee for it, pay it.

This may not be the first time you lose something you will need later (think: CE certificates you'll need for relicensure or recertifications) so use this experience to start scanning everything you ever earn and filing it electronically. Bingo! No more paper files, and the ability to print out a new one prn anytime. Great New Year's resolution, and more likely to be helpful than, oh, lose ten pounds and get a serious gym habit.

[RunBabyRN]

I'm with these guys- wherever you went to school should be able to reissue you a cert.

Also, check with your program before assuming your educational planner is correct. I've found that I get different info from each of them. Get it from the horse's mouth.

Also, for certs like this, you WILL want to come up with some sort of filing system for them. Hold onto EVERYTHING for nursing school. I have all of my imms and certifications in one place, because you never know when they may be needed.

[Jenngirl34RN]

I go to Bellevue College and I know that if we need a replacement certificate we can get one by going to the NAC program chair and asking for a new one. Which college did you go to? I am sure they have fairly similar rules, since most of the nursing programs in WA (at least all of the ones I looked at) require the certificate to apply and/or start.