LPN must obtain CNA cert to reenter school?

Nurses General Nursing

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Ok so this may turn out to be more of a rant than a question because right now Im really upset about it. I graduated with a diploma LPN and have been practicing for about 3 years now. I returned to the same school last year to begin taking required courses for ADN bridge program. I took all available courses and was rejected because most other applicants outranked me with A's in BIO courses (based on point system). So I thought I would apply to the next available ADN program (straight 5 semesters no credit for LPN) and was told I will need to take a CNA course and be listed as a CNA before being considered.

"But Im already an LPN" I explained to the advisor

"But you need to be a CNA or a Medtech to apply"

I tried to tell her as a practicing LPN I have CNA's and Medtechs that work under me and I believe my license allows me to work as a CNA but my pleas fell upon deft ears, being a nurse didnt matter, they want me to be a CNA

Have yall ever heard of this.Why should I have to get my CNA cert when I've already been licensed as a nurse.

This really frustrated me:mad:

Specializes in ICU.

That does suck - but from what I understand of your post, the community college I used to attend had the same rules.

The LPN-RN bridge program does not require a CNA (for obvious reasons), but if an LPN does not get accepted to that program, they have the option to apply for the full ADN program (what I gather from your post is that you didn't get in to the bridge so then applied to the full ADN). NOW those LPNs are expected to have met the same requirements of application as the non-nurses who have just completed their pre-reqs - including having an active CNA certificate in our state. No, it doesn't make any sense.

Definitely look into other schools and/or petition the nursing program at the one you applied to - hopefully they'll be reasonable and waive that requirement due to your credentials and experience.

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Specializes in Nursing Education, CVICU, Float Pool.

That doesn't make any sense. Almost all Nursing programs in NC, whether they be LPN, ADN, or BSN programs require listing as a CNA-I before entry into a program. I am not sure if the few diploma programs we have here in NC require CNA-I certification before entry or not. You already have the competency of a CNA because you're a Nurse! See what genius' we have operating in our nursing schools sometimes! Lolz!!! Jk! Maybe she was simply misinformed or thoroughly confused. Idk. I hope you find a program!

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My school required a CNA course or HHA course before entrance into the program but that certainly shouldn't be the case for students that are already nurses. I would take this up the ladder. It's a waste of your time and money.

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Specializes in Medical Surgical Orthopedic.

Wow....thanks for the laugh. I would have started to think that the air was thinner in that office. Seriously- I would have been waiting for the oxygen masks to drop from the ceiling.

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While I don't agree with having to get your CNA certificate prior to applying to ADN programs when you are just starting out and not a nurse - neither of these examples is what the OP gave.

She is already a licensed practical nurse. She's a nurse. And she's been working as a nurse for 3 years.

She shouldn't have to do the CNA cert in order to become an RN.

That's just crazy.

At my school in NC they don't care if you are a nurse, doctor, or anything else. The Dean of nursing spoke those exact words to me. This only applies if you are apply to the ADN program, not the bridge program specifically for RN's. There are 2 community colleges that people in my area can go to and one is an hour away, along with any other BSN schools, so there are not really any other options and they can do what they want. It may be a NC thing though because someone else posted that it was a requirement in NC as well. I wasn't saying it was right but around here it is what it is. If you want to get into the straight ADN program you take CNA regardless.

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At my school in NC they don't care if you are a nurse, doctor, or anything else. The Dean of nursing spoke those exact words to me. This only applies if you are apply to the ADN program, not the bridge program specifically for RN's. There are 2 community colleges that people in my area can go to and one is an hour away, along with any other BSN schools, so there are not really any other options and they can do what they want. It may be a NC thing though because someone else posted that it was a requirement in NC as well. I wasn't saying it was right but around here it is what it is. If you want to get into the straight ADN program you take CNA regardless.

Thanks. :up:

It is still crazy.

steph

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UPDATE----I did go above that person to the dean of the nursing program. I was applying to the straight ADN program because the bridge program was highly competive with less than 20 seats available, the ADN had 80 seats available so I figured i had a better chance (especially since i was already a nurse).According to her, they do not accept LPNs into that program. They figured no LPN would want to start over from the beginning and do the 5 full semesters and apparently I was the first one to try. I figured since its the school I want to go to (excellent program/instructors), its close to home, affordable and with the scehdule I need it would be worth it to me to do an extra 2 semesters of work. Well she says they will reevaluate the requirements for admission but obvioulsy no changes will be made in time for me to be admitted. Oh well, im a firm believer in 'everything happens for a reason' and im sure theres a path meant for me, this school is just no going to be it. Thanks for all the replies

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Based upon the dean's statement to you, I would certainly look elsewhere. Obviously this school is biased against LPNs and they do not mind letting that negative attitude show.

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I think you should thank your lucky stars they wont let you apply. If they interpret their rules so rigidly as to be ridiculous, can you imagine being a student in that type of environment? You'll spend the program battling overly literal administrators drunk on their bureaucratic power.

If the point of being a CNA is to get experience in healthcare and to make sure they admit people who have a good understanding of what RNs do.....as an LPN youve certainly met that requirement and then some!

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