LVN then work as CNA or caregiver?

NursKam, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 27, 2013

You definitely can work as a CNA in the state of California even if you are licensed as an LVN. I, too live in Fresno, CA and work as a CNA at a hospital here. I have many coworkers that are licensed as LVNs and work as CNAs to hold there positions at the hospital for when they finish their RN degree. One of them even works at another facility full time as an LVN and per diem as a CNA at our hospital. It is totally fine if you are still certified as a CNA. Don't give up on finding an LVN job here but if you choose to, you can find work as a CNA easily in the meantime. Best of luck to you! :)

NursKam, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 27, 2013

One more thing. I think it is a given, but if you work as a CNA you are only allowed to work within the scope of practice of a CNA. However, the hands on nursing experience may benefit you on future applications for LVN positions.

Fiona59 · Jul 27, 2013

But ai have to stay here my parents is here. Im still hoping they gonna call me for job especially in prisons

Are you financially responsible for your parents? Sometime you have to leave the nest to meet your goals.

westcoastguy · Jul 28, 2013

You definitely can work as a CNA in the state of California even if you are licensed as an LVN. I too live in Fresno, CA and work as a CNA at a hospital here. I have many coworkers that are licensed as LVNs and work as CNAs to hold there positions at the hospital for when they finish their RN degree. One of them even works at another facility full time as an LVN and per diem as a CNA at our hospital. It is totally fine if you are still certified as a CNA. Don't give up on finding an LVN job here but if you choose to, you can find work as a CNA easily in the meantime. Best of luck to you! :)[/quote']
Really?? I can work as CNA? Well that would be fine to me... As long as I'm in that would be fine.. i apply as med aide too in visalia. But theres no call yet. I did online applications still no call for interview. I went to fresno yesterday who's the DON is common friend of my classmates thats why I got introduce to her this monday Im gonna follow up my application to them she told me to call them though.

westcoastguy · Jul 28, 2013

One more thing. I think it is a given but if you work as a CNA you are only allowed to work within the scope of practice of a CNA. However, the hands on nursing experience may benefit you on future applications for LVN positions.[/quote']
This issue is so confusing to me... Some other says its not allowed some other say my lvn license is liable if I work as CNA. I really dont know whos Im gonna believe.

westcoastguy · Jul 28, 2013

Are you financially responsible for your parents? Sometime you have to leave the nest to meet your goals.

My parents are okay both of them are working, mom is working in naval base and my dad is working in correctional.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 28, 2013

This issue is so confusing to me... Some other says its not allowed some other say my lvn license is liable if I work as CNA. I really dont know whos Im gonna believe.

In the state of California you are allowed to work as a CNA, even if you have an LVN license. This is not allowed in other states, but California permits it.

However, people are attempting to inform you that you when you work as a CNA, you will be held to the standard of the highest level of licensure that you possess (read: your LVN license). So you'll be doing CNA tasks, but if a sentinel event takes place, the state BVNPT will hold you to the standard of a licensed nurse and expect you to do what a prudent nurse would do in the event of an emergency.

jigzawnurse28 · Jul 28, 2013

That's true with Texas too you can work as cna and get paid at cna level and get assignments for cna but in emergency situations you need to act and respond as LVN.

May Rceo, BSN, RN · Jul 29, 2013

I'm LVN here in California (Central Valley to be exact) I just past my boards last May then my name was appeared at the website last July 11. Since I received the letter that I passed I start looking and applying here. i start applying last june 6 till now.
I have active CNA license. Should apply as CNA or work as caregiver even I am a license nurse??? I'm sad I still waiting for interview calls. But still no job offers. Im planning to apply as CNA coz I work before in a Nursing and Rehab. i did volunteering in hospital and some private home nursing in our country. i have BSN but CA have their concurrency issues thats why I got denied to seat for nclex RN thats why I took nclex PN.
And I dont know if my resume is steong enough to enter the very competitive nursing job hunting here in CA.
I graduated BSN last 2009 (in our country)
work as Private Home Nurse (May-2009-Aug 2011)
I came here in US (Sept 2011)
Volunteer as childworker (feb 2012-march 2012)
Volunteer at Hospital (March 2012-aug 2012)
work as CNA (sept 2012--april 2013)
Took my nclex (may 2013)
Passed (june 2013)
See my name at website (july 2013)
Am I too late for job hunting thanks

Kabayan,

Congratulations for passing your exam. Me too I just passed last may and I'm a bsn back home. First advice, make some research online on how to make good resume. Second, make a list of nursing homes, assisted living, hospitals, sub acute and dialysis in your area and do apply online or ask for application as walk in. The more list you can make the more chances of getting a job. Third, check this agency maxim health care and go to careers. Key in your information like zip code and they will show you the available jobs available in your area. Fourth, you can check the q and a for interview that you can find on this web site for your future interview. http://www.wisebread.com/how-to-answer-23-of-the-most-common-interview-questions. I hope it can help.

May

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May Rceo, BSN, RN · Jul 29, 2013

Congratulations. I just passed also last may and BSN back home. First advice, search online in how to make good resume. Second, list all the hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living, dialysis in you area and make a online application or walk in. The more lists the more chances of having a job. Third, check this maxim health care agency and go to careers and key in your info and u am see the lvn jobs available. Fourth, check this web site for your future interview. http://www.wisebread.com/how-to-answer-23-of-the-most-common-interview-questions. I hope it can help you.

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westcoastguy · Jul 29, 2013

Congratulations. I just passed also last may and BSN back home. First advice search online in how to make good resume. Second, list all the hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living, dialysis in you area and make a online application or walk in. The more lists the more chances of having a job. Third, check this maxim health care agency and go to careers and key in your info and u am see the lvn jobs available. Fourth, check this web site for your future interview. http://www.wisebread.com/how-to-answer-23-of-the-most-common-interview-questions. I hope it can help you.
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Thanks.

May Rceo, BSN, RN · Jul 29, 2013

I applied at maxim and got a call this am. So don't loss hope.

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