Need advice on challenging for a CNA test

Sour Lemon · Jul 1, 2017

Hello everyone. I have recently decided to accomplish my goal in life by going to college to get my LPN degree. Sad to say, I failed my spring semester in LPN program. I have dedicated two years of study to become a nurse, and I am not giving up yet! I would like to become a CNA, and save up to take spring semester LPN program again next year, if they have room for me. My question is, since I have done the clinical hours, and studies, can I challenge to just take CNA test, instead of taking all basically again?

You will need to look at your state's requirements.

tyvin, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2017

When I got my RN license I was in a state where the island I was on only had 2 hospitals and 2 LTC facilities. Someone had to die before a position was availible.

I had to make a decision if I was going to buck it up to get my foot in the door somewhere and I did. I took a CNA job. I had to perform at my license level nonetheless. In my state anyone can challenge the CNA testing. I was in the office and the manager said "OK; let's have you take the CNA testing for certification as a CNA." Uh...OK? The main thing with the testing was; it was a breeze except for the transferring stuff.

I had no idea how to do many of the transferring trechniques I was asked to perform but the manager was very helpful and taught me. It was embarrassing that an RN could not transfer the way a CNA is expected to know. The whole experience was humbling and made me appreciate our CNAs even more. This was over 2 decades ago.

I worked as a CNA for a year and than was hired as an RN. Now when I see an RN say that's it not their job to do something the CNA usually does, and goes and tracks down the CNA taking longer for a 4 minute task...I shake my head. There are always exceptions to this but usually it's the RN thinking the task was beneath their position.

You do what you need to do in this world to make it work. Good luck to you and congratulations of pursuing your goals. Research CNA challenge testing in your state.