NEW CNA GRADUATE!

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Hello All,

I recently graduated from a CNA course here in South Florida (Feb. 17) and I was wondering if it is actually possible to work being just certified rather than licensed? If so, is there a significant difference in pay? Currently unemployed, I can't afford the $127 to obtain licensure. My plan is to do some private duty work and await my acceptance letter into the LPN program for the June start date. (soo excited)!!!! Thanks in advance for any repsonses!! :heartbeat

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Specializes in LTC.

I'm not sure what you mean. If took a CNA course and passed the test, then you're a certified nursing assistant, and you can work as a CNA until you finish LPN school and pass the NCLEX.

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I think she is saying she graduated the class but hasnt taken the state exam yet. I think some places will let you work for 90-120 days before you take the state exam and get certified. (but so far a friend of mine has had no luck.she failed the state exam and most places are telling her she needs the certification,before they will hire her)

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I think she is saying she graduated the class but hasnt taken the state exam yet. I think some places will let you work for 90-120 days before you take the state exam and get certified. (but so far a friend of mine has had no luck.she failed the state exam and most places are telling her she needs the certification,before they will hire her)

Thanks for your responses ladies! That's exactly what I meant. So basically I have to take the state test in order to work. I'm sorry your friend has had a hard time. Is she planning to retest? I heard the examiners are no joke! Well, I' m going to try and find some folks who just need assistance going to the store, Dr's appt's, salon (lol) etc... and go from there. Hopefully, I can do this while in school to earn some money. Thanks again!!

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Hi favored.....your welcome and thanks so much for asking about my friend. she is gonna retest march 9th . send her prayers(please) I feel so bad for her. btw . we became friends thru our CNA course:D GOODLUCK TO YOU in all future endeavors,I'm sure you'll do well.{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}Michelle

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Most places allow you to work 90 days without being state certified, so long as you passed the course. Go ahead and apply. I'm working as a CNA right now, having finished my class at the end of January and not testing till March. You might be able to find something :)

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Hi Michelle, just checking in to see what's new on the site. Thanks for the well wishes and I'm keeping your friend in my prayers, Lord knows, I would want someone to do the same for me ;)

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thanks favored1 her test is today. I hope and pray she passes this time! I will let ya know.

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Specializes in CNA.

I am pretty sure you can work as a CNA for 60-120 days, it is different for each state, i think...Then you have to get your certification by taking the state exam, you can call the health department in your state to find out... Good luck:flwrhrts:

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Hi CNAMichelle, How did things fair out for your friend? I hope it's good news. Been offline for a few days, I'm back in business now though! Well, look forward to hearing from ya. BTW, I've applied for a few CNA jobs and haven't heard anything yet but I'll keep hope alive, lol!

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Hi Favored,I made a post about it,my friend didnt pass again!!! I feel soo bad for her. she has failed 3 times now,and she is appealing the first one(long story) but if they deny her appeal she has to re-take the whole class,and our old NAT manager told me that she cant retest for 2 yrs! I just feel really bad for her. thanks so much for asking tho! you are a sweetheart!

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Don't have any advice but congratulations on becoming a CNA!

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