Nursing Student = CNA?

U.S.A. Florida

Published

Specializes in Oncology/Nephrology/Medical.

Hi,

I am a nursing student who is almost half way through my program. I need to know if nursing students in Florida can work as a CNA in a hospital.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

I am not from Florida but a lot of my classmates work as CNA and aids...I don't think that being in nursing school automatically makes you a CNA, you probably have to take the test to actually become certified (is there a test for CNA?) but they may higher you anyway considering at this point you know as much and more than a CNA; but more than likely you will only beable to do the scope of a CNA unless you are IV certified or somthing like that.

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I had heard that after your first semester of school you can work as a CNA....double check with your program director though...

Good luck!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Yes. Some hospitals will hire you as a "tech" and you don't have to be certified through the state. Their hope of course is that you stay on an work for them when you graduate.

Good luck and start applying for jobs!

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You can do it in my state, but you have to take your transcpripts, fingerprints and money to the state and get a license. No test, though.

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Specializes in ER, Med-surg.

You aren't actually a CNA just for being in nursing school, but you can challenge the CNA test (ie, take it without having a CNA course completed) and if you've passed fundamentals, you'll pass the CNA test. Or you can work at many hospitals as a tech or an extern, doing pretty much the same stuff as a CNA (but maybe paid less).

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Many of the hospitals around here will hire "professional student nurses" after completion of one semester of clinicals. The role is essentially that of a glorified CNA, however, you are typically allowed to perform skills you've completed in school as you progress (ie, no medications, but foleys, NGTs, IVs, practice assessments, etc).

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Anyone in Florida can challenge test for the CNA. I have a friend that just did it Tuesday in Orlando and passed. I think it cost her about 60.00

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Here in the Tampa area you can work as a PCT after the first semester. They will start you at $12-$14/hr. After the third semester you can take the LPN boards as well.

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Specializes in Neonatal.

After completing your first semester of Nursing school, you can work as a "Nurse Tech" (equivalent to PCT or the old CNA) at Tampa General. You get paid more than a PCT/CNA.

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After completing your first semester of Nursing school, you can work as a "Nurse Tech" (equivalent to PCT or the old CNA) at Tampa General. You get paid more than a PCT/CNA.

Any ideas on how to get a job as a tech? I have been applying for months, and now I will be graduating in less than 8 months. It doesn't seem like they want students. I would like to get some experience before than. I have been trying to get in a Mease, All Children's, and I haven't seen any spots at Tampa. Do you work there? If so, get me in:)

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

Have you applied to all those places online? Have you checked the Sunday papers for job fairs? Are you willing to work any shift, just to get your foot in the door? How about any entry level job? As in, if you can't get a PCT job, how about Transporter, Unit Secretary, or something like that?

Because once you get your foot in the door, you can transfer after 6 months and they usually like to hire from within. ;)

Right now they may not be hiring because it's the slow season, but it sure doesn't hurt to get your resume up to date and sent around to all the recruiters. Check the online job boards daily and be open to suggestions.

Best of luck to you!

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