Question

[Savvy20RN, BSN, RN]

So, I just recently received my license to practice as an RN. June 30th to be exact. I'm not currently certified to perform CPR. I didn't have the $55 dollars to pay for the certification. Hence, why I need a job. I was offered a position in acute care and Tuesday I have to go fill out the paperwork. One of the requirements is that I need to bring a CPR card...See my problem? I just got the money to take a CPR course (thank you God), but now it may be too late to even attend one. The course I want to take is tomorrow. I've tried calling the instructors, but no one answers. Urgh

I'm not scheduled to start working until August 22 so I have plenty of time to get certified before then. Do you think they will allow me to get certified after the paperwork has been completed on Tuesday? I could just bring in my CPR card at a later date when I can finally find a course in this area to take. I hope this doesn't slow the process down.

[Savvy20RN, BSN, RN]

No answers?

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

Well, since this isn't a chat room but a discussion forum, 3 1/2 hours isn't a long time to wait for a response. It's also quite possible that no one CAN answer your question other than the hiring manager. Generally speaking, without a current CPR certification a nurse will not be permitted to work as a nurse. I was in a similar situation when I came into the job I currently hold. My previous employer only required biannual recertification and while I was still well within my 2 years' time frame, my new employer has a requirement for annual recerts. I ended up having to take the full course for health care providers rather than a recert and paying a lot more than $55 when my family had been without income for more than a month while we moved. I also had to take the course after already putting in an 8 hour day in orientation classes AND had to be back there at 0700 the next morning for more orientation classes. It wasn't fun.

I think (and this is just my opinion) that as long as you've recertified your CPR by your start date, you should be fine. If you bring your expired card with you and some proof that you've registered for recertification, they might be okay with that. I'm sure it's not the first time they've seen this scenario.

[Savvy20RN, BSN, RN]

Thanks. :)

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

Maybe you can bring proof of registration. My job I just got required me to have proof of BLS by the time I did my HR paperwork. Mine expires in August so they took mine and for my renewal they will pay for. But I had to have it before my start date. So maybe if you can show proof you registered and will be taking it before then they will except that.

But at the facility I just got hired at they ask on the job application if you have a CURRENT BLS so if you say yes and you really don't they would terminate based on that. I would call and find out.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

In my part of the country, BLS is included as part of clinical orientation. Most companies provide ongoing BLS classes for their staffs. If you have already been hired, was the position contingent upon current BLS certification? If not, the organization may be willing to let you just attend one of their classes. It's certainly worth checking out.