Rn recieves notice to renew her cna license

caliotter3 · May 6, 2011

I would simply renew the certificate and forgo the what if's.

sunnycalifRN · May 6, 2011

Hello everybody,
I am a new RN graduate, who had a CNA license as well. I just received a notice from health department that it is time to renew my CNA license. My question to you guys, should I even bother renew my CNA license since I am an RN now? the cost to renew it is $44 in my state providing that I am still in the job hunt. Is it worth it?
Just a thought, if I don't renew it and with this job economy, can't find an RN job and decide to work as a CNA to bring some money home, would I be able to do that without CNA renewal (inactive without renewal) and if I do that, would it look bad on my resume since I am still looking for a job?
any input is greatly appreciated.
RI Nurse:nurse:

If your CNA license is not active, you won't be able to work as a CNA. I think you've answered your question. If I were you, I'd keep it active until you're working as an RN.

wildlaurel · May 6, 2011

I wouldn't bother renewing. You'll find a job as an RN somewhere!

noahsmama · May 6, 2011

If you were already working as an RN I would say let the CNA license go, but since you're not and it's only $44 to renew, if it were me I would renew it. You can let it go next time.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · May 6, 2011

Check the laws in your state first. Some states do not allow people with an RN license to work as a CNA due to scope of practice issues. So even if you renew your license, you may not be able to work as a CNA.

Nire83 · May 6, 2011

Check the laws in your state first. Some states do not allow people with an RN license to work as a CNA due to scope of practice issues. So even if you renew your license, you may not be able to work as a CNA.

Exactly - A girlfriend of mine basically lost her ER CNA job because they couldnt hire a new grad, had no open RN positions, and couldnt keep her on once she had her license because it would be a conflict of interest. She found another RN job, worked for a year, and then was hired back to the ER as a nurse.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · May 6, 2011

ashepherd is right. You would be held to the highest licensure you have, which is RN. CNA's are certified, not licensed. You might end up with risk mgmt issues.

APRN., DNP, RN, APRN, NP · May 6, 2011

Working as a CNA requires that you keep the workflow going regarding taking vital signs, other patient care activities, etc. Busy, busy, busy, answering call lights, direct patient care duties, etc. If something happens that would require the intervention and critical thinking of an RN, but you pass on it and keep moving "down the line" to keep up with your CNA job description duties, and nothing gets done, you are POTENTIALLY on the hook as an RN because you have the knowledge base to intervene, but you did not.

You can work as a CNA, and get paid as a CNA, but you do not get a free pass in the legal system because you also have an RN license, and are held to the standards of practice of an RN.

THAT is the problem with working as a CNA when you also have an RN license.

GLORIAmunchkin72 · May 6, 2011

In Indiana nurses are allowed to work as cnas.

Check the laws in your state first. Some states do not allow people with an RN license to work as a CNA due to scope of practice issues. So even if you renew your license, you may not be able to work as a CNA.

kelsey.kristine, CNA · May 6, 2011

I'm not sure about the laws in RI about working as a CNA, but I do know that if you don't renew....in order to get the license back you have to take the class all over again, and the test.

Might as well, if you'd legally be able to work as a CNA despite having your RN.

Good luck

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · May 6, 2011

You do not to renew your CNA license if you have a nursing license. You are held to the highest license you have. Makes no sense to me to have both active.