Rules regarding working as a CNA after getting RN lic

[hatingthewaiting]

I am a new grad RN and finding it beyond difficult to get work. It's really difficult for those of us with no connections to get hired right now. Is there any rule that specifically prohibits an RN from working as a CNA? I'm hoping that maybe this way I can get in through internal hiring. I am in California if that makes a difference.

[savingsakura]

I'm in the same boat as you. I signed with a staffing agency and am open to nurse aide positions meantime. I tried to directly apply at a hospital near where I live and was told that I needed to be certified as a NA. My BSN was not applicable, according to the human resource. It was bogus.

The staffing agencies are your best bet for na work because they do the job search for you. It's a great way to be exposed to many facilities meanwhile.

[MarvinMartian]

Just remember that BON's hold you accountable to your highest license.

If you make an error, while it may be just an educational moment at the CNA level they will hold you at a higher standard. Also, you have to be extremely careful. While working as a CNA you are bound to the CNA scope of practice RN or not. Exceeding that scope can also cause big trouble. Many places will not accept nurses as NAs unless it's their own nurses in an emergency situation. I have never actually worked anywhere that allowed it and we specificially do not allow it unless the nurse HAS a CNA license. Here lower licenses are not revoked by having a higher one except in regards to LPN and RN. One could be a CNA, Med Tech and RN at the same time.

That of course is just in my state (Not California). Could be different elsewhere.

[kmarie724]

I did work for a short time as a CNA after I became and RN. However, it was the same facility I had been working at as a CNA for the past 2 1/2 years while going to nursing school. I continued to work as an aide while I studied for NCLEX and then was offered an RN position after passing NCLEX but the schedule was already done with me on it as a CNA and I needed to wait for the next nursing orientation to come around to start training as a nurse. I don't know if any place would hire an RN to work as a CNA.

I was a bit uncomfortable working as a CNA once I was an RN d/t issues of liability, scope of practice and what my responsibility would be in an emergency situation. Since I had never worked and an RN, I didn't feel I could/should take on the responsibility of an RN, but wasn't really sure if I would be expected to/held to standards of an RN if something happened.

[rnhag]

I am also in the same boat as you. I applied for several CNA positions at the local hospitals and one recruiter said bc of my RN license, I could not work as a CNA and the rest I have not heard back from. I recently applied to HH and was very fortunate to received the job offer with the agency. It's very fustrating for new grads looking for employment in this tight economy. Be patience and have faith. Good luck!