Sticky situation to work as an LNA after passing Nclex-RN

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A fellow nursing school graduate was not hired as an RN where she currently works as an LNA. They told her once she passes her boards she cannot work there anymore. However, the few of us that did get hired to start as RNs in September are working as LNA/CNAs after we pass boards. So wich is it? Can you work as an LNA after passing your NCLEX-RN or are you supposed to work as an RN after you pass? Thanks in advance for your input. I know someone on this site will have the answer.

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Specializes in NICU.

I guess my first question would be- why would you want to? I had my RN position lined up well in advance of graduation/NCLEX, I can't imagine that is so unusual...

To answer your question though, many years ago I worked as an NA alongside an LPN who was waiting for a position to open up in nursing. She only did it for a month or two but I don't remember there being a problem with it at the time.

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She needs to continue working as an LNA because the residency position at the hospital that she DID get a job at does not start until the middle of July. She cannot afford to lose income for a month. I guess I am just curious if this is a BON issue or a hospital policy. They couldn't tell her why they do this.

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Specializes in ED.
A fellow nursing school graduate was not hired as an RN where she currently works as an LNA. They told her once she passes her boards she cannot work there anymore. However, the few of us that did get hired to start as RNs in September are working as LNA/CNAs after we pass boards. So wich is it? Can you work as an LNA after passing your NCLEX-RN or are you supposed to work as an RN after you pass? Thanks in advance for your input. I know someone on this site will have the answer.

Someone in IA told me that you aren't allowed to work as a NA after passing boards. I am not sure of this though, and not sure if this is the case in every state or ????

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Specializes in all things maternity.

I have heard that after you pass boards you are help to those standards of care regardless of what position you hold. So does this mean that you can work as an aide but be held to the standards of care that an RN is?

:balloons:

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

You will be held to the standard of an RN no matter what you choose to work as. That's a mighty slippery slope to me.

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You will be held to the standard of an RN no matter what you choose to work as. That's a mighty slippery slope to me.

This is what I heard too. Ofcourse I do not want to make waves because I was just hired into the residency program and is was very tough to get into. They hired 15 out of 150. If any one finds "official" info please let me know so that I may be able to CYA. Thanks

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Specializes in Cardiology.

Check with your state's BON yourself if you want "official" information: http://www.nh.gov/nursing/about/index.html

With residency programs here in FL, they usually allow you to start orienting as GN on the floor or as a Senior Nursing Assistant until the program starts. Tell your friend to check with her new manager about that possibility.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Transplant, Education.
A fellow nursing school graduate was not hired as an RN where she currently works as an LNA. They told her once she passes her boards she cannot work there anymore. However, the few of us that did get hired to start as RNs in September are working as LNA/CNAs after we pass boards. So wich is it? Can you work as an LNA after passing your NCLEX-RN or are you supposed to work as an RN after you pass? Thanks in advance for your input. I know someone on this site will have the answer.

I'm in MA, and we're not allowed to work as techs/cnas, etc after passing the NCLEX RN. As another poster mentioned it's a sticky situation because you're held to the standard of an RN. My employer doesn't allow it anyways, but I wouldnt dream of risking my brand new license. :nono:

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Transplant, Education.
I guess my first question would be- why would you want to? I had my RN position lined up well in advance of graduation/NCLEX, I can't imagine that is so unusual...

To answer your question though, many years ago I worked as an NA alongside an LPN who was waiting for a position to open up in nursing. She only did it for a month or two but I don't remember there being a problem with it at the time.

Not that you would want to, but if money is tight, some may need to work, which puts them in a rough spot if it is not allowed. In states or areas where nursing jobs are very tight (my area included) it's not always possible to have your RN position lined up ahead of time, try as you might. For one, I don't have my RN position lined up yet, because jobs are so tight in the Boston area (I have a possibility or two, but nothing written in stone yet.) I've been looking for jobs in my area since March (graduated in May) & relocation is not an option due to family issues. I still think that working as a tech with an RN license is risky business. I hope the OPs friend figures out what the best thing to do is, according to her facilities policy.

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