When are we nurses...BSN and paid less than CNA...?

caliotter3 · Dec 31, 2010

You are considered a nurse when the state issues you a license after you pass the NCLEX and your application for licensure is acted upon. If you want to get paid CNA wages, then you need to move into a CNA position. Your employer probably will not do that until you produce a CNA certificate.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Dec 31, 2010

You are currently a graduate nurse, but not a registered nurse. In some states (check with your BON), you can work as an RN applicant, or RNA, after graduation but before NCLEX -- we can do that in Virginia. Employers can hire you and start orientation when you're in this status; the downside is that if you fail NCLEX, you cannot continue to work as an RNA. Nothing like adding a little stress. LOL.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2010

Hey yall, a new grad here (Dcc. 18th 2010!!!). Got my BSN, thank GOD!!!! ANyhow..got some questions....are we considered nurses NOW or after we pass the NCLEX...and another thing. I just went back to me home health job, I have my BSN, should i still be getting paid the same amount as an aide, or should I atleast be getting paid the amount as a CNA? Getting paid $9/hr with a degree in Nursing is kinda demeaning to me because the other folks with a CNA are getting paind more than I am...I'm not gready, I'll take the same pay as a CNA, just wanna get paid what I'm worth.

You're a graduate nurse but not a registered nurse.

And if you went back to your old job, I would expect to be paid what the job paid and not more based on advanced education that the job doesn't require. I spent a semester tutoring and with two Bachelor degrees (my BA plus the new BSN) made $9.00 an hour. Your worth to an employer is based on the function of your job. If you're doing the work of an aide that's what you should be paid for.

BSNmwsu · Jan 2, 2011

Thank you all for replying and giving me abit more insight, I was just abit confused, but you all gave me clarity on the matter. I agree that i should be getting paid CNA wages if I'm doing a CNA job...my job has agreed to pay me CNA wages since they have my performing skills that CNA's perform. Anyhow...thanks again everyone. Back to studying for the NCLEX.

QBoroRN, ASN, RN · Jan 7, 2011

Good luck on your nclex!