Can a new RN still work as a CNA

Graduated from Nursing school with an ADN. Cannot find any employment. I need a job.
Can you still work work as a cna after graduating as an RN. Should I start to apply for Nursing assistant jobs to get my foot in the door at least? what next?

Bea
You should check with the facility and BON in your state. In my state (prob yours too), you are held to the standards of a RN, even if working as a CNA. Therefore, at my facility, the answer is no....once you pass boards, you have to work as a nurse!

In many states, it's totally okay to work as a CNA.

This is an often asked question, and unfortunately, one that no one can give a concrete answer to. It really depends on your state and on the particular facility. Many facilities do not want the liability of an RN working as a CNA. Nor to they want the temptation of staff using you as an RN while working as a CNA. However, I know that in the bay area, there are many foreign trained RNs and Physicians working as CNA's in LTC while they pass their boards here. So, you may want to try LTC or even Doctor's offices who would gladly hire you as an office MA for less pay than RNs make.ETA: If the facility is unionized, I would say the answer would most certainly be 'no', IMO.

Good luck

There going to ask in the interview why you decided to step down to a vocational occupation<-- (little as 2 weeks) after getting a "College Degree".It is like going to college for 8 years to be a lawyer and stepping down to be a paralegal.Sorry if this offends you TABE tested CNA's but that is the truth. I recommend expanding your horizon beyond Hospitals. "seek and ye shall find"There are also expertise training programs that you can now enter with your RN license, which will make you even a better prospect for employers.You can also volunteer at the Nursing Floor. Which helps with "Networking" and can be easily explained in the interview.

Until you get LICENSED (pass the NCLEX-RN) you can work as a CNA. Once you pass the NCLEX and receive your RN, most states will not allow you to work as a CNA because of scope of practice issues.

i worked as a CNA for 2 months while i had my RN because of employment stuff. You just can't be working as a CNA and an RN at the same time in the same facility.

Quote from ashepherdUntil you get LICENSED (pass the NCLEX-RN) you can work as a CNA. Once you pass the NCLEX and receive your RN, most states will not allow you to work as a CNA because of scope of practice issues.

If you just graduated in nursing school and dont have any license yet many facilities will hire you as CNA. some needs certification as certified nurse assistant. because you dont have any license.but if you graduated in nursing school and hold a license as RN they will see you as a professional nurse. they will not hire you as a nurse assistant because of conflict and liability. Remember your license is important.

No, you can't. The new rules say that if you are a licensed nurse, you can't work as a CNA. I called hospitals about that. So I'm not making it up. And I have a friend who knew somebody who (in another state) worked as a CNA and when she graduated nursing school, she was fired because she can no longer work as a CNA now that she's a nurse. This is all new. And yes, it sucks big time.

Quote from ashepherdUntil you get LICENSED (pass the NCLEX-RN) you can work as a CNA. Once you pass the NCLEX and receive your RN, most states will not allow you to work as a CNA because of scope of practice issues.

Another avenue you could look into would be working as a Ward Clerk. While in nursing school I worked as a clerk first on a Med/Surg floor then transferring down into the ER. The experience I gained was priceless! It gave me insight into the paperwork, which you'll soon find out is what you'll spend most of your time doing Lol, and the computer systems that we used at the hospital. Now I know its different in your case because you are recently graduated. But if it were me and I had the option between clerking or aiding, I would choose clerking everytime!