A licensed nurse, whether a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN), can work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). This is generally permissible because the nurse’s license demonstrates a significantly higher level of training and education than the CNA certification requires. CNA roles involve providing basic, direct patient care, such as assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs). The nurse’s higher licensure encompasses all the necessary knowledge and skills for the entry-level CNA position.
Understanding the Roles
The primary distinction between the roles lies in the scope of practice and the level of clinical judgment required. A CNA is unlicensed assistive personnel, providing fundamental care under the supervision of a licensed nurse. Their duties focus on patient comfort, hygiene, monitoring vital signs, and reporting changes in condition.
LPNs and RNs possess licenses allowing them to perform more complex, invasive, and clinical tasks. RNs have the broadest scope, including patient assessment, developing comprehensive care plans, and delegating tasks to LPNs and CNAs.
State Requirements for CNA Certification
Whether a licensed nurse needs separate CNA certification is determined by state-specific regulations and facility policies. Many states grant an exemption from the typical CNA training and testing requirements for individuals holding an active RN or LPN license. This exemption recognizes that comprehensive nursing education includes all the skills taught in a basic CNA program.
A nurse seeking a CNA position must confirm requirements with the State Board of Nursing or the state’s Nurse Aide Registry. If the nurse’s license is inactive or from another state, they may be required to complete a competency exam or specific training hours. This variability necessitates direct inquiry, as nursing license reciprocity does not automatically extend to CNA certification.
Common Reasons Nurses Choose CNA Roles
Licensed nurses often seek CNA employment for practical, short-term career reasons. A common scenario involves relocating to a new state and accepting a CNA role while waiting for their nursing license to be endorsed. Since the licensure by endorsement process can take several weeks or months, this provides immediate employment.
New nursing graduates may also choose CNA employment while preparing for or awaiting the results of the NCLEX examination. Working as a CNA allows the nurse to gain practical experience, become familiar with the facility’s culture, and network with staff. This hands-on experience can improve their chances of being hired for a full nursing position once licensed.
Scope of Practice Limitations While Employed as a CNA
When a licensed nurse accepts a CNA position, they must strictly adhere to the CNA scope of practice and the job description. The nurse is legally obligated to perform only the tasks within the defined boundaries of the CNA role. This means they are prohibited from performing higher-level duties, such as administering medication or conducting complex assessments, while employed as a CNA.
Performing an LPN or RN task while working in a CNA capacity creates significant liability risk for both the nurse and the employer. A nurse who intervenes to perform an RN-level action could be held accountable to the higher standard of care associated with their full nursing license in a legal dispute. The Board of Nursing holds a licensed nurse responsible to the level of their education and competency, regardless of the role they are filling.
Practical Career Considerations
Accepting a CNA role while holding a nursing license presents several practical implications, most notably a significant financial difference. The CNA pay rate is substantially lower than that of an LPN or RN, meaning the nurse earns less than their full potential. This financial compromise is generally viewed as a temporary measure to bridge a gap in employment or licensure.
The nurse also risks the atrophy of higher-level clinical skills if they remain in the CNA role for an extended period. Since they cannot perform complex patient assessments or medication administration, advanced competencies are not utilized. However, working as a CNA provides valuable hands-on experience with direct patient care. This commitment to a specific facility can often be leveraged during the application process for a full nursing position.