You’ve passed the NCLEX—congratulations. You’ve earned those two precious letters: RN. But here’s a question that’s more common than most people realize: Can you still work as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) once you’ve become a licensed Registered Nurse? And should you?
Whether you’re waiting for your first RN job offer, still in orientation, or just want to hold onto your PRN CNA job for extra cash, the answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
Below, we break down what the law says, what real nurses have experienced, and what to consider before clocking into your old CNA shift with your new RN license in hand.
It Depends on Your State—and Your Situation
In short, yes, you may still technically be able to work as a CNA after passing the NCLEX—but it depends on your state’s Nurse Practice Act, your Board of Nursing’s regulations, and your employer’s policies. Even if your CNA certification is still active, your RN license supersedes it, and that’s where things get complicated.
The Legal and Licensing Reality
Here’s what you need to know:
- Most state Boards of Nursing hold you accountable to your highest level of licensure. That means if you’re a licensed RN—even while working a CNA shift—you’ll be expected to uphold RN-level standards of care.
- Your CNA license may become invalid or redundant upon RN licensure. In some states, once you’re licensed as an RN, your CNA certification is automatically deactivated or considered expired.
- Working “below your license” comes with liability risks. If something goes wrong, the Board (and lawyers) won’t care what your job title was for that shift. You’ll be judged by your RN license.
Let’s say you’re working as a CNA, a patient codes, and you don’t intervene as an RN would. Even if you were hired as a tech, the Board could accuse you of failing to meet the standard of care expected of an RN.
In the words of a former Board of Nursing member from Reddit:
“Regardless of role, nurses are required to adhere to the standards of their highest licensure. That supersedes any role assignment or facility policy.”
What Nurses Say on the Ground
This isn’t just legal theory. Real nurses who’ve been in your shoes have shared their stories on forums like Reddit and AllNurses:
- Some were told by their employer or BON that they could no longer hold a CNA role once licensed as an RN—even if their CNA license remained active in the system.
- Others continued working CNA shifts, but were careful to stay within strict CNA duties and even declined tasks they were otherwise trained to handle as RNs.
- A few were offered tech roles at their hospitals but paid RN wages while waiting for orientation or open RN positions.
Despite the technical legality in some regions, nearly all shared one consistent message:
Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
Why It Might Be a Bad Idea
Here are some practical and professional reasons to think twice:
1. You’re Legally Accountable as an RN
Your job title for the shift may say “CNA,” but the Board sees “RN.” If you hesitate or underperform during a clinical emergency—even while technically acting as a CNA—you could be disciplined for failure to act as a prudent RN would.
2. Liability and Insurance May Not Cover You
If you’re working outside your RN scope (but still held to it), you might fall through a dangerous gap in professional liability coverage.
3. It May Delay Your RN Career
Holding onto your CNA job could give the impression you’re not ready or confident to practice as a nurse. Employers want RNs who are ready to step into the role, not stay tethered to their student-era roles.
4. You’re Underpaid for Your Skills
You’ve spent years earning your RN. Why continue doing the same job for half the pay?
When It Might Make Sense (Temporarily)
That said, there are rare situations where working as a CNA for a little longer might be practical:
- You’re in RN orientation and can’t pick up RN shifts yet.
- Your facility allows RNs to work as techs at RN pay.
- You’re in financial hardship and absolutely need the hours.
- You work at separate facilities with no overlap in roles or expectations.
If this is your case, do these things first:
- Contact your state’s Board of Nursing directly for guidance.
- Double-check your CNA license status to confirm it’s still valid.
- Talk to HR and your nurse manager about the facility’s liability rules.
- Avoid any RN-level tasks while working a CNA shift.
What BONs Actually Say (With Receipts)
The North Carolina Board of Nursing explicitly states:
“Licensed nurses are held responsible and accountable for practicing at all times within the scope associated with their highest level of active licensure… regardless of employment role, title, status, or position description.”
In other words, if you’ve got the RN license, you’re playing by RN rules—even if you’re mopping up a fall room instead of administering meds.
Here’s the official NCBON statement (PDF)
A Final Thought: Step Forward, Not Back
You’ve passed the NCLEX. You’re not just a “student nurse” anymore. It’s time to build clinical confidence—not cling to comfort zones. Working as a CNA might feel safe, but it could limit your growth and delay your transition into the full scope of your nursing career.
Instead:
- Start applying for RN jobs immediately—even if they require orientation.
- Consider per diem or float pool RN roles to build flexibility and income.
- Look into RN residency or mentorship programs to ease the transition.
Your license is more than a piece of paper—it’s a declaration of readiness. Now go live up to it.
Ready to start your RN career confidently?
Check out our NCLEX-RN Prep Course designed specifically for international nurses and new grads navigating the U.S. and Canadian licensing maze.
