Is becoming a cna worth it?

sky89 · Dec 13, 2012

I thought the same thing, at first. I now work as a CNA in a nursing home and I love it. I think it's very well worth it. You get to provide direct patient care on a daily basis, work around nurses all day and learn. I live in Louisiana and I get paid 9.25 for weekends. Around here, you can pretty much get any shift you want. Nights, weekends only, 12 hour shifts. It definitely works around school and family time.

RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN · Dec 13, 2012

Especially since I would be able to work overnight shifts and spend the day with my two little ones. I have a 20 month old and expecting a girl anyday. So I'm pretty much looking into the future but wondering If it's worth the pay to go to school??

The pay is definitely low. Maybe not quite as low as minimum wage but definitely close! I'm at around $9.50 (plus shift differential) an hour at a hospital, which I LOVE. I worked at a LTC facility for $10.10/hr for a few months and knew it was not the place for me. Are you planning on going to school for LPN or RN? I'm in school and it works great because I can sign up for shifts around my classes.

ctmed · Dec 16, 2012

There are some restaurant and fast food workers that make more than CNAs unless you are in a good place. CNA can also be a rough, demanding, and demeaning job if you are in a bad place on top of low pay.

That said, if you ever decide to go further in the healthcare field - rather it is ultimately nursing, the therapies, nuclear medicine, phlebotomy, or even nurse practioner you will be familiar with how things work and will have valuable insight and experience. You will also know what each position in healthcare does and be able to make a much more informed choice about which career is for you or not.

Sugarcoma, RN · Dec 16, 2012

How much would the schooling cost? I would caution you just because here in my home state there are several schools that offer CNA and MA classes for ridiculous sums of money where the wage you make would never allow you to pay off the loans. This may very well hinder you from going back to school if that is your plan.

My second warning would be that it is very difficult to come home from a 12 hour shift and spend time with kids. You will be tired and will need to have some protected kid free time to sleep.

I would also warn you that what the poster before me said is absolutely true. CNA is a backbreaking job, often demanding, and often lacking in respect which is sad. CNA's are a vital part of the healthcare team and often spend the most time with patients.

What are your future career goals? CNA is like nursing in that it is quite physical and some people find it hard to continue when they get older. Perhaps it would be possible to shadow a CNA for part of a shift? It couldn't hurt to call one of the nursing homes and ask. The worse they could say is no.

realitycheck2013 · Dec 26, 2012

If you can get free training to be a CNA and you don't qualify to do anything else, then still do your research. If you have to pay for your own training, then don't even consider it. Don't pay for training that will land you a job that at most pays a dollar above minimum wage in your first two years. You're better off going back to school to get your RN or LVN/LPN and relocating out of California or to a area in California that is in desperate need of nurses.

If you pass the CNA course and your state exam, and if you can't get a job as a CNA, don't be disappointed.

The best thing to do is get a job doing something, and get into a LVN/RN program.

CNAJessi · Jan 2, 2013

I am interested in going to school to be a cna but have some doubts because it's seems I would be getting a certification to do more work for minimum wage. I live in San Diego and it seems their is only jobs in nursing homes that pay minimum wage. Yet something keeps pulling me towards being a cna. Especially since I would be able to work overnight shifts and spend the day with my two little ones. I have a 20 month old and expecting a girl anyday. So I'm pretty much looking into the future but wondering If it's worth the pay to go to school??

I feel that is definitely worth it if you enjoy helping seniors...If you just want to do it for the money then I wouldnt suggest that you should be a CNA because it is not an easy job! I live in Michigan and the pay isnt too bad my jobs starting rate is $12.00 and $13.55 on the weekend. So I guess it depends on what state that you live in. I love being a CNA but the pay also has a huge factor in the job as well because of how much work is involved... Good luck in making the right decision for you and your family

chigaroogarem · Jan 2, 2013

I, too, am considering becoming a CNA while I continue to work towards a BSN. Perhaps pay varies geographically but my understanding is that the average pay for a CNA in Colorado is $13.26/hour, which is several dollars more per hour than I was making in my previous job. Thoughts anyone?

ComeTogether, LPN · Jan 2, 2013

I too, am considering becoming a CNA while I continue to work towards a BSN. Perhaps pay varies geographically but my understanding is that the average pay for a CNA in Colorado is $13.26/hour, which is several dollars more per hour than I was making in my previous job. Thoughts anyone?[/quote']
Just be sure that is a true pay rate. To me it seems high. I make 10.60 ish and that's after several years. If you are perusing a career in nursing I can't recommend it enough. In my opinion cnas make awesome nurses. There is much more patient care involved. In a way, I actually dread the day I become a nurse because I will no longer have time to really get to know and care for these people.
It is extremley hard work and not for those with weak stomachs, but you will feel so good at the end of a shift. In addition, being comfortable with the naked body and the dignity issues involved will help you in school. I've learned a lot from wonderful nurses who teach me. I always ask questions and most are happy to answer.
Good luck. Message me if I can help in any way.

malamud69, BSN, RN · Jan 2, 2013

In CT starting at most LTC facilities anywhere from 10-15/hr... in a hospital...if you can get in, up to 20 on weekends/overnights...As many people have posted it is worth its weight in gold as some would say...a way in and really one of the best ways to decide if you can do this kind of work. Most programs in this state about 1000$. Go for it!

JediGypsyHustler · Jan 5, 2013

:cat: It's a very rewarding job if you have altruistic nature or just enjoy helping others it is a wonderful position. It really makes me happy and anytime I get fed up with this line of work for one reason or another-- trust me you will get your little pet peeves or annoyances-- and go try my hand at something else I get pulled back in. Whether it is a visiting a friend in the hospital, thinking of past residents, or seeing someone in scrubs out in the real world (running errands-- something a night shift person rarely gets to do without sacrificing sleep by the way!) I recommend trying to get on at a facility that has 12 hours shifts -- shorter weeks and getting total child care for that day and night. When my sister in law was single she did this-- only worked weekends 12 hours shifts but got paid her standard 40 hours anyway there are facilities out there that do this!!-- but you will really need great child care and I recommend a great network of people you can talk to and rely on when your stressed or sad about things like losing a resident-- (I did not have this and this is the one thing I regret about my experience not having a social life-- I was a shy and sheltered bookworm) It is a tough job! heck yea emotionally, physically and all around trying to find a good balance in life and not take your worries home with you. but-- Residents or patients become your friends, your extended family and at times they make you laugh, give you hugs and make you feel appreciated and loved there is nothing like it in the world! A great starting point if you have an interest in the medical field. I have also noticed it looks really good on an application for other interests because it shows that you have dedication and care for other people which never hurts! Sorry this is so long I just keep thinking of other things to share with you! The classes may be pricey but-- It is an investment in your future. Mine had a payment plan and cost about $900 not including the basic supplies (Stethoscope, B/p cuff/ watch -with a second hand- and scrubs -- good shoes okay, I wore Walmart shoes but I recommend something a bit more comfortable!! trust me caring for your feet is also an important investment that is justifiable even on a budget!!!)

I have decided to go back into this line of work and got a new job yesterday, another selling point-- Always a need for caring and hardworking people almost guarantees you a job as long as your certified.

Good luck and god bless you in all of your endeavors!!! Congrats as well!