First interview tomorrow...Eh...Not feeling it already

cjcsoon2bnp, MSN, RN, NP · Oct 3, 2008

I finished a CNA class 4 weeks ago. Everyday for 4 weeks have been filling out apps, handing them in person, calling DON/HR, going back in person, etc. Not really much action.
Except this one place. I got an interview for tomorrow but I'm not very happy about the pay:
$10 without benefits
$8 with benefits
I think that's pretty crappy pay:bluecry1:. I live in MA. I could work at walmart and make $10/hr as a cashier and have a heck of a lot easier time.
I'd like to say my job should not be dictated by money but in these tough times I have to sometimes think about the money!

I would keep applying different places and hold out for a decent one. Unless this place seems like a really good place to work then I wouldn't work there for that rate of pay, but that's just me. Keep in mind your probably not going to find any place thats going to pay you a ton of money (or even a ton more then what this place is offering) but I would still hold out for a place you really like. Be sure to apply for positions in hospitals, nursing/rehabilitation facilities and home care agencies. Good luck!

rancelumsden · Oct 3, 2008

You have to decide if you want to make a career out of this.

I agree, the pay is pretty poor (but I don't know the going rate in your part of the world). But, you're starting out.

You stated that you did your homework and went around and filled out applications at various places. That means you have choices of places to work.

Take this job, stay 6-12 months, 'pay your dues', then look again. You can't expect the best when you have no experience. If you present yourself well, interview well, write a good resume and job apps, with at least 6 months experience, more opportunities will open up....

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Oct 3, 2008

My facility pays less than a lot of others in the area, but our CNA-to-patient ratio is better, and the benefits are good. Maybe this place has a similar trade-off.

samsam22, CNA · Oct 4, 2008

honestly most places you go it will be hard to find much higher pay...especially starting off...

when i applied to places the jobs i worked at and the ones i was offered it was around that much...i dont have much experience myself i finished my program in may

both home health agencys i worked at was 9 dollars a hour...

the nursing home i was offered a job was 10.50 a hour...

the hospital i now work at is 12.50 a hour...

and the hospice home health agency i was offered a job at was actually 15 a hour... but working hospice can be hard and they lose people a lot so the pay is higher...i dont enjoy hospice work so i took the hospital job instead even with less pay

i live in southern california if that helps at all.. and thats what the wages are usually like around here, some countys a little higher than mine, but as a CNA you cant expect a high payrate. being a CNA is good if you are doing it as a nursing student for experience, if you want to be a CNA as your career the money should come along the road as you gain experience... my boyfriends mom has been a CNA for 10 years and makes 19 dollars a hour. but starting off dont expect much unless you get lucky! try to get 6 months experience in a nursing home then try and get a hospital job then you should get better pay

hope this helps you :)