Is CNA a good part time job for RN and a sustain job to live on your own?

johndough · Oct 31, 2014

I wouldn't suggest it because it would make you spend unnecessary money. You would have to pay rent and utilities. If you are working full time as a CNA and taking pre-req courses for nursing, it may sound doable. But if you are on the actual nursing program, it would probably too complicated. You would need to work full-time (36-40hrs/week) and be a full-time student.

Let's say you got your CNA license, and work at $10/hr (36-40hrs/wk), that would be $360/week or $1440/month. Let's say $1300/mo because of taxes.

It sounds a lot but there is rent, utilities, and tuition fees. You can work 3 12hour shifts or work 5 8hour shifts which would be hard on your schedule.

If you live with your parents, you could save that money unless they charge you for a part of rent.

If you look at the bright side, you can go to school and work which means that you would be spending a lot of time out of the house.

RubySlippers:) · Oct 31, 2014

I hate that young people have this "I've got to get out of my patents house" mentality. Trust me, you don't. Been there done that. Honestly if there's not a significant reason why you want to leave (other than their rules ) I would stay. You'll find out real quick how hard life on your own is and possibly mess up your future plans...

Missingyou, CNA · Oct 31, 2014

I agree with the other posters here. It SOUNDS like you can do it, but it will be very difficult and more like impossible.

Again, you will HAVE to work full time to pay the bills and go to school full time and somewhere in between that, you have to study and sleep. Even if you had someone to share rent and expenses it will still be an unnecessary struggle.

I can understand your need/desire be on your own, but now is not the time for that. Take advantage of the freedom, yes freedom, staying with your parents while you are still in school offers!!

Why make nursing school more difficult than it already is!!?

nlitened · Oct 31, 2014

Stay at home with your parents while in nursing school...trust me, you will need the support. Suck it up and obey their rules. It's only 2 years.

Nursing24/7, LVN · Nov 1, 2014

I would tough it out & stay with your parents until you finish RN school. Don't be in a rush to move out right now. I am a new CNA & have to work THREE part-time CNA jobs to make ends meet & even then sometimes I'm still short for bills or rent, I really have to hustle. My plan is to go to RN school but idk how in the heck I'm going to do that with this crazy work schedule I have right now smh. Hoping after 4-6 months or so, I can get a hospital CNA job (which pays well), so I can drop my other 2 jobs & start RN school.

If you work as a CNA & continue to live with your parents while you're going through RN school you'll be ok.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 3, 2014

I hate that young people have this "I've got to get out of my patents house" mentality.

I think we must remember that not all parents are good, competent or supportive. Not all parents place a high value on education. So if the OP's parents are supportive, I'd suggest living with them to save money. However, if the parents are saboteurs or obstructionists, I'd suggest moving out.

RubySlippers:) · Nov 3, 2014

I think we must remember that not all parents are good, competent or supportive. Not all parents place a high value on education. So if the OP's parents are supportive, I'd suggest living with them to save money. However, if the parents are saboteurs or obstructionists, I'd suggest moving out.

Absolutely!

patriotgal181 · Dec 26, 2014

Some of these posts severely bother me because I did the same thing. Granted, I was more or less told to leave, but it is possible. Yes its money shed'd save but experiences she'd lose.

WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Dec 26, 2014

It's possible, maybe, depending on where you are. Just remember rent shouldn't be more than 35% of your income (but aim for lower) and you'll want to factor in your utilities to when it comes to your take-home pay.

So if you are making $10/hr, $360/week, $1440/mo your rent should not be more than $500/mo at the most. You'll only have about $500-600 left for all your other expenses (school, utilities, car/gas, food, etc). Just to put the numbers in perspective. You want enough left over after bill to save in case of emergency.

If I could do it all over again, I never would've left my parents' house until I was finished school. The amount of my stress associated with money since I moved out is ridiculous. It's worse than the stress I get from school. I have very supportive parents that essentially pay my rent now that I'm back at school fulltime and I am STILL stressed out if I have a bad month (hours cut, car problems, etc).

I am not the kind of person to tell a complete stranger on the internet whether or not to do something. Just make sure you do thorough, thorough research!

RunnerD1987 · Dec 28, 2014

I am 27 laid off from the hospital about 8 months ago. Have a temporary job for the moment trying to work my way back into another hospital. Thinking of going for PCA bit more training and skills in out state. Pay isn't high but with so many openings can do a day shift and evening nursing program is my goal.

I had to move back home and want to move out before I start nursing school. It is not an easy task probably will have electricity and since water is public that is it. You are young if nothing is harming you physically or mentally stay home till you can complete college your life will be easier.

Good luck