Is this unacceptable pay??

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Hey everybody, this is my first post. I had an interview today at a LTCF and was told the starting pay is $9.25. I've been reading on here that it's usually at least $10 something. They seem pretty interested in me but I applied to about 5 other places today too - including where we did our clinicals. I have no idea what the other places pay rate is. She told me she would call me mid next week and let me know. I'm hoping one of the places I applied to today will call in the meantime. I'm a cna but I haven't taken the state test yet. I'm scheduled to take the state test on the 23rd of april ...then ill be an stna - which in ohio is definately preferred in most places. A lady at hospice called me today too she wants to interview me but says she has to wait until I take the state test. So I'm basically lost. I don't know if I should accept this $9.25 job but if I did I would be so disappointed if I got a better offer right after...or is this pay too low and I should wait until something better comes along. Lots of questions lol...answer whichever one(s) you want! thanks guys!:wink2:

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Specializes in ltc.

i'm in charleston wv and they pay more for new cnas so i would guess you should hold out because the one thing i learned is there are lots of places willing to pay the higher salary if you take the heavy caseload of patients.

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Specializes in Rehabilitation.

You have to take a look at the benefits and the facility too. But, You need to take in consideration what's the lowest wage you're willing to work for. I can't tell you not to take the job.. but, if you think you are worth more or you think you can wait long enough to find a better paying job.. then that's what I would do. I know I am making 10/h days, 11.50/h 3rd shift, 12/h weekends. But, the benefits and the prospect of a long career here is worth the pay.

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Two years ago I started my first ever CNA job and started at $9.22 an hour. Crappy but true. So yeah, it is possible. Nursing homes and other places pay way more, I just wanted to be a CNA on Peds and Labor and Delivery so I took the huge pay cut. It's hard to believe we make so little and work so much!

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My first CNA job after getting my most recent certificate paid me $5.25/hr. My second job paid me $5.40/hr. This was in the past, but not that long ago.

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the city i live in (@ 14,000 people) pay their starting cna's $9.10. they only have 3 facilities here so the pay is the same in each. the facility where i work has vacation/sick leave, 401k, 2 pairs of scrubs, and a back brace included in the hiring package. the facility is really nice, too. i'd let my family live there. and every year there is a cola raise, too. so...it all depends on where you live and your cost of living there.

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Hi ohiogyrl, it all depend on the state and city you are living at. Which city and state are you living at? because even to find a job out here in Los Angeles as a C.N.A is hard. I mean hard. No job out here. So if you were in LA that will be a good job to accept right away.

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I get paid a little less than my old job, but I have amazing benefits and the facility is top notch! I'd rather get paid a little less and not work at a really horrible place.

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In VA in a MAJOR hospital starting pay is 8 something for a CNA WITH experience, on a unit where they say an aide has 11-13 patients a shift. My A double s:chuckle

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

I think it depends on what part of the country your in for the pay. I will say that in general hospitals pay more then LTC but that isn't always the case. I would start by looking there just keep in mind the pay vs. benefits aspect of a potential job but also look at the quality of the facility that your looking at I would rather work for $9.25 at a top notch facility versus an unsafe, toxic environment that pays $12 an hour. Keep looking around and then make a decision.

!Chris :specs:

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Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

I worked in Ohio many years ago. Back then Ohio paid considerably better than Indiana or the state I live in now, which pays about $ 9.50 to $ 9.75 for new CNAs. Based on that I feel the $ 9.25 blows. However, even a dollar more per hour will never come close to making up for a decent work environment as it will have a direct impact on your health, happiness and future. Benefits are nice too and can add up to several thousand dollars a year even though you don't see the money. My suggestion is don't worry about the change. Find a clean facility with a friendly work environment.

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Thank you so much for the responses. I feel a little better. It was like on one hand I was comparing that pay to what others make on here and it seemed low - BUT on the other hand it's hard to find a job nowadays AND it would be horrible if I turned it down then couldnt find anything else. I have my second interview on Monday she said she'll know by wednesday. I plan on asking her what we get when we start there (gate belts, scurbs etc.), and how often I would get a pay increase, and benefits. Between now and Wednesday Ill call some of the other places I applied. For those who asked Im in Ohio. One of my friends is an stna here and she said that is average - she knows nursing homes that pay 8 something! But she lucked out and makes 11 something.

Thanks again!

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