[Mrfox90]

Im taking the N.A. class this summer, I was curious as to when i get a job as a CNA, what type of hours, and paycheck can I expect to bring home. Also if i worked 3 12 hour shifts would that be considered full time by most standards. I will be a freshman in college, and am interested in becoming a CNA prior to going to nursing school, i figure it would give me tons of experirience

[knob]

This is speaking from my personal experience.

Most aide jobs I've seen are typically 8 hour shifts, but there are some 12s available. Maybe it's different else where.

A lot of places I've worked though are usually fairly willing to let you work as much as you want (and sometimes, as little as you want).

Typical pay here (Southern Illinois) ranges from about $8.50 to $10 an hour. Some places have shift differentials, though. In my case, if I work evenings, I get $1.75 more an hour, and if I work the weekend, I get $1 more an hour on top of that.

[NurseToBe20100102]

I have heard of cna shifts usually being 8 hours in the nursing home and 12 possibly for the hospital setting. I have heard of pay being up to 14 dollars an hour to lower like 9 dollars an hour. I get paid 10.50/hr at a CBRF.

As for hours, most let you work around your schedule with as much or as little as you want.

[bethin]

Hours really depend. LTCF in my area have both 8 and 12 hour shifts. Same with hospitals. I work weekend option so I work every weekend, 2 12 hour shifts and get paid full time for it with full time benefits. I've been doing it for 4 years and the idea of a 9-5 job (which I'm looking at when I graduate) scares me.

In my area, So Indiana, pay ranges from $8-10/hr.

All the places I've seen have considered working 36 hours a week full time.

And I think you're right - the experience will be invaluable.

[DreamyEyes]

I'm in Massachusetts and I make 13.50 an hour on 1st shift.. I get $1.00 more on the weekends, another $1.00 more for 2nd shift, and $4.00 more for 3rd shift. (But I usually only work first shift, because that's the shift I like)... Oh and I work in an assisted living facility.

I work 7-3, but you can also work 6-2 where I work. A lot of aides that I work with work 7-7 or half shifts, such as 5-9, 6-10, etc.

*Edited to add* Full time in my facility is 32 hours. You must have at least 32 hours in order to get benefits.

[SoxFan80]

DreamyEyes,

I also work in MA, but I only make $11/hr on first shift. What area of MA do you work in?! And how much experience do you have? Thanks

[alisant]

I live in Kentucky and work in a rehab facility that is part of a hospital. My base pay is 9.75/hour, but since I work second shift I get shift dif which makes my pay $11.21 after 4:00 pm. I work 2:30-10:30 so it works out pretty well in my favor. I love working in a hospital setting. From my research, it is so much more manageable than working in a nursing home.

[knob]

Oh, and it may be a rarity, or not, but I'm happy with it. In regard to benefits, the hospital I work at has paid time off and all that for anyone who works 24+ hours a week. Insanely cheap health care ($1 - $9 per paycheck) with dental, eyes, etc not being much more. They also give you what amounts to free money to pay for the benefits. Any of the money you don't use, you get to keep.

So keep benefits in mind when looking for a job. The last places I worked didn't come close to that (I want to say they didn't even offer health insurance to FT employees).

[casi]

It really depends on the state you are in. In MN starting wages are $9.50-11/hr. Currently I'm up to $15.64/hr working in acute care with experience and the magical words "Nursing Student" The highest I've seen a CNA paid is 16 or 18/hr working for agency.

The length of shifts really depends on the facility. I see a lot of places in my area doing 8 hour shifts instead of 12. I believe that studies are showing 8 hour shifts are safer for patients.