Could I get more confused?

Energizer Bunny · Mar 19, 2004

Okay, I am sure this is going to be very long, so bear with me. My whole journey back into school started a couple months ago. Ever since I went to school in 2001 for my one semester of pre-nursing, I have wanted to go back but it just wasn't realistic for us.

A couple months ago, we decided that I really had to go back to work to help out with the finances. My husband has a good job but it sure doesn't pay much especially with another mouth to feed when Bryce was born in October. So, I called a local place that I knew of because my Aunt works there. I had also considered applying there last year for their CNA training with a job to follow. Well, I applied waaaay back, almost a month ago and they said I would hear from them within 7-10 days. I then decided to apply to go to school part time with the intention of starting full time in the nursing program in the fall of 2005. :confused: Confused yet?

Just last Saturday, I got my acceptance letter for school, accepting me into the nursing program starting THIS fall. At first, I was scared but I became thrilled because we had already talked about how maybe I should have applied for this coming fall. It just felt like it was meant to be. So, all this week, I have been meeting with childcare, working on getting government help to cover it, meeting with my advisor to plan my schedule, filling out financial aid forms, etc. Now, today, the place I applied to for the job called and offered me a position. :eek:

I explained to her my position and she did point out to me once again that they help to pay with tuition if you have been with them for awhile. She also pointed out that they work with students and their schedules so that would not be a concern. The concern though is that I would actually be paying more out for childcare than what I would be making because they kids would be in it for about 55 hours a week. I also would never ever see the kids and I know my grades would suffer.

After talking it over with Bryan, we decided to wait until Monday to make a final decision, but frankly I think we already have it figured out. We don't even HAVE childcare figured out for the job and would only have a few days to do so. On top of that, it just doesn't work financially. If I can get a waitressing job a couple nights a week, preferrably around his schedule, then it makes sense for me to work.

Are there any other points you guys think I might be missing? I just don't want to make a mistake here, though I really think I am making the right decision....

BTW, what in the world does this guy mean? :chair: LOL!

LesJenRN · Mar 19, 2004

There will always be a CNA position somewhere. It might be beneficial to get started into the program...see how you are time-wise and money- wise, before jumping into employment. You will need a good amount of study time also. Many employers will help out with your education...if you agree to work for them when you graduate.....

You can make more in tips also. (waitressing)

Congratulations on your acceptance! A couple of years of hard work will pay off in the long run for your family and you'll also be a good role model for your children, right?

LesJenRN · Mar 19, 2004

There will always be a CNA position somewhere. It might be beneficial to get started into the program...see how you are time-wise and money- wise, before jumping into employment. You will need a good amount of study time also. Many employers will help out with your education...if you agree to work for them when you graduate.....

You can make more in tips also. (waitressing)

Congratulations on your acceptance! A couple of years of hard work will pay off in the long run for your family and you'll also be a good role model for your children, right?

colleen10 · Mar 19, 2004

Don't worry I was able to follow.

It sounds like you are pretty excited about nursing school and have a good plan of action of how you are going to take care of finances and the kids if you go back to school.

It doesn't sound worth it to me to work and end up loosing money just to put your kids in day care so you can work. Know what I mean?

I wanted to let you know that a few years ago before I started nursing school I interviewed at a facility that would train me to be a CNA, give me a flexible job around classes and pay for my nursing education. Sounded like a good deal because I would be gaining experience in nursing while in school.

The closer I looked at it, the more of a bad idea it became. They would be flexible with the schedule but I could get mandated and have to stay and possibly miss class. Plus, who was to say I wouldn't get stuck on nights and then have to go to class or clinical early the next day?

The pay was horrible and they had so many stipulations on paying for my nursing school education that it made my head spin. Basically, I had to work as a CNA for one year, then I could go to school to become an LPN, then I had to work as an LPN for one year and then I could go back to school to become an RN. It would have taken me 4 years to get a 2 year RN degree.

I think if you can work as a CNA it is a good experience but it isn't necessary to have if you want to be a nurse. We covered CNA duties in the first 7 weeks of my RN program.

Good luck to you, it sounds like you know exactly what you are doing. I hope everything works out well for you.

Col

colleen10 · Mar 19, 2004

Don't worry I was able to follow.

It sounds like you are pretty excited about nursing school and have a good plan of action of how you are going to take care of finances and the kids if you go back to school.

It doesn't sound worth it to me to work and end up loosing money just to put your kids in day care so you can work. Know what I mean?

I wanted to let you know that a few years ago before I started nursing school I interviewed at a facility that would train me to be a CNA, give me a flexible job around classes and pay for my nursing education. Sounded like a good deal because I would be gaining experience in nursing while in school.

The closer I looked at it, the more of a bad idea it became. They would be flexible with the schedule but I could get mandated and have to stay and possibly miss class. Plus, who was to say I wouldn't get stuck on nights and then have to go to class or clinical early the next day?

The pay was horrible and they had so many stipulations on paying for my nursing school education that it made my head spin. Basically, I had to work as a CNA for one year, then I could go to school to become an LPN, then I had to work as an LPN for one year and then I could go back to school to become an RN. It would have taken me 4 years to get a 2 year RN degree.

I think if you can work as a CNA it is a good experience but it isn't necessary to have if you want to be a nurse. We covered CNA duties in the first 7 weeks of my RN program.

Good luck to you, it sounds like you know exactly what you are doing. I hope everything works out well for you.

Col

Energizer Bunny · Mar 19, 2004

There will always be a CNA position somewhere. It might be beneficial to get started into the program...see how you are time-wise and money- wise, before jumping into employment. You will need a good amount of study time also. Many employers will help out with your education...if you agree to work for them when you graduate.....
You can make more in tips also. (waitressing)
Congratulations on your acceptance! A couple of years of hard work will pay off in the long run for your family and you'll also be a good role model for your children, right?

Thanks! Yes there will always be a CNA position somewhere. In fact, in all of this, I forgot to mention that I had called my local hospital and once I start my second semester of school, they will consider hiring me for a CNA position. This would be more in tune with what I would want/need. I obviously don't want to get stuck working somewhere where I am not going to be able to work in my specialty and frankly, how many women do you see giving birth in a nursing home? :rotfl: So, if we can just trudge through until the beginning of next year, I can apply at the hospital.

Energizer Bunny · Mar 19, 2004

There will always be a CNA position somewhere. It might be beneficial to get started into the program...see how you are time-wise and money- wise, before jumping into employment. You will need a good amount of study time also. Many employers will help out with your education...if you agree to work for them when you graduate.....
You can make more in tips also. (waitressing)
Congratulations on your acceptance! A couple of years of hard work will pay off in the long run for your family and you'll also be a good role model for your children, right?

Thanks! Yes there will always be a CNA position somewhere. In fact, in all of this, I forgot to mention that I had called my local hospital and once I start my second semester of school, they will consider hiring me for a CNA position. This would be more in tune with what I would want/need. I obviously don't want to get stuck working somewhere where I am not going to be able to work in my specialty and frankly, how many women do you see giving birth in a nursing home? :rotfl: So, if we can just trudge through until the beginning of next year, I can apply at the hospital.

newgrad2004 · Mar 19, 2004

I would go for the CNA job after you start school, after the second semester. But frankly it doesnt pay enough, not here any way. The food serving idea is best I think, for me any way. I work about 12-15 hours a week and make as much as I would make usually each shift what I would make in 12 hours as a CNA, doesnt make sence to me since my time is precious (mother of 2 myself). I work weekends at the resturant, which sets you up to learn to prioritize and move your a** quickly Keeps you in shape unless you get half off like I do and then you make up the difference when you eat meals there. But, also to consider, we work and school so much and hate to cook and if they give you a discount on your off time, a great way to treat the family. Im going to hate quitting just because of the discount! But dont totally toss out the CNA job, ask for per diem and work when you want, (after second semester). I work CNA on vacations as a way to bring in extra money at those times the restuarant is slow. Besides it get you out there and you get to know the people who might be putting in a good word for you later. They love too have good help and once you show that, they will rememeber you.

GOod luck, and best wishes for your school and decisions :)

Im proof it can be done!!

Thanks! Yes there will always be a CNA position somewhere. In fact, in all of this, I forgot to mention that I had called my local hospital and once I start my second semester of school, they will consider hiring me for a CNA position. This would be more in tune with what I would want/need. I obviously don't want to get stuck working somewhere where I am not going to be able to work in my specialty and frankly, how many women do you see giving birth in a nursing home? :rotfl: So, if we can just trudge through until the beginning of next year, I can apply at the hospital.

newgrad2004 · Mar 19, 2004

I would go for the CNA job after you start school, after the second semester. But frankly it doesnt pay enough, not here any way. The food serving idea is best I think, for me any way. I work about 12-15 hours a week and make as much as I would make usually each shift what I would make in 12 hours as a CNA, doesnt make sence to me since my time is precious (mother of 2 myself). I work weekends at the resturant, which sets you up to learn to prioritize and move your a** quickly Keeps you in shape unless you get half off like I do and then you make up the difference when you eat meals there. But, also to consider, we work and school so much and hate to cook and if they give you a discount on your off time, a great way to treat the family. Im going to hate quitting just because of the discount! But dont totally toss out the CNA job, ask for per diem and work when you want, (after second semester). I work CNA on vacations as a way to bring in extra money at those times the restuarant is slow. Besides it get you out there and you get to know the people who might be putting in a good word for you later. They love too have good help and once you show that, they will rememeber you.

GOod luck, and best wishes for your school and decisions :)

Im proof it can be done!!

Thanks! Yes there will always be a CNA position somewhere. In fact, in all of this, I forgot to mention that I had called my local hospital and once I start my second semester of school, they will consider hiring me for a CNA position. This would be more in tune with what I would want/need. I obviously don't want to get stuck working somewhere where I am not going to be able to work in my specialty and frankly, how many women do you see giving birth in a nursing home? :rotfl: So, if we can just trudge through until the beginning of next year, I can apply at the hospital.

Energizer Bunny · Mar 19, 2004

I would go for the CNA job after you start school, after the second semester. But frankly it doesnt pay enough, not here any way. The food serving idea is best I think, for me any way. I work about 12-15 hours a week and make as much as I would make usually each shift what I would make in 12 hours as a CNA, doesnt make sence to me since my time is precious (mother of 2 myself). I work weekends at the resturant, which sets you up to learn to prioritize and move your a** quickly Keeps you in shape unless you get half off like I do and then you make up the difference when you eat meals there. But, also to consider, we work and school so much and hate to cook and if they give you a discount on your off time, a great way to treat the family. Im going to hate quitting just because of the discount! But dont totally toss out the CNA job, ask for per diem and work when you want, (after second semester). I work CNA on vacations as a way to bring in extra money at those times the restuarant is slow. Besides it get you out there and you get to know the people who might be putting in a good word for you later. They love too have good help and once you show that, they will rememeber you.
GOod luck, and best wishes for your school and decisions :)
Im proof it can be done!!

Part of my decision is selfish too, because I LOVE to serve! When I did it years ago, I made great money and had a good time doing it too. AND, I know that the place I want to work at again gave me a good reference to get this job. I guess I just wait now and see if they re-hire me.

Energizer Bunny · Mar 19, 2004

I would go for the CNA job after you start school, after the second semester. But frankly it doesnt pay enough, not here any way. The food serving idea is best I think, for me any way. I work about 12-15 hours a week and make as much as I would make usually each shift what I would make in 12 hours as a CNA, doesnt make sence to me since my time is precious (mother of 2 myself). I work weekends at the resturant, which sets you up to learn to prioritize and move your a** quickly Keeps you in shape unless you get half off like I do and then you make up the difference when you eat meals there. But, also to consider, we work and school so much and hate to cook and if they give you a discount on your off time, a great way to treat the family. Im going to hate quitting just because of the discount! But dont totally toss out the CNA job, ask for per diem and work when you want, (after second semester). I work CNA on vacations as a way to bring in extra money at those times the restuarant is slow. Besides it get you out there and you get to know the people who might be putting in a good word for you later. They love too have good help and once you show that, they will rememeber you.
GOod luck, and best wishes for your school and decisions :)
Im proof it can be done!!

Part of my decision is selfish too, because I LOVE to serve! When I did it years ago, I made great money and had a good time doing it too. AND, I know that the place I want to work at again gave me a good reference to get this job. I guess I just wait now and see if they re-hire me.