What would you do?

[NursesRock83]

Hi Everyone,

I'm currently in LPN school. I heard that after I get through my 3rd Foundations course (which I'm in now, will finish in October) I can go take the CNA exam? I work full time in accounting but I was interested in trying to get a job in the health care setting. I can't afford a huge cut in pay, as I depend on just my income but I really feel like the experience will be such a huge benefit. Also working somewhere that offers tuition reimbursment would be awesome, as I'm paying out of pocket for my schooling bc my employer won't support nursing of course as it is not related to my job. I'm just torn about leaving this job because it's the most money I've ever made in my life, it's close to school/home & it's not stressful. My work/school/home life balance is great. I just don't know what to do.

So my questions are

- Do you recommend I take the CNA exam this early in the game?

- Whats the pay like for CNA newbies?

- What settings pay the most? Have the best benefits?

- Whats the stress level like, for someone who is going to school full time being a CNA?

I really appreciate any advice you can give!

Thanks

:)

[tmmcbrady, ASN, RN]

My thoughts are:

---Take the exam! Even if you decide not to work as a CNA, the experience of taking the exam will be good and look at it as practice run on dealing the stress of the NCLEX-PN

--- I don't know what the rate of pay is for a CNA in your area so I wouldn't dream of venturing a guess

--- Right now, I'm not sure if taking on new stress while you're in school is the best idea but only you can decide that.

--- Being a CNA is hard work and can be pretty stressful but it's good hands on experience of learning how to juggle patient assignments and set priorities that will be useful after you finish school.

Good Luck!!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I would keep your current job if money is an issue, as CNA pay rates tend to be extremely low for newbies. In my area, they start at about $9 hourly.