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Some know I'm trying to segue into nursing. I'm 37 (nearly 38) and currently work as a CNA. I've applied to my local CC's LPN program as well as their phlebotomy program. Plan is to somehow earn more while completing prerequisites and ultimately RN school. Not much else to finish except A&P and Micro.

I'm always wondering, if I don't get into the LPN program prior to RN school what should I do? I have twin boys due in September. As a CNA in my town I make $14/hr but my fiancé & I are moving to Chesapeake, Virginia next summer. There, a CNA makes $10-11/hr. An LPN here gets $21/hr. In Chesapeake it's $17-19/hr.

Are there any other options I can do to make more money while in an RN program? Overtime as a CNA in Virginia is equal to my current regular pay. Making less while paying state income tax, raising twins and paying for school on $10/hr doesn't seem possible. I have no financial aid available (long, personal story) so school is 100% out-of-pocket.

What about EMT-Intermediate, Phlebotomy or something that can be completed within a year's time? Any ideas?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

You're very wise to do a complete evaluation of your financial situation prior to making any decisions. From what you have shared, your life is soon to be much more stressful in September. Have you explored any other options that would provide you with a flexible schedule & source of income while you are adapting to the stress of new mom of twins? I doubt whether the salary for any type of entry-level job would cover child care for two babies. Maybe you could just 'steer into that skid' and provide home-based child care?

I know that it really is not what you want to hear, but you may need to postpone nursing school until your babies are old enough for pre-school. In the meantime, you could complete the rest of your general ed courses slowly enough to ensure you have that top-notch GPA you'll need to get in to the program of your choice.

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The phlebotomy course I can finish by December. In my assessment I don't factor in my fiancé making money. She makes $21/hr. Still, I can't just make $11/hr with what's going on...

I've not been a CNA long (2.5 years). But don't imaging I can do this, help raise kids AND nursing school.

I don't see how folks do CNA work for 20+ years! I've met a few. Not me. My hat off to them, but I'd prefer not to be a 40 year old CNA. The RN's take one look at my 6'2", 285lb frame and almost instantly say "rehab" or "surgical" floors. My back is ****** at me already. In two years it won't talk to me anymore.

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Specializes in Oncology, Med-Surg.
I know that it really is not what you want to hear, but you may need to postpone nursing school until your babies are old enough for pre-school. In the meantime, you could complete the rest of your general ed courses slowly enough to ensure you have that top-notch GPA you'll need to get in to the program of your choice

Good advice. Your time with your kids goes fast - it will amaze you. I could not have done nursing school with babies. I'm going back to school,but when my daughter is in kindergarten.

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Fortunately I am doing this with my fiancé on board. She works and makes ~$45k/yr. I guess my main concern is saving my back some so I can make it through RN school AND raise the boys. Being pigeonholed into rehab, Ortho, surgical, etc because of my size isn't helping. Why should I do the grunt work while smaller CNA's are sitting 1:1, making beds or being unit secretary? If the duties can't be shared equally I would rather remove myself from the equation.

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