Sad but true (maybe)

U.S.A. Virginia

Published

An administrative assistant in the Chesapeake area makes more than a CNA or Phlebotomist. I've been told that all you need to get a job as an administrative assistant is an associate degree. Usually in general studies. I can't overlook a possible $40k job, even if it's outside of healthcare.

Are there any jobs in healthcare that use administrative assistant skills?

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.
Have you considered the NOVA area, where techs make more? I know techs on my floor start at $14/hr

Yes, but the cost of living in NOVA is much, much higher than Hampton Roads. That $14 per hour won't go far at all. In Hampton Roads, a CNA will make a little less ... but the cost of living is a lot lower than it is in NOVA.

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I work as a CNA at Westminster Canterbury - Retirement Communities Virginia - Chesapeake Bay Living. I make $13/hr, they pay $2 night diff. I'm finishing my pre-reqs at TCC then will try to get in Sentara's Nursing program which will start in Jan. 2014. Good luck to you!

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Could you tell me more about the place you work? I am a CNA with 3 yrs experience in hospitals and skilled nursing. I don't mind working nights at all.

And NoVA isn't a possibility.

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Specializes in LTC, Education, Management, QAPI.

pacjeffrey- Let me tell you, I've lived here in Hampton Roads my whole life and I love it here. It's the only place I know that I can go from the beach to the city to the woods, mountains, caverns, metro, historical site, museum etc within just hours. It's an amazing place. The military is a downside, not because its the military but because like those above have said, it reduces the pay and makes the job market somewhat unstable. I am a DON with my company and I'll tell you, there's plenty here. No, the pay is not good. No, it's not the cheapest place. But what you get for the money is appropriate. As for pay, it varies widely between private/ public employers, Long Term vs Acute, and position. For instance, in Long Term Care an RN may start at 23/hr as a new grad, in a hospital 21/hr, or in long term care management as 27 or more/hr. It varies widely. Make yourself a valuable asset to an employer, prove that you're valid and worthwhile as a nurse and you'll be fine.

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OP, this is going to sound mean, but I feel like you scattered and do not know what you want. You do not know what you want to do while in nursing school...CNA, I think I saw pharmacy tech, or even administrative assistant. From what I remember, you do not actually live in VA at all right now. I mean, I know you want to move here, but hate the wages. That will not change. You mention being interested in the military, that can complicate things as far as knowing where you will end up. You may not even stay in VA, if you moved here, if that is the case.

Honestly, I would suggest figuring out what you want long term...where do you see yourself long term, location wise, job wise, etc. That should help clarify things.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
OP, this is going to sound mean, but I feel like you scattered and do not know what you want. You do not know what you want to do while in nursing school...CNA, I think I saw pharmacy tech, or even administrative assistant. From what I remember, you do not actually live in VA at all right now. I mean, I know you want to move here, but hate the wages. That will not change. You mention being interested in the military, that can complicate things as far as knowing where you will end up. You may not even stay in VA, if you moved here, if that is the case.

So true about the military. Details do take preferences into account, but ultimately you go wherever you are needed...and that can be anywhere in the world. It doesn't matter if you are married or single, doesn't matter if you have kids or are childless: you have to go where they send you. Most of the time your family can move with you, but they may not be allowed to follow you on every tour.

Don't think that being a nurse exempts you from being sent anywhere outside of VA or having to deploy--the first tour for a Navy nurse friend of mine was an unaccompanied tour to Iraq for 6-12 months. Others got sent to Africa for a whole year. Not every tour will be cushy one at the local military medical facility.

I also don't know what being a LVN will get you in the military, if anything. I know you need to have a BSN to be commissioned as an officer. Some branches will take an ADN but only as enlisted.

If you do sign on for the military--and there are many benefits to being active duty--just be aware of what you are getting into, and what you are getting your family into. Having done this as the military spouse for almost 20 years, I can say it's quite the challenge. There's been lots of good for both of us...and there's been lots of bad as well. None of it has been easy.

Overall, there's been more good than bad and the benefits have outweighed the downsides...but that's our experience. Your mileage may vary.

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Specializes in ICU.

As a nurse and Army wife I can tell you that being in the military is hard, but you can't beat the educational benefits that they give you. My husband is a recruiter and I know you can't work as an RN in the Army unless you have a BSN. If you were an LPN or ADN the most you could do is something similar to a corpseman or lab tech. If you go through an A-MED recruiter they can talk to you about benefits and stipends while you get your BSN if you go through their program. You could also be in the reserves instead of active duty. It is funny I read this because I actually have worked all those job you spoke about--CNA, phlebotomist, pharmacy tech, admin assistant, LPN and now I'm an RN. So I can say that I have been there, done that. I would stick with CNA and cross-train to be a Unit secretary. Also, if you can take a phlebotomy class where you are now and learn to draw blood, that will be helpful too and possibly get you more money. So even though you work as a CNA, you have lots of skills that would be useful to the unit and make you a stronger candidate. I also live in VA, but in the Richmond area. pay is not that great but cost of living is probably less than Vegas.

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With your LPN, you can bridge into a BSN program, doing it that way you are one applicant out of 70 trying to get into the program. With phlebotomy you will be one out of 300 or so and will need near perfect grades. Starting pay for phleobotmy (less than 3 years experience) is about $10.10 an hour in this area, same for PCT.

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