Apply for CNA or go to LPN school?

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Hi! I am new to this and am looking for some advice. I am a single mom and I get no child support so it is a must that I work FT while I go to school to become an LPN. I was thinking of getting my CNA certificate now and then going to school for my LPN. At my current job, I make a little over $17/hr (Mortgage industry) and I know CNA's don't make that much but I am willing to take a small pay cut. I read on here that CNA's can make up to $15/hr for working weekend shifts. I can deal with this by cutting things out in my budget. Do you think I should do this? I also read that CNA experience helps with school. I need all the help I can get. I don't mind the vomit, blood, urine, etc. I've seen it all, done it all. I am just concerned with the money because I have a mortgage and all the other bills that come with it. Thanks in advance!

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Cna first ..use it as a stepping stone ..thats what im doing as well .. best wishes =].

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thanks! I just called a hospital today who posted about a dozen ft job openings for CPN's so I called and they said it was against hospital policy to give out the wage info unless I was called in for an interview. I wish I knew the hourly wage there so that I could decide if I should get the CNA cedrtificate or not.:confused:

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I know ..that would be nice . Im thinking between 10-14 an hour ....ive heard home health pays more. I just need cna too, beacuse i have to work while trying to go full time through LPN. My friend did it , soo thats encouraging=]. ~Sherie;)

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Specializes in CNA, Acute care, LTC, Hospital.
Hi! I am new to this and am looking for some advice. I am a single mom and I get no child support so it is a must that I work FT while I go to school to become an LPN. I was thinking of getting my CNA certificate now and then going to school for my LPN. At my current job, I make a little over $17/hr (Mortgage industry) and I know CNA's don't make that much but I am willing to take a small pay cut. I read on here that CNA's can make up to $15/hr for working weekend shifts. I can deal with this by cutting things out in my budget. Do you think I should do this? I also read that CNA experience helps with school. I need all the help I can get. I don't mind the vomit, blood, urine, etc. I've seen it all, done it all. I am just concerned with the money because I have a mortgage and all the other bills that come with it. Thanks in advance!

Wages depend on which state or part of the country ya live in... In Oregon the wages span from $12.00 (LTC facility) to $18.00 (psych unit with experience) ... I found that info online...

Good luck in your search....

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Cna first ..use it as a stepping stone ..thats what im doing as well .. best wishes =].

That's what I am going to do I got an acceptance from my Community College for their LVN Program & as much as I would luv to go & extremely excited I am not ready financially, I have no medical experience plus I need to improve my math skills to and I going to tell them to put me back on the list, it is disappointing but it would be even more disappointing & devastating to fail then it would be to wait another year.

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Hi again ...Your CNA will only take a couple mths, then you can test=]. Is it possible to get the CNA and still accept the position in the LVN program??? Best wishes to you ,and keep us posted =]~Sherie

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Hi again ...Your CNA will only take a couple mths, then you can test=]. Is it possible to get the CNA and still accept the position in the LVN program??? Best wishes to you ,and keep us posted =]~Sherie

I was told that they should be offering the CNA Program in intersession & to come back there in October to put my name on the CNA wait list. I am also almost finished with my AA Degree in Health Administration I graduate on December 8, 2008!!!! If I go to Nursing School now I cannot fill out the FAFSA for my Community College because I am am using that type of financial Aid at my current college now. I tried for a student loan & did not qualify and I have no one to co-sign so I think it would be better to wait till next year so I can fill out a FAFSA for my Community College plus waiting till next year will give me time to work on my math skills, get a car hopefully, and get my shots. Sorry about the long post:specs:!!!!

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Is ok =] ..your on the right track kiddo!!!! Im right behind you ..lol.. ttyl ;)

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thanks for all the replies! I have decided to get my CNA cert and work in LTC or hospitals on the weekends. I have a FT job during the week but have held 2 stressful jobs at once before so that's not new. This way, I will get my experience, extra $$ and hopefully that place will pay for my education too! I see no other way as I am so impatient to get this going. Thanks again!:D

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Is ok =] ..your on the right track kiddo!!!! Im right behind you ..lol.. ttyl ;)

Thanks so much!!!! I know in the long run becoming a CNA first will help me succeed better in Nursing school!!!! and thanks so very much for your support:saint:!!!!

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thanks for all the replies! I have decided to get my CNA cert and work in LTC or hospitals on the weekends. I have a FT job during the week but have held 2 stressful jobs at once before so that's not new. This way, I will get my experience, extra $$ and hopefully that place will pay for my education too! I see no other way as I am so impatient to get this going. Thanks again!:D

I feel the same way:scrm:!!!! I want to get started now and like you I see no other way to do it!!!! My problem is the only school where I live that offers a CNA Program that I can afford is my Community College and they are not 100% sure if they are going to offer the CNA Program in intersession. I am ready to cry right now:bluecry1::crying2:!!!! I just called another school & they want $1799 and I cannot afford that!!!!:banghead:!!!!

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