B.A + CNA Certification

[CNA-RN]

Hi everyone,

I currently have a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field and looking to make a career change to Nursing. I'm taking my prereqs at the moment at the Chicago city colleges for an entry level Masters in Nursing program and thought it wise to take classes on becoming a CNA so I could work while in school. I'm looking at Olive-Harvey, Resurrection and CareerTrainingCenter (mostly this one since its 4-5 weeks).

Since I already have a bachelor's degree, when I'm done with the CNA classes, get certification and all that, does my B.A factor into starting salary? I also read somewhere else on here that it's possible to get a position as a Staffing Coordinator if a person has good verbal and written skills. Any thoughts on this?

For CNA's working in Chicago, what have been your most recent starting wages? I've read through posts mentioning starting rates from $8 to $15 and a quick search for jobs on Careerbuilder shows rates from $9.50 to $15. Also, any recs on which pays better: Nursing Homes, Hospitals, Private Care or any other places?

Sorry for the long note, I'm new to this and would appreciate some advice.

Thanks.

[lilbearzmom]

I don't have any insight, since I am in almost the exact same boat- BA going to school right now for my STNA. The only difference is that I am beginning prerequisites for an RT AAS. I would love to know the answer too.

[jjjoy, LPN]

What benefitted me the most as a nursing assistant was the direct patient care I did and the 'tricks' I learned from the experienced staff I worked with. Not very lucrative but priceless in terms of experience.

I had hoped to have more chance to watch the nurses in action and learn about medical conditions and medical care but fulfilling my own job responsibilities generally took all my time. Working bedside generally keeps ya on your feet and very busy all shift!

Oh yeah, NA pay, and even RN pay, generally doesn't differ much, if at all, if you're in the same role, whether or not you have a bachelor's, master's or even PhD!

[misswillow]

I have not found that having a degree makes any difference in CNA pay - the only thing that seems to matter is CNA experience.

[loriangel14, RN]

Having a BA in an unrelated field willnot affect your CNA pay.

[LaterAlligator]

I am also in the same boat, and having an unrelated BA didn't increase my pay at all. I started at $10/hr at an assisted living facility. Good luck!

[CNA-RN]

Thanks a lot for the responses...I appreciate it! I actually can't wait to start and be over with the classes and start working. I know it's grunt work, but I enjoy talking with older folks, I babysit every now and again, so I've cleaned child poop, never adult, so I hope that part goes over okay. Otherwise, I'm excited to start, as weird as that may sound!