Can someone explain how to survive doing cna work

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i know this may sound insane...but my question is this...how do people who are cna's or hha's survive financially...i went from a 20 dollar an hour job and gave it up to do chha work as i am going to nursing school in september...i guess i forgot to look into one important part...pay rate...i absolutley love what im doing now and i think it will be a big help but i am going to be kicked out of my home if i dont pay the bills...i have tried to look into assistance but where i live (ocean county)...they are not taking applications...i really wish i knew how to make things work...im sure it will be even harder when im going to school...my rent is 1200 a month..not trying to get personal...i am seriously at a loss here....i cant go back to my other job now as it is too late....feeling like i screwed up my life right now:eek:

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I feel ya - I live alone and have to pay my rent, utilities, internet bill, and food for me and my animals on a bit less than 9 bucks an hour.

Careful budgeting. And if you are going to stick with the job, you may have to find a cheaper living arrangement. 1200 bucks is more than I even bring home in a month!

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Could you get someone to share the house and house payment?

All the budgeting in the world will not allow you to pay that house payment on a CNA salary.

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Specializes in LTC.

My apartment is really cheap, my car is paid off, and I don't have any kids. That's how I do it, at least.

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Yep, my rent is the cheapest I could find, I live in a crappy duplex. I can't afford car insurance so I walk. I clip coupons. It's tough, even when my rent is a third of yours.

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I second the roommate idea... or can you dorm at your nursing school? Sometimes depending on your situation, you can get student loans to help pay the cost of room and board as well as school. Yes, it would mean higher student loans in the end, but you would have food and a roof... and you won't have to start paying until you are out of school 6 months.

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hello everyone...i am so grateful to all the responses i got...i appreciate that no one was offended by the personal questions...as far as the rent goes...unfortunatley for me im locked into a lease for almost another year...i have a two year lease ...im such an idiot....one of you mentioned student loans to keep a roof over my head...im wondering if i could do that since its not a campus type situation but a local vocational school...i wouldnt mind the payments after i graduate...thats would be a great option for me...i am pretty confident i am going to get a decent amount thru grants...and i didnt even think of the loans...this will work when im actually in school....as far as now though i guess i better get a roommate...i could give them the bedroom and i could stay on the sofa...jeez i just feel so foolish to put myself in this position...you would think at my age i would know better..i just really had no idea that for all the work involved in hha/cna work that the wages would be so low:crying2: i was just so excited about finally being able to get the career change going that i have wanted to do for 20 years...anyway, thanks for listening to my rambling...this forum has become such an important place to me..everyone is so helpful

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

You know the CNA experience is good, but doesn't make a huge difference. If you can find a job like you did before (at that rate), and that will work with your schedule then go for it. You were doing the right thing and good CNA's deserve 20 bucks an hour in a perfect world......

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Meo,

I know that when I went to college years ago, I was in a similar boat... my house was headed into foreclosure. But there was some way that I could take the student loan for the entire cost, but because the grants paid some I could get the difference. It may not be a huge amount, but hopefully it will help you in your situation. Good luck!

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I drive a bust up car from the 90's and I have no credit cards.

I live off of ramen noodles when times are tough.

I feel your pain and hope that you find some light at the end of the tunnel. Hang in there and don't give up your dream!

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Specializes in LTC.

Budget carefully. When I was a CNA (haven't worked since august to go to nursing school) I knew exactly where every dollar went. I made around $800 a month. I owned my car, paid $300/mo rent, and supported my husband who could not work. I saved up for 2 years to be able to pay bills while I went to school. It is possible for you to do it, but it might not be in the timeframe you want. Maybe you could get a part time job in addition to your other one while you wait for your lease to expire. Remember to save, save, save!

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I got a somewhat wrecked car from the family of a deceased elderly gentleman for cheap, but I own it outright (and it unfortunately is getting more and more difficult to start these days).

I don't have the nicest, "hippest" clothes. I shop at thrift stores whenever possible. I'm easy on my scrubs and have had the same ones for years.

I don't always get exactly what I want at the grocery store. I buy what is on sale and make it into a healthy dish. (Don't buy junk food, it eats up your money!) I rarely eat out.

I get books, music and movies from the library for free instead of buying them (unless it's something I *really* like).

I don't have a ton of extra features on my cell phone plan.

Not a glamorous lifestyle, but I'm content.

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