I am 39 years old, divorced woman without college degree, and I have never been in Health care industry before.
I am thinking about switching a career to to be a CNA. It seems like there is demand in my area, in the District of Columbia metro area, but concerned if it is the right move.
I don't have savings and renting an apartment, don't own a house. Financially not in a very good place. My question is can you make a living as a CNA self-sufficiently? I understand this is a matter of budgeting as well as it is obvious that when you go into brand new field, you have to start at the bottom, needess to say a pay cut.
Also, it seems like most positions require experience and I am not sure if I would be able to land the first job.
Can you really make a living as CNA at 41 years old alone? Without any experience in health care industry prior?
I hate to see so many negative posts about the field. If you are looking for a quick certification, that is inexpensive and worth it I think that it is a good move. I am currently seeking employment as a CNA (recently graduated), I have no experience and hope to get into one of the hospitals here in the NC area. There is very high demand where I live. I have great hopes that I chose the right career path. The medical field is a great way to go, and with further education, you have so many options.
The key here is 'further education....' Nobody can say that starting out as a CNA isn't a good career move if you plan on using it as a gateway to more and better opportunities. It just depends on what your long-term career goals are and whether or not you have (or can access) the financial means to accomplish the goals.
Interceptinglight: I apprecitate your response and I agree that education is key, but I'm not saying everyone has to go to Nursing school to be sucessful either...at least where I am the Community Colleges offer great programs for continuing education adults that don't require a lot of time or money.
To the OP: I would say that it depends on how much time you are willing to put into it after you are certified, most work places such as hospitals will pay of you to become a CNAII and that will help you get more money. Either way good luck to you. I hope everything works out for the best.
What's up with these negative replies? The pay isn't bad.. I guess it depends where you are. Here in MA, you earn like $13-15 an hour at start.. then that will increase. My nursing assistant instructor has a daughter who is earning $21 an hour as a CNA. She's very young, too! Like into her 20's. And no, she don't even work at a hospital and she earn that much..
I hate to see so many negative posts about the field. If you are looking for a quick certification, that is inexpensive and worth it I think that it is a good move. I am currently seeking employment as a CNA (recently graduated), I have no experience and hope to get into one of the hospitals here in the NC area. There is very high demand where I live. I have great hopes that I chose the right career path. The medical field is a great way to go, and with further education, you have so many options.
I totally agreed with you! I think those negative posts come from those who don't work as a CNA yet, or who gets paid so low that they dislike it. I also graduated a while ago and passed my CNA exam a few months after I graduated from Nursing assistant. I actually have an interview tomorrow..Thank goodness they are hiring those who no experience at all. I am a fast learner, so I will be fine if I get hired.. hopefully!
Im a military spouse and I have 10 years experience as a CNA, Ive worked in four states as we travel! NC-first job no experience $9 nursing home in 2000 also worked part time for staffing agencies for about $11 after having 6 months experience in 2007 $12 hr at a hospital....... then we moved to CO in 2007 $14 hr in hospital ......moved to louisiana got a job in 2010 in the hospital $12.75........ just moved to ft. worth texas offered a position in the hospital $10.75! I hope this gives you an idea of what you can expect
Im a military spouse and I have 10 years experience as a CNA, Ive worked in four states as we travel! NC-first job no experience $9 nursing home in 2000 also worked part time for staffing agencies for about $11 after having 6 months experience in 2007 $12 hr at a hospital....... then we moved to CO in 2007 $14 hr in hospital ......moved to louisiana got a job in 2010 in the hospital $12.75........ just moved to ft. worth texas offered a position in the hospital $10.75! I hope this gives you an idea of what you can expect
It is $12-$14 as a start here in MA at a nursing home LTC. Woah.. I didn't know some states were that low on salary as a CNA.
I totally agreed with you! I think those negative posts come from those who don't work as a CNA yet, or who gets paid so low that they dislike it. I also graduated a while ago and passed my CNA exam a few months after I graduated from Nursing assistant. I actually have an interview tomorrow..Thank goodness they are hiring those who no experience at all. I am a fast learner, so I will be fine if I get hired.. hopefully!
Good for you....I hope your interview goes well. Please keep us updated. It's good to see that there are still people out there graduating with an open mind about the job, and that aren't just focused on the pay or using it as a stepping stone to a healthcare career.
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
It is $12-$14 as a start here in MA at a nursing home LTC. Woah.. I didn't know some states were that low on salary as a CNA.
Pay rates are often based on cost of living. Massachusetts is a state with a high cost of living and high taxes (Taxachusetts, anyone?), whereas Texas and Louisiana are significantly cheaper places to live. Hence, the pay in the Southern states is going to be lower.
I live in Las Vegas Nevada and I did great financially as a CNA. I own a beautiful town house, a new car, I have always had money in the bank, and I was able to put myself through nursing school. Just be smart and save when you can. CNA's do not make a lot of money, but if you do things right you can have nice things.
The CNA field is always a strong and in demand field. It's a great stepping stone to starting a nursing career or for any career changers looking for a satisfying career. The pay varies from the type of facility you work at. I'd recommend CNA to anyone who wants a job in a stable field and who wants to make a difference.
I would say it is a good idea to start there. Yes the pay is not awesome but it can be down the road. Just some personal experience.. I startedvolunteering ay the hospital and loved it so I got my cna and actually was offered a job at hospital while volunteering. So that helped me get my foot in the door...
interceptinglight, CNA
352 Posts
The key here is 'further education....' Nobody can say that starting out as a CNA isn't a good career move if you plan on using it as a gateway to more and better opportunities. It just depends on what your long-term career goals are and whether or not you have (or can access) the financial means to accomplish the goals.