CNA/Nursing Advice

MBARN · May 21, 2012

Go straight to nursing school, the profession needs male nurses!

Asystole RN · May 22, 2012

Being hired at a hospital as a CNA is not easy. The largest market for CNAs is in the LTC/SNF facilities. CNAs make very little money, in Arizona the average pay is around $12hr. Unless you have no other alternative I would strongly recommend just directly entering the nursing program.

walkingitch · May 22, 2012

I would have to quit my current job to do the nursing program, at least when clinical start. Do you still think this is the way to go?

Asystole RN · May 22, 2012

I would have to quit my current job to do the nursing program, at least when clinical start. Do you still think this is the way to go?

Depends on your financial status. If you can afford it then you can afford it.

_Zinc_ · May 23, 2012

I want to take a CNA class to get my foot in the door at a hospital. I want to work as a CNA and go to school to become a RN. Would you recommend thireers? Arny advice would ne helpful. BTW, I am 35 and this would be a career change. I want to help people and hopefully make a difference in someone's life.Thanks

I am currently attending a CNA course in the Bay Area (Northern California). Personally, I'm starting my medical career this way because I have been unemployed since February and decided on a change in career path. My thoughts are pretty much right on target with yours; to work as a CNA while going to school for RN.

RN school takes time. Takes time just to get in and also to complete and that's why I'm choosing this route.

As a CNA, you might be on the lower if not lowest end of the medical spectrum, but your job is no less important.

Also, I don't know where you are located, but as a CNA here, you can make anywhere from about 11 bucks to as much as 20 (maybe a little more with shift differential and if you work through a service you can make around 26 at times) an hour. Just depends on what kind of facility you work.

FYI: I'm 31.