CNA questions, pay...

When I started working as a CNA i made 9.50 with NO experience. Every place is different expecially where you live. In NJ its typically 10 to 13 depending where you go

If you couldn't work for less than 12...it's worth looking into..but don't be expecting miracles....

Personally, I worked for 9.36/hr for 6 months, then the annual raise kicked in July...I'm up to 10.52 an hour with a 1.32 shift diff......So It's about $12, but the benefits do add in an extra non-money factor....I wouldn't be quitting my day job, but it is VERY good exp for jobs and NS...I've learned a lot on the floor that I apply to tests and clinicals....Try finding local hospitals online for positions, or check the newspaper....BTW, I'm in IL....

if you google search the department of labor average wages for a cna in your area; you should be able to get an accurate estimation. I work in virginia; and depending on experience you can get anywhere from 10 to 16 an hour.

Thanks everyone....I wouldn't do it to make money, and I know I won't make what I get as a hairstylist...I'm just curious if the pay cut would be worth it as far as experience or a foot in the door at a hospital. I'd be willing to make less money if it meant I'd have a better shot at a nursing job at the hospital and department I was most interested in.

Yeah, it's really good exp and a way to meet the players in your departments.....I personally know lots of nurses, supervisors, extra staff that I wouldn't if I didn't work there....I think it'll give me a leg up when talking to supervisors and finding the postings before they're even offically open.....

I'm a new PCT at a hospital in IL. My base w/no experience is $11.00, I get a $1.00 more for nights (my shift) & .75 cents for weekends. It was a major pay cut for me too, my background is in customer service. But I know the experience will help me when I start the nursing program. The holidays enabled me to pick up extra shifts & for a few days there, I made double thanks to bonus shifts. I also pocket a little more because I have health insurance through my husband. Good luck!

I'm a new PCT at a hospital in IL. My base w/no experience is $11.00, I get a $1.00 more for nights (my shift) & .75 cents for weekends. It was a major pay cut for me too, my background is in customer service. But I know the experience will help me when I start the nursing program. The holidays enabled me to pick up extra shifts & for a few days there, I made double thanks to bonus shifts. I also pocket a little more because I have health insurance through my husband. Good luck!

Sounds like my situation. Thanks! I just want the experience to outweigh the paycut.

I started as a CNA in Minnesota at $11/hr and that was in assisted living. Once I got some experience I got a job in a hospital with the base pay of $14.50

14.50 per day hour? That sounds pretty good to me! Is it only that high is certain departments?

14.50 per day hour? That sounds pretty good to me! Is it only that high is certain departments?

I think it depended on experience.

Hi, I was a hair stylist like you before I began in healthcare. I was just hired on a step down cardiac unit at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL. I had no hospital experience whatsoever and they started me at $14.14/hr. Like you, it was a painful pay cut but the benefits are amazing (medical ins. and tuition remebersment) If you begin interviewing at hospitals really emphasize your customer service skills thru doing hair. It is the same concept as being a PCT. Best of Luck to you, hope that helps! Chicagoland has so many wonderful hospitals to work for and the pay is decent to compared to other metro areas!!:w00t: