CNA questions, pay...

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I'm assuming CNA (cert nurse assist) and PCA (personal care assist) are the pretty much the same thing as far as hospitals are concerned, right?

Do hospitals have job fairs that include these positions so I could find out more?

What is the typical pay range for a CNA? 10-15 an hour? :o

Do most nurses work as a CNA during nursing school for experience or a "foot in the door" at a specific hospital/unit?

I'm a hairstylist now and I make well over 20 an hour...but I'm curious about working part time as a CNA for the experience...the only thing is htat my daycare costs are $8 an hour soI could not work as a CNA for less than 12 once I figure in gas, meals etc. So, I'd only consider it if it really really helped getting a job or getting thru nursing school.:innerconf

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Specializes in Critical Care, Capacity/Bed Management.

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

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

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....

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

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.

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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.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

In my area, CNAs and PCAs earn between $8.50 and $12 hourly.

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

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.....

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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!

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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. :up:

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Specializes in LTC.

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

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

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Specializes in LTC.
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.

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