CNA and support

Published

Can I work as a CNA somewhere and realistically make at minimum $12 hr? I will be starting a CNA program soon but I don't see myself being able to support my family from what I hear the going rate is. I am taking the program as a stepping stone to the Gateway LPN program. I am planning on taking the program and then just working my "regular" job until I can get into the LPN program. Is that stupid? Any positive feedback will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I believe it is great what you are doing!

I am starting my CNA class at RSAA on May 5th as a stepping stone for the LPN/RN program...whichever I get accepted to first! :)

At http://www.payscale.com they said the average wage for a CNA is $10.76/hr. But if you get in with a company that will pay for PCT (patient care technicican) training and will pay for your LPN program, what can be better! :)

I do not know much about the wages, but I believe Long Term Care pays better. I am so happy for you and good luck with your CNA class!

:yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I believe it is great what you are doing!

I am starting my CNA class at RSAA on May 5th as a stepping stone for the LPN/RN program...whichever I get accepted to first! :)

At www.payscale.com they said the average wage for a CNA is $10.76/hr. But if you get in with a company that will pay for PCT (patient care technicican) training and will pay for your LPN program, what can be better! :)

I do not know much about the wages, but I believe Long Term Care pays better. I am so happy for you and good luck with your CNA class!

:yeah:

Thanks! And congrats to you also :clown:. I start my program May 13th. I would love to work as a CNA and get the experience but the pay really hurts financially you know? I was also told that Long Term care pays more so we will see. I notice some agencies show that they pay CNA starting at 15 an hour. Hopefully I will get where I'm suppose to be soon.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Thanks! And congrats to you also :clown:. I start my program May 13th. I would love to work as a CNA and get the experience but the pay really hurts financially you know? I was also told that Long Term care pays more so we will see. I notice some agencies show that they pay CNA starting at 15 an hour. Hopefully I will get where I'm suppose to be soon.

Wow!! $15/hr...may I ask what agencies are those? Is there a website that you like for CNA jobs? I am still learning all the ins and outs so I greatly appreciate any advice! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Wow!! $15/hr...may I ask what agencies are those? Is there a website that you like for CNA jobs? I am still learning all the ins and outs so I greatly appreciate any advice! :)

I don't go to a particular site. I go to careerbuilder.com sometimes and they have listings for agencies that will sometimes put their rate. I believe one of them is Nursecore but don't hold me to that. I just try to dig up whatever I can. I know a hospital would be better because of tuition reimbursement. I'm learning too :wink2:.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I do not think it's stupid. You don't have to work as CNA in order to be a nurse and if you are going to be paid less, why bother. I am in the same boat. I am taking CNA class but I do not plan on working as CNA as I would take almost a double pay cut. Maybe, after clinicals, if I like it, I will work one or two shifts a month just to see how it is.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In speaking with one of the staff at RSAA - I asked him what a new CNA with no prior medical experience could expect to make and his answer was just about "either side of 12/hr." So I've been guessing that's what it'll be at first. Most agencies that I've read/heard won't hire unless you have some experience first - and that's when you get the higher rates through the agencies.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Not sure how common this is but....my friend works at a rehab/ltc facility and they pay their CNA's $15 an hour. Even if you worked 2/12hr shifts a week, thats not bad, IMO

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Not sure how common this is but....my friend works at a rehab/ltc facility and they pay their CNA's $15 an hour. Even if you worked 2/12hr shifts a week, thats not bad, IMO

Do you know how much experience they need for that rate?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Do you know how much experience they need for that rate?

I don't....sorry. That is what she told me before she moved. But I know they were always in need of help. you can PM me and I will give you the name of the facility!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I don't....sorry. That is what she told me before she moved. But I know they were always in need of help. you can PM me and I will give you the name of the facility!

Would u mind PMing me also?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro ICU.

I went to RSAA a year ago & I started out working Mon-Wed 3 12's at 12/hr at a LTCF.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion