CNA Wages in S Florida - Will I survive?

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Greetings everyone.

I am trying to figure out my finances / create a budget for LPN school. There is no doubt that I will have to work while in school. But can I realistically make enough as a full-time CNA to support myself?

I have no other means of financial support, no significant other, parents can't help, almost nothing in savings, horrible credit -- loans are out of the question and financial aid I just don't qualify for -- currently considered a high income earner and earned a high income in 2007. Working PT at my current job is also not a possibility. :crying2:

I am going to take my CNA test as a challenger in December. I checked salary.com and it gave me an average CNA wage of $12.50/hour ($26,000/year). Would an inexperienced, brand spanking new CNA make this amount in the Ft Lauderdale/Miami area?

My background is in sales and I have office management experience. I have looked into Health Unit Coordinator positions, but it seems no one will hire you without passing a HUC course first. Getting my CNA license is not only easier (and not as time consuming), but would help tremendously during nursing school (with skills and comfort level).

I'm leaning towards night/weekend CNA work, but I just don't know if it will be enough for me to make ends meet. I've been waiting a long, long time to become a nurse... and I just don't want to let this opportunity pass me by. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Obviously a good deal of the answer to that question relys on your expenses: car note? rent/mortgage payments? insurance? credit cards?

You might make a little differential working nights/weekends. You might have to cut back on unnecessary stuff like eating out and other non-essentials.

When there's a will, there's a way, and it's only for a year.

Also, note that loans are not out of the question. I was making $30.00/hour when I went back for my RN to BSN and got loans for that. So you might qualify for a loan to at least pay your books and tuition, and perhaps a little extra. I'm not sure how that all works though.

Good luck!

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Thanks for the response Tweety.

Living in south Florida is certainly a challenge.... the cost of living is ridiculous here. Apart from living expenses, I do have a few extra bills, but nothing crazy.

Is there anyone here who has worked as a CNA and can give me the approximate starting wage for a new (inexperienced) CNA? Salary.com says the average is $12.50/hour but that seems a little off to me (based on what I've read in the CNA forum).

If someone in south Florida, who has worked as an CNA, could give me some general idea of the wages I'll really be looking at/offered .. I would appreciate it. I would help me tremendously as I prepare for school.

Thanks!

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squirtle,

Thanks for the PM. I couldn't find a reply button anywhere, otherwise I would have replied in the same matter. Again, thank you for the information! It was very, very helpful!

:urck:

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squirtle,

Thanks for the PM. I couldn't find a reply button anywhere, otherwise I would have replied in the same matter. Again, thank you for the information! It was very, very helpful!

:urck:

Hey im in the same situation, I was hoping you could share the answer to your question please :D

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KdnRN2B,

Basically, the information I received is that yes, $12.50/hour is realistic. The average rate is $9.50-$11.00 but more can be made if we work PRN, since we will not be benefit eligible. On top of the base pay, we may also receive a shift differential for nights and weekends as well.

Hope this helps! (And thanks again squirtle!)

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Specializes in geriatrics,emergency,hospice.

Hey...

That wage is realistic. I am a CNA, and graduating RN school this December. This has been the absolute toughest 3 years of my life. I dont know about yor program, but mine was/is very very intense, and I have been only working weekends. Class or clinical 4-5 days a week doesnt leave much time for work. Luckily, the facility I work for has a program where if you work 3 shifts a week, you get paid for 4. Otherwise, I probably wouldnt be able to make it. It was very frustrating for me, because I searched and searched for grants, scholarships, government assistance, etc and could find very little help. Of course, I am a single male with no kids. I was told if I had kids then I would have all the help I needed.

But, as Tweety said, where theres a will, theres a way, and I am now 11 weeks from graduation. God willing, I will pass the NCLEX on the first try and finally make some money. Most facilites are more than willing to accomadate nursing students, so as a CNA, you shouldnt have too much problem there, especially if you want to work nights. Temp agencies often pay alot more than the facility themselves, so check into those as well.

Best of luck to you!! You CAN do this!

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Hey dark light:

How did things work out for you?! I'm about to be in the same situation except I have a one year old. Planning on starting nursing school in January. Just got my first job as a CNA. it's LTC and the pay is 8.75 no differential even if you work nights. I'm still looking though because I know that even without experience that's way way way at the bottom of the pay scale.

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