CNA, but don't want a RN career or in health field

TurtleCat · May 16, 2013

I am a CNA and undecided if I want to further my career to become an RN. I know that CNAs don't make much money, but I kind of like just doing the basic patient care, making them more comfortable and all that, and not having the high stress and liability that comes with being an RN.

MendedHeart · May 17, 2013

I personally do not think a person who doesnt want to be CNA or work in medical should do it. Ive worked as a CNA for years and can always tell who doesnt want to be there. It is not good for the patients especially, they need someone dedicated to take of care them.

LoveMyBoxer99 · May 17, 2013

If you want a career in political science go for it! Being a CNA doesn't have to mean you stay in healthcare. I know many people that worked as CNA's that went on to achieve degrees outside healthcare. You just gotta do what is right for you and find your own path in life!

ShyeoftheTiger · May 17, 2013

Is there anyone here working as a CNA but don't want to become a RN or work in the health field? All of the people I have met going to CNA classes and work all wanted to be a CNA to gain experience to help being a RN or something else in the medical field. I had classmates, and coworkers tell me how exciting they find this all to be and how they are looking forward to becoming a RN but I just don't feel the same.
In this economy, it's hard finding work, and this is one of the few solid forms of employment during these times so I did it for that reason. I am also in undergrad for Political Science and hoping that one day, that would be the field that I call my career in.
Anyone else with similar feelings or situations?

I was an NA for two and a half years. Then I got a BA in English... Now I'm back for nursing! Go explore, grasshopper :)

ElsaKay · May 17, 2013

I am a CNA, and I am using this job to put my husband through school. What comes next for me, I don't know. I really like my current job as a hospice aide, but I will not be doing this after he graduates. For one, I don't think my body could take it. A person can be a compassionate and competent CNA without wanting it to be a lifetime career.

MendedHeart · May 17, 2013

Very true..I just can tell those who are in it just for a job and their heart aint really in it..Its a very hard job to do for a lifetime though..a lot of aches and pains.

LightX · May 18, 2013

I kind of just fell into being a CNA and health care in general. I have no desire to become an RN. Like you, I got my CNA because it's the one thing I knew I'd find work in and I knew I could do it. I don't mind it, I like taking care of the older folks, learning about them, etc.

But it is too physical for me and I HURT every single night I come home....which is why I only do it part time.

I disagree somewhat with "you can tell who's in it just for the job"...because, basically, I am, but I DO take my responsibilities seriously. I have respect for the ppl I care for. I give it my all in this job. I just wish there was something else I could do to earn a decent paycheck.

Glycerine82, LPN · May 29, 2013

I don't think its possible to work as a CNA if you don't like it. I think its fine to not want to do it forever or to not want to go any further though. Truly, I don't think anyone could stand it for very long if they didn't at least like some aspect of it.

Melodies of Legend · May 31, 2013

I say kudos to you for knowing what you want! Don't be pressured into becoming a nurse if you're not passionate about it, money alone won't be worth it.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 1, 2013

I am also in undergrad for Political Science and hoping that one day, that would be the field that I call my career in.

Have you explored the job prospects for people who have undergrad degrees with majors in political science? Unless you plan to use the political science degree as a springboard into law school or some other graduate level program, the job prospects are slim. This is just some food for thought.

WannaBNursey, ADN, ASN, RN · Jun 2, 2013

When I was in high school I had the same plan. Work through my undergrad as a CNA, then take my Poli. Sci degree and go to law school. I became a paralegal and was offered less than I made working as a cashier and realized that there are already too many lawyers. I met a lawyer online who graduated from Brown and could only find part time work. There are so many lawyers in my area who are only working because they had family in the field. I figured I'd go back into nursing. I don't really know why I got away from it in the first place. If I would have listened to the calling God gave me, I would have had an R.N. at the end of my name 2 years ago!