cna worth it?

[leslyi]

hi everyone, i wanted to know if any of you live in TN. i want to become an lpn but i do not qualify for finacial aid so i will need to save the money up i want to attend tcat i added everyrhing up&i will need around 10,000.im starting from scratch&looking for a job,i came acroos the idea of cna i know it does not pay very well,But does anyone work in the warren county area ? if so how much do you make??thank you

[coachontheside]

Leslyi,

I don't know what salary a CNA earns in your area; but I can share that an increasing number of nursing schools either require a CNA or offer extra credit in the highly competitive application process. Therefore, even if the pay is not optimal in your area, becoming a certified nursing assistant may also help you with your long term goals.

[Volley88]

When applying to some nursing programs, they offer bonus points for working in a hospital. I also think it is good for early hospital exposure. And when you are applying to nurse jobs, CNA will be added to your resume.

[t3mama]

The CNA requirement for most nursing schools is designed to "weed out" applicants. Many times, people become a CNA because they want to become a nurse, but once they get to the clinical portion of the CNA course they realize it isn't for them. I think being a CNA gives you great experience towards being an LPN/RN because you are somewhat familiar. The pay will also vary. I don't live in TN, but I live in Utah which is a low cost of living state so the wages are usually lower, especially lower in hospitals. However, my current and first job right as a CNA is making 13.50/hr, but it's an 6p-630a shift, in a lockdown geri-psych unit. So it really depends.Personally, I would do the CNA route for the experience, but you could likely find a higher paying job elsewhere. Good luck!

[ArcaneSiren]

I'm in Canada, but I must say becoming a Nursing Assistant was the best thing I did. I did it because I wasn't sure if nursing would be for me, but quickly found that it was. I currently work in the surgical intensive care and neonatal intensive care. I love both units and both have given me so much experience. Our wages are quite higher here though. I'm making 20$/hr and 12hr shifts. It's how I'm supporting myself through school right now.

[coneal783, ADN, RN]

Wow, those CNA wages are much higher than they are here in North Carolina. I just started at a major hospital here, and my base pay is $11.80/hr. I'm working 3rd shift, so I'll also get an additional $1.59/hr. But like everyone else said, definitely become a CNA before going to nursing school.