CNA worth the time?

[amanda081106]

I've put a lot of thought into the CNA program, mostly just to work until and if I ever get accepted into nursing school. I suppose, it could act as a backup plan as well; which is how I'm feeling at this point.

Anyway, I live in Alabama and from what I've been told, the pay here ranges anywhere from $7-$10 per hour. The cost of living isn't significantly high, so I could probably manage. It just seems like a lot of work for so little pay... my fiance's sister-in-law calls herself "a professional a** wiper." She doesn't seem to hate her job though.

The classes are a must, since no one seems to want to hire you unless you are certified. The cost is $700 with no financial assistance. I guess that's one thing I'm concerned about, given the fact that I don't have that much money lying around.

I have been rejected three times and need a steady job. I don't think I even care how little I make at this point. My fiancé will graduate this time next year, and I pray he can find a job bringing home a decent amount of money. In the mean time, I will keep applying to nursing school and possibly be pinching every penny working as a CNA.

Can anyone who works as a CNA in Alabama give me an idea of what you make? Does anyone know how difficult getting a job as a CNA is right now? Really, any advice or information you can give is much appreciated.

By the way, I apologize ahead of time any misspellings, errors, etc. It's 3 AM and I haven't had much sleep.

[blackandyellow]

I dont live in Alabama but I have never had a problem finding a job as a CNA. I have found some places have applications online and others want you to go in and fill out an application. When I wanted to work in a hospital I filled out about 10 applications because they can be harder to get into. I got lucky at the nursing home which is where I started out they hired me on the spot and it was a good place to begin my career. As a CNA who is in nursing school it has been well worth the money for the program. It has taught me valuable skills about the nursing field, how to communicate with patients/families/ difficult coworkers/ doctors/ etc. I do not think we get paid as much as we should but this has been a great stepping stone for me into the nursing field and was part of the reason why I decided to go for my nursing degree.

[pickled_tink]

go for a nursing certication or degree. why stop at cna? go to fasfa.gov, apply for federal financial aid, and qualify for a free education! this will help pay and cover prerequisites for lvn certification or a degree in nursing(adn)! this is exactly the path i have taken. even though it has been an emotional rollercoaster ride in process, but will definitely be rewarding in the end (obtaining lvn licensure), and making twice the money!