how to get paid more as CNA when you HAVE the experience

[hopeful7]

I have almost 5 yrs (4 yrs, 6 mo's) years experience as CNA in the Dallas, TX area. I also hold 2 Bachelor's Degrees, but my pay is insulting both my education ($9/hr) and experience. I believe I deserve no less than $12/hr, esp with 2 degrees. Where (meaning specific names) and in which capacity (hospitals, luxury assisted living, home health care, hospice) is this possible?

[alovelymother]

What are your bachelor degrees in?

[hopeful7]

Thanks for your reply. I have a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in Spanish.

[tomc5555]

As a CNA your degrees aren't relevant, which I'm sure you know.

A lot of home clients want companionship and intellectual stimulation and seek caregivers with some education. I would look into private duty home care.

Good luck

[funtimes]

If you are only doing CNA work, you are only going to get CNA pay, thats just the reality. Additional education is irrelevant unless it is actually used on the job. If you were doing some administrative or clerical duties in addition to patient care you could probably demand more money.

I would recommend applying to hospitals, where your education might be more appreciated and there are a greater variety of positions you could transfer to. Being bilingual would obviously be useful in healthcare, especially in an Emergency Department.

Having said that, I dont blame you for wanting higher pay. 9 Bucks an hour for CNA work is pretty bad. Ive never made less than 12 an hour as a CNA, and I still think Ive been massively underpaid.

[duskyjewel]

I got a nearly $3 per hour raise just by changing employers. And that was with only 7 months experience. I have a BA in Political Science, and that's completely irrelevant to my wage.