Healthcare-Bad economy

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Hello All,

I am a nursing student, having only one semester left before graduation. I write because of my brother, who works in retail. I am encouraging him to leave retail to work as a CNA. He will have to pay to take the class. Here is my question. In this bad economy, is one wise to leave retail (very unstable-his job will be laying off) and seek employment as a CNA? Or, is the healthcare industry suffering as all other aspects of American workforce now?

Thank you so much for your time and wisdom.

dny

Specializes in ICU/ER.
At my hospital, most of the CNAs are in it as a stepping stone position. They get benefits including tuition reimbursement, so unless they have a particular reason for remaining a CNA, they are all gunning for lpn or rn status eventually.

McDonalds has nothing compared to that, even if they paid more, which I don't think they do.

If he wants to pursue health care as a profession than being a CNA is GREAT---if he is only looking for a "job" there are many jobs out there that pay better than being a CNA.

McDonalds/CNA pay must be regional as in my area, McDonalds pays more!! and they get free food..lol

Specializes in HomeHealth / geriatrics.

When it comes to jobs in theses uncertain times I say keep your job and do not switch unless you have another job ready and waiting for you.

Hmmm... This might be a topic for a new thread, but I don't think McDonalds necessarily pays more than LTC for CNAs. Not in my area, anyway. I worked at McDonalds many years ago, and also as an aide, and I can truthfully say that I'd rather work as a CNA.

I think it depends on the area. I lived in northeast UT where there was/is a lot of gas and oil work going on, therefore a lot of highly paid tradesmen in town, and it was hard for the area to keep up with the growing pop. The hospitals were so small I couldn't get a job, but was offered an LPN job at a nursing home for $10/hr, 30 miles from home. 2 miles from home, Burger King was starting people at $12/hr, and Pizza Hut was offering $15/hr for drivers. Ridiculous. I stayed home.

CNA's there made $8 or $9 per hour. So sad.

Thanks to everyone who replied. It looks like it'll be a gamble either way. I know he will be laid off, so it will be better to go ahead and have another plan. That stated, he wants to go into the medical field-pharmacist. I encourage him to become a CNA because I think it provides knowledge from the ground up. He'll have exposure to concepts and medication names he otherwise would not. It's pointless to be in his late 20's, and have no skill, no special knowledge, he can be proud of. I look up to CNA's, and consider the job a privelige. He's a workhorse, big boy, so I'm sure even though it's a tough job, he's the guy for the fit!

dny

Has he looked into being a pharmacy tech? There seems to be pretty steady demand in my area. I think some pharmacies train you on site, but there are certification programs available in vo-tech schools. This might fit his needs if there is a demand for pharmacy tech in your area.

Specializes in School Nursing.

he should only become a cna if he has the heart and desire to do so. it is work that is not suited for everyone. first and foremost, you must want to work with patients who need care.

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