Help. CNA RN Phlebotomy??? Full time working student..

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I really need some advice.. I am 24 years old,, mommy and daddy have not helped me financial since I was 17.. left my family.. yeah!!!! :( .. so I am all on my own.. I work like a nut lol... I was thinking about maybe becoming a CNA or LVN while I wait to finish my pre-reqs for nursing and also wait on the 2 year min wait list (from what I hear thats the min time to wait). MY idea is that if I can at least be a CNA or Lvn I can work in the field and build a resume but my main concern is what are you really going to be paid.. I Am in southern cali chino hills area and thinking about maybe even trying to work at the jail thats by my house in Chino.. I hear such great stories from classemates that make like $24 an hour as a CNA and like many tell me its worth it.. I need to make enough money to go to school and pay for bills.. monthly bills + school is min $3600 a month. So my questions is this.. is it wise to become a cna or lvn for the time being while I wait to get into nursing school or woudl I just waste more time and money? From what I hear the average nurse out of grad school gets $32 an hour.. YEAH!!!! sounds great to me... :D Need all the advice..

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Either option, CNA or LVN sounds good. Seems CNA is quicker and easier. I would really encourage you to find a good nursing instructor or nursing guidance counselor to give you some advice, and get it in writing if they offer or tell you something really specific. But they might give "bad" advice. When I was a nursing student we were told to NOT get jobs as CNA's or LVN's because we would get "role confusion?" Now I hear nursing students are encouraged to get these licenses prior to RN degree!

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thx so much,

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

I actually was in a similar situation as you. I've been financially independant since I was 17 as well. I attained my LVN and actually worked at Chino as an LVN sometimes, they don't use registry much more like they used to tho. I was paid 18/hr though this was in 2005. I recall the CNA's making like 14/hr and this one would work a double shift and do 2 16's a week. She made more money than I did because of the overtime. But again. this was 5 years ago.

Honestly, you will make more money as an LVN, but the wait time for school exists even for that now. A CNA may be more beneficial as a short term goal. The advantage of getting your LVN is that you can go into an LVN to RN program afterwards at Chaffey College and have the first year of the RN program down. So depends on your needs. I would look around at the different programs and see your options. Good luck!

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Thanks so much nick.. It difficult to figure out what to do.. I went to Bryman Career College for Dental assisting, not knowing that the county would train you for free, now 18k in debt from that horrid school, I hope they burn!!!!!! only to find out that dentist want to pay Dental assistants min wage.. oh yes.. thats super GREAT!!!Now nursing to me sounds more like a stable job.. but thanks so much.. :D

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I recommend you to become a CNA. read my private message to why I'm telling you this.

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Hey, Thanks for the advice, I cant figure out how to write u back by email... I am not in class anymore so I can say how you can get that position, but I have looked into CNA and LVN and def going to be trying to get in a program asap!!! if you dont mind me asking, is the pay well? I mean.. at least 18+ an hour.. ??? Crossing my fingers... hope to hear soon

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I hope you got my e-mail. Just check your regular e-mail inbox. Let me know if you're on facebook.

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