I keep getting different answers...HELP

[9#n]

Ok, so recently I have made the difficult decision to take a break from nursing school. I was in my second semester but simply couldn't afford to continue my education at this time. That being said, I am thinking of becoming a CNA for now. I am trying to figure out how much money they make and I keep getting waay different answers. I live in NY state. How much do you make as a cna? Do you like your job? I have a bachelors degree in communications...should i feel weird about becoming a cna with a college degree under my belt. Thanks for your help!

[nursejami]

Hey there! I'm not from NY so I cant speak to salary, but I've worked with plenty of people with college degrees who worked as CNAs while in nursing school or just while trying to figure out what's next! Soc, bio, criminal justice...

If youre planning on finishing school, it's also a great idea to get your foot in the door somewhere to help with employment later!

[asats]

I'm a CNA and in nursing school. It's really helpful for patient interaction skills and just seeing various procedures. You shouldn't feel weird about it because it will help your future career. I'm at a NYC hospital and make 16 an hour.

[drowningdaily]

My first job as an RN was with a cna who was a nurse in Poland for many years prior to coming to the states. I learned a lot from her and many other aides. . it is not beneath you to work as an aide, nor is it anything to feel weird about. I also had a bachelor degree prior to entering nursing program and working as both a cna and a home health aide. The experience was invaluable. There is a lot you can see and learn that will help in school and with your career. Good luck'

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Sorry, but "non-healthcare" degrees are pretty meaningless in clinical roles. Doesn't matter how many degrees you have or in what field, everything re-sets to zero when you apply for a clinical position. This can be a difficult transition, especially if you are used to working in a very different environment. It's tough to get used to being on the bottom of the heap if you held higher positions in the past.

Best of luck to you. Hope you can re-enter nursing school soon.

[TopazLover, BSN, RN]

I do know some CNAs who did not choose to become nurses. They became disillusioned about what nursing was and wanted to be at the bedside even if it did involve many code brown experiences. Sometimes we see nursing as only a hierarchy. For some the satisfaction of work means a great deal. Admittedly it does not put steak in the table but if you can afford it and you love it - the fact of degrees is not the important thing. More and more people with degrees cannot get jobs in their field. I was just reading about the law school grads who passed the Bar and cannot find jobs.

If you choose to become a nurse, great. Use the CNA experience to do a better job. If not you have saved a great deal of money.