I quit my good paying job to attend a CNA class. Anyone else?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

Published

Hi everyone,

My friends and family think I'm crazy for quitting my job during a recession. I had the regular 9-5 job where I stared at the computer all day. I couldn't believe that dealing with redundant paperwork and running boring reports would be required of me for the rest of my life. After 3 1/2 years of doing this, I couldn't take it anymore!! So I quit! I gained 35 pounds in three years because of this job. I saw the drive and compassion in my coworkers and I just couldn't relate. I don't know about anyone else, but I want a job where I feel fulfilled at the end of the day. I figured healthcare would be a good option because you're not staring at a computer all day and you're actually ACTIVE. I figured the CNA training would be beneficial towards my future because I'm interested in the healthcare field. Does anyone else have a story similar to mine?

I just want to put a *WARNING* post out there for those of you considering quitting your job. Do NOT QUIT your "good paying" job for a CNA class if you don't know exactly what CNAs do. I currently work at a Nursing Home and CNAs are required to do a lot of work. You smell poop most of the time, change briefs, deal with moody nurses, moody residents, make beds, clean up pee, empty comodes, and you have to be on your "A" game most of the time. It's a lot of hard work!! If you want to pursue something like nursing, then that's different. But if not, go visit a nursing home before you quit your boring job!!

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I absolutely agree with you!! When I took the CNA class, I knew what I was getting into. It was my second time taking the CNA class. I knew how to make beds and wipe butts. I did that job for 7 years before becoming a substitute teacher @ $39/hr.

My job as a substitute teacher got slow because of budget cuts. That's when I thought of retaking a CNA class instead of waiting for the phone to ring.

I do NOT recommend you quit your good paying job. It's a hard being a CNA with low pay and lots of hard work.

I was lucky to get a CNA job offer at $16/hr and keep the same state retirement account. Please learn about what you're getting into before you quit your job.

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I have to third that opinion about quitting your job. Quite a few of you sound like you have no idea what a CNA does. When I took my CNA class, 16 people started only 2 finished. You will be cleaning up a LOT of poop and pee! It's not all singing and playing games, and it is very physically demanding.

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Specializes in Certified Nursing Assistant.

Hi All,

I do agree with everyone above. I am keeping my job while going to CNA classes at night. Then I am going to work my full time job during the day and hopefully pick up some part time hours as a CNA just until i feel comfortable and know that this is what I want to do :-) I know it is but I understand how everyone feels above.

Thanks for all the insight guys!

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don't quit your job unless you really know what your getting yourself into. I took CNA classes for a few days and quickly discovered it wasn't for me, especially since I have bad knees. :o

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Once you visit a nursing home you'll appreciate your good paying "boring" job! I guarantee...

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Hey that sounds just like me I was a massage therapist, Before the recession I was getting paid really well, Probably more than some LVNs, one problem, I was unhappy, I always wanted to do nursing so I decided to start off with cna program, I passed that with flying colors, then I quit my job and went back for the LVN program, even though I am finally fulfilling my life long dream, I can't seem to find a job no where, it seems like no one will except entry level. . . . . Although I really want to work in the hospital it seems like I just cant get one foot in the door. I have done application after application on line an still no success. What am I doing wrong? Any suggestions or tips. . . . please help. . . . thank you in advance.

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Check out the board, a lot of people are in your shoes. The "nursing shortage" isn't as bad as they let on.

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Hey that sounds just like me I was a massage therapist, Before the recession I was getting paid really well, Probably more than some LVNs, one problem, I was unhappy, I always wanted to do nursing so I decided to start off with cna program, I passed that with flying colors, then I quit my job and went back for the LVN program, even though I am finally fulfilling my life long dream, I can't seem to find a job no where, it seems like no one will except entry level. . . . . Although I really want to work in the hospital it seems like I just cant get one foot in the door. I have done application after application on line an still no success. What am I doing wrong? Any suggestions or tips. . . . please help. . . . thank you in advance.

I think there are so many RNs looking for jobs that they are ignoring the LPN apps. Are you applying to nursing homes?

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Specializes in LTC- as CNA, L&D, Current- Oncology.

happy to see people are actually giving "real world" advice here at the end of this thread! I was starting to think everyone here was heavily medicated on "happy meds" haha. But for real, I'm a second degree student going for my BSN in nursing. I worked as a CNA this past year and summer and I'm TELLING YOU it is one of the most physically demanding jobs you will ever have. Yes there are lovely moments when your favorite old person gives you a hug and calls you "their angel" and you cherish those times because most of the time you caring for 20 residents and hardly have the time to even eat a sandwhich nevermind sit down and have long conversations with these people. Its really horrible how short staffed they are in LTC. Not sad for the CNA's and our precious backs haha But even more so for these dear people who really do deserve someone to sit and talk with them for more than 2 minutes. Kudos to those of you going into this...just know what you're in for. And for petes sake if you have a family to take care of and mounting bills...take a step back and DO NOT quit your good paying job just to "feel better" about yourself during the day. Volunteer there if thats the kinda feel good vibes youre searching for.

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I have been in orientation this week, and really learning about my new job as a CNA and getting to experience it for the first time. I think I made a good decision going forward being a CNA and leaving the good pay behind (for now). The job is not too terribly hard, and the teamwork I've seen in the units makes me seriously consider staying at this LTC instead of jumping ship the first time a hospital calls. I've met some amazing aides and nurses who love the residents, and having an 8 to 1 ratio for aides to residents really helps as well. I don't know if I got lucky, but I know I was not expecting this job to be this nice. I will admit yes their are some very smelly moments, and my feet are killing me, but really what I have been doing makes it okay.

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I have been in orientation this week, and really learning about my new job as a CNA and getting to experience it for the first time. I think I made a good decision going forward being a CNA and leaving the good pay behind (for now). The job is not too terribly hard, and the teamwork I've seen in the units makes me seriously consider staying at this LTC instead of jumping ship the first time a hospital calls. I've met some amazing aides and nurses who love the residents, and having an 8 to 1 ratio for aides to residents really helps as well. I don't know if I got lucky, but I know I was not expecting this job to be this nice. I will admit yes their are some very smelly moments, and my feet are killing me, but really what I have been doing makes it okay.

Thank you for this post, this is really nice to hear. I have been looking but not applied yet as I have not taken my state exam.. I am so excited about the opportunities out there for me. I am not living in fantasy land -- I know it's not all fun, but I believe the rewards will outweigh the cons for me... Again thanks escapebigd for your post! Please, let me know how it goes for you...

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