I'm a CNA just because I want experience

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Hey guys! I've never posted anything on the CNA board-this is my first time. I am a former nursing student that didn't quite make it through the obstacles of nursing school. I think a lot of my problem was lack of confidence in myself. After getting dismissed from my nursing program, i still wanted to pursue my dream of being a nurse. I decided to get my CNA license and go to work. I took the test, and now I am a CNA :w00t:...and a proud one at that. I had a lot of respect for CNAs in nursing school. They taught me a lot in my clinicals.

Ok long story short...I recently landed a part time job in an assisted living facility. By the time I pay for childcare, I will have nothing left. So I'm pretty much working for nothing. But I am doing this to get some experience under my belt along with getting used to messing with patients. Not only that, but it gives me something to do. I'm thankful that I can do this because my husband has a good paying job, otherwise I couldn't do it. So CNAs...are you doing it to pay the bills or just because you love the job? Anyone here doing this for the benefit to further your career?

Specializes in CNA.

well Im definitely not doing it for the money, LOL! I do the job because 1) I like the residents, 2) am working towards an RN degree and 3) enjoy most of my co-workers. IMO an aide should be paid a LOT better than they get, its a thankless job a lot of the times, the least they could do is compensate us a little better.

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I'm doing it for the experience as I'm also working on getting into nursing school. I'm a 3rd generation nurse, and all my family members who were nurses started off as volunteers, then CNAs, then eith LPN or straight RN. They all had no problem finding work after obtaining their nursing license.

I'm also doing it to make money in the meantime while I wait to hear back from my school applications. I mean, a fella has got to eat ya know :D

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Specializes in CNA in Oncology.

I did the cna program for both reasons. I got pregnant at a young age and I needed a way to pay for the things we needed so I wouldn't be so dependent on my mom. So I graduated highschool early and finished the program and landed a job at a home care agency, after that a nursing home, and after that a hospital which is where I am now. I have seen and learned so much and I know its going to help me tremendously when I start clinicals for nursing, which hopefully is real soon. So for me it was a win-win situation.

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I doing it because like many others on here, I want to get good experience to further my career, I love working with and being around people, so i think it would really benefit me.

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I am thinking about getting my CNA license and I have a few questions. Are hospitals generally flexible with your schedule when it comes to taking classes? I would need to take my prereqs while working at the same time. Also, I know that CNA's don't get paid very much, but do you at least get medical benefits? Thanks so much for your responses (if there are any).

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has anyone used their CNA cert for a different job within the hospital, say some kind of lab assistant?

I have a B.S. and won't be starting my accel BSN program till next summer. In the mean time, I'd like to get healthcare experience, but CNA pay is a bit of a turn-off compared to EMT or some kind of lab job.

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Specializes in GYN/GON/Med-Surg/Oncology/Tele.
I am thinking about getting my CNA license and I have a few questions. Are hospitals generally flexible with your schedule when it comes to taking classes? I would need to take my prereqs while working at the same time. Also, I know that CNA's don't get paid very much, but do you at least get medical benefits? Thanks so much for your responses (if there are any).

It depends on your unit manager. My unit manager has been flexible with both my class schedule and my clinic schedule. I applied for a position in the ED and the unit manager called me in for an interview. She said that she wouldn't be able to work with my schedule but a coworker's sister in law who works in the ED told me that there are so many NA's going back to school that if I were to work there and needed to switch days with someone, I'd be able to. So even if the manager isn't able to work with your schedule, your coworker's may be able to switch with you.

I get full coverage medical benefits, life insurance, paid time off, a retirement plan, and tuition reimbursement. At my hospital...only 30 hours a week is considered full-time for benefits so that's definitely a plus. I usually work 3 12 hour shifts but I'm only required to work 30 hours so I think starting next month I'll go back to work two 12 hour shifts and an 8 hour shift.

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Specializes in GYN/GON/Med-Surg/Oncology/Tele.
has anyone used their CNA cert for a different job within the hospital, say some kind of lab assistant?

I have a B.S. and won't be starting my accel BSN program till next summer. In the mean time, I'd like to get healthcare experience, but CNA pay is a bit of a turn-off compared to EMT or some kind of lab job.

There are other jobs within the hospital with an NA certification as a requirement but most jobs require you to have other specific certifications as well, especially the lab jobs. EMT's make only about 3 bucks more starting pay and some less than that, depending on where you work. I'd get in where I fit in bc not every nurse is being hired right out of school. Most hospitals hire in-house before they do outsiders. If you make an impression on your unit manager at the hospital, you're likely to be offered a job, if she/he is in a position to hire new grads.

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There are other jobs within the hospital with an NA certification as a requirement but most jobs require you to have other specific certifications as well, especially the lab jobs. EMT's make only about 3 bucks more starting pay and some less than that, depending on where you work. I'd get in where I fit in bc not every nurse is being hired right out of school. Most hospitals hire in-house before they do outsiders. If you make an impression on your unit manager at the hospital, you're likely to be offered a job, if she/he is in a position to hire new grads.

Yeah, I'm hoping the CNA will be a nice way to get my foot in the door. Possibly even at the hospital I will be doing clincals at. The only downfall is ~$10 does not go very far.

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It depends on your unit manager. My unit manager has been flexible with both my class schedule and my clinic schedule. I applied for a position in the ED and the unit manager called me in for an interview. She said that she wouldn't be able to work with my schedule but a coworker's sister in law who works in the ED told me that there are so many NA's going back to school that if I were to work there and needed to switch days with someone, I'd be able to. So even if the manager isn't able to work with your schedule, your coworker's may be able to switch with you.

I get full coverage medical benefits, life insurance, paid time off, a retirement plan, and tuition reimbursement. At my hospital...only 30 hours a week is considered full-time for benefits so that's definitely a plus. I usually work 3 12 hour shifts but I'm only required to work 30 hours so I think starting next month I'll go back to work two 12 hour shifts and an 8 hour shift.

Thanks for the input. I really appreciate it.

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