job while in school

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Specializes in LDRP.

im currently working in the kitchen of an assisted living facility for people with mental disabilities. i make 11.23 and hour and get full benifets (medical, dental, precription and eye), i have to partially pay for them but they are amazing benifits (through the state). and i work part time (3:30 - 7:30, 5 days a week) so i have a lot of time to study. ive been working here for almost two years and its really easy and i like it.

buuuuuuuuut... a friend of mine's mom is a nurse supervisor at this nursing home where they have PAID CNA training. if i worked there, they have part time, but its 3-11 3 or 4 days a week. and i dont think thye have part time benefits. im worried if i went there it would be too much work for me while im still in school and i dont want my grades to slip because of it.. but on the other hand, i think it would look good when im looking for a job after college, like i have CNA expierience... but it might also look good if i stay at my kicthen job for 4 years so i can show that i can keep a job for a long time.

anyone have any opinions on this? im very confused.

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Specializes in LTC.

I work in LTC as an aide...My work is VERY willing to be flexible with what days I work depending on my schedule for the quarter...they aren't willing to be flexible with times though, just because someone would have to be willing to do the same thing and take over...which isn't very easy...ANYWAYS when I was surprised at my work being willing to be flexible someone pointed out...DUH...Nursing shortage...if they are flexible with you, then you stay happy and feel thankful towards them, thus they get a nurse from the deal...SO the nursing home MAY be willing to be flexible especially if they think they'll get a nurse out of the deal...Also alot of people I talk to say nursing school (especially the LPN year) is much easier if you are an aide because you are exposed to so much more, medically, so you learn alot more...ALOT of the nurses where I work are more than willing to teach you things...they are constanty explaining to me dressing changes, ect...I also make sure I ASK questions...HOWEVER if you are happy where you are...don't fix what's not broke..just my 2 cents!

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One to think about, I talked to one place that offered paid training and they only paid you $7.50/hr during training and then you gradually move up after getting certified/being there 6 months/being there a year...can you afford to take the pay cut for about a year? Eventually I would think you would get back up in to the $11 range..but it would be a little while.

Do they evening training at that facility? Because most if not all I've seen only have daytime...would that work w/ your schedule? Do you take classes during the day?

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Specializes in LDRP.

youre right, i didnt even think about whether or not they have night training. i go to class from 8-11 right now, and 8-2 in fall.. ill have to check into that and how much they pay for training.

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If you like where you are, I'd stay there. The hours are amazing considering you have school during the day, you have wonderful benefits and the pay is very nice for a student.

Could you handle the pay cut, strain on your body and time, the potential affect on your grades, and perhaps loss of benefits?

If you really want to work as a CNA and are willing to give up the things mentioned aboved, then go for it. If not, I'd stick to your job you have now.

Either way, best of luck!

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