Just gave up a decent income to be a CNA

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So I just put in my two week notice at my job as a server at a restaurant. I just made $110 in tips + minimum wage in 8 hours tonight ,which is pretty decent. My job is flexible, fast-paced, and had great people, and was stable.

I'm giving all this up to take a six week course, to look for a CNA job that probably pays $10/hr and is about the same stress level and hard work as a waitress if not more.

I think I'm crazy but I had to make a choice, and nursing experience seemed like the way to go, especially when my husband can help out.

BUT Goodness, it is hard to give up a good job that fit with my school schedule!!! Wish me luck :)

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Many good vibes to you!

Let us know how your class is going. The posters on this forum are amazing.

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I am considering doing what you have just done. I currently make about $21/hour and I would be giving up that salary, my 7:30-4 M-F shift, to work in a hospital (likely 3rd shift) to make $12-14/hr if i am lucky. I know if I am able to finanically able to make it work, the experience would be SO valuable, and also help me potentially get hired on as an RN after I am finished with my schooling.

If I were to do this, we would sell our house, move about an hour south of where we currently live (so we can be closer to my fiance's family who could help us with the kiddos). He currently does not work and is a FT dad, so it would require him to find a job that was opposite of my schedule so we could minimize the burden on his family.

I am beginning to worry that the CNA experience may not be worth it. To the OP, Please keep us updated as to how things are going for you.

Has anyone else given up a somewhat comfortable situation or a good paying job to work as a CNA? How was your experience?

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my advice to people is not to quit a good job (sounds like you were make $20+ hr), if you don't have to, just go part time and be a cna pt.

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My only issue is I dont think i can juggle a full time job, a PT job as a CNA, and go to school part time and still have time to study and spend time with my two kids. If there is anyone who HAS done that, let me know how you were able to make it work :)

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Specializes in IMCU.

Nope I did not give up the money. All very noble and such of you all but I have been doing volunteer work in ERs, hospitals and clinics as an add-on. Plus I do all the free clinics students are allowed to participate in.

Worked for me so far.

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That is a good idea. When you are a volunteer, can you make your own hours and such?

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Volunteering is a good idea. What about moonlighting at a restaurant? Picking up shifts, and letting other servers know that you're available to work if they want to call off might turn into an extra hundred bucks a week.

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Specializes in LTC.

Yeah I would keep my foot in the door at both jobs.

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if you want some experience, see if you can work part time for in home care or assisted living. they usually only require CPR.

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I have made the decision to do the same thing. In July I will be quitting my full time, relatively stress free job where I can pretty much set my own schedule, to take the 6 week CNA course (and a HUGE pay cut). I am scared and nervous about how we are going to make it while I am not working but I am oh so excited to get started on my new career path and get out of this job.

Not only will I be getting experience and hopefully making some connections that will help me in my future job search as an RN, but this route will also allow me to work and continue to get income while in NS where my current job will not.

It definitely seems like a crazy decision (even to me) but it is one that I have been weighing pros and cons on for quite some time now.

Good luck to you and please keep us posted on how you are doing!

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I did the same thing almost 3 years ago...I worked as a waitress, and once my CNA course was completed, I started working full-time as a CNA and left my waitress job. I have never regretted it.

I'm still working as a CNA, and will be starting a nursing program this fall. Although waitressing was a very flexible job, I'm finding my CNA job is just as flexible if not more so, around my school schedule. You have the option to work weekends, nights, per-diem, etc. while you're in school- the opportunities are endless and I think you made the right decision. Good luck! :nurse:

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