Just gave up a decent income to be a CNA

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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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 :)

I am in the same boat. I have worked in accounting dept. for 13 years/same company, great benefits, 17/hr. I'm pending acceptance into ADN program this fall. I am current taking CNA course evening after work from 6 to 10 at night. Workhours mon-fri. 9 am to 6pm. Facility is 10mins away, so I arrive around 6:10pm. 4 week, then take state exam. My plan is to have this out of the way, so I can quick full time job, to take over CNA full time while in ADN program this fall. It hurts when thinking about it, but think about the long run! What's 2 years for a lifetime of life gratifying job and great income! I used my health insurance to get all vaccinations out of way before leaving.

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Now a days, getting into an RN program is like a GOLDMINE! Once I get accepted, I have vowed to arrange everything else, and I mean EVERYTHING around my schooling.

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Specializes in Hospice, Home Health, Med/Surg.

Exactly how much do CNAs get paid? I live in California - San Francisco Bay Area, and want to get a job as a CNA over the summer months. (I am about to finish the first year of my BSN). Can anyone give me a rough idea?? Thanks!

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It depends on a lot of factors. Type of facility such as LTC, nursing home, hospital, private duty. I hear that nursing homes offer lowest pay, which can be as low as 8.5 to 9.00/hr. You are in California, so this may not apply in your state. In Texas, I have heard of the most being around $15.00. But they are raising the stakes. Form NA who were not certified, are now required to be. They may raise the pay for CNA's, but i'm sure it would be a process before it's actually in place.

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Specializes in pedes onc (parent) & critical care CNA.

Just got accepted into ADN program for this fall!! I work as a CNA in a hospital ICU setting on nights (12 hr shifts) and with shift differentials averaged out it's right at $10 an hour. I could go to a different hospital but this one is Magnet certified and I think where I want to work when I get done with school, plus they offer tuition assistance, so the money all averages out in the long run. Plus, my nurses and fellow CNAs are fantastic! We have a great team of staff where I work and that is worth way more than what I get paid.

Good luck to you!

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Hello All,

I am starting CNA classes next week and am super excited.I have been providing child care out of my home in Az. for the past five years and before that I worked as an Activity Director for like 20 years in SNF's.I have had a really hard time trying to get back into the field of Activity Director so myself and a friend are taking the CNA course to get back into the hospital setting.I have made pretty good money doing activities but feel like I will make a real difference in my residents lives as a CNA.I will then try to get into a LVN or RN program.Just wanted to pop in and say hello:yeah: Gina

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I am doing the same thing. I make $50 an hour teaching piano right now, I am cutting way back and taking a full time CNA job to get benefits and the experience. So...I am teaching, going to work full time and going to school part-time. Obviously things will change when I actually get into nursing school. Can't keep it all going...plus I am over 50. Things are looking up:yeah:

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Right now I am working part time and I am looking for another job that will give me benefits and such while I go to school. I shall be working two jobs for the time being, that will work for me right now. I have been working per diem jobs for so long and have not had any health insurance it seems like forever. I cannot keep on living like this. I pray that I will get a good paying job we good benefits, I need it. I pray that you will too.

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I wish you the best in whatever your decision is....As a RN and an instructor with CNA programs, I have seen where it is difficult for a Wife/Mother to go to school and have a homelife..being a waitress isn't easy either, I have done all these things and been in your shoes. My advise for you is if you want to go into the medical field, "bite the bullet" and attend a LPN or RN program, in the long run it will profit you and your family better than a CNA. Don't miss understand, CNA are really hard workers, but if you are going to work that hard, you should get a higher pay grade.

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Specializes in Psychiatric, MICA.

When I entered Nursing School, I backed out of an eight-year entrepreneurial career in software to work as a tech at a local hospital. I did it to gain experience before graduation and because I wanted to help people. Financially, it was a step down, but it was part of my vision and I went for it.

Some things I did to balance the load were to still moonlight occasionally in software by building web sites or doing small programming projects. I also took advantage of the hospital's healthcare plan, which was cheaper than my previous self-employed version. And I cut costs for a couple years.

It's not just about salary comparisons. Be creative.

D

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Specializes in LTC.

I am about to take the plunge myself and it's scary it wasn't when we started to make plans a year ago and my husband was still employed but now IF I get in to my RN program (letters come mid April here) I will be forced to give up $18.15 an hour because my job isn't flexible with school. I hear that the local hospital pays $14 an hour for CNAs but if I can't get a position there I'll have to take something for less in LTC. Luckily my husband should be able to ride out the unemployment gig till my last semester of school and we'll figure something out when that time comes. We are not people who like to take risks and are terrified of not having 2 solid incomes. In the past we've always both worked and kept our expenses at a point that they could be afforded on only his income. But as an RN we would be able to afford our lifestyle on just my income too always leaving the choice open for one of us to stay home so we feel it is a risk worth taking IF I get in.

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Do them both if you can. I think thats best. Then you got more avenues of success.

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