Life Took a Drastic Turn

[SDE73]

I'm brand new here, just signed up today. I have read many discussions here for advice and direction and decided, with CNA classes looming, that it would be a good idea to join in.

I have a question, and I will try to be succinct with background information first.

I am a writer, or I have been, for the past several years. I just sent in my last newspaper article for my current employer, with a bittersweet sigh along with it. The thing is, I carved out a bit of a career with no degree. I can write, but there are few jobs out there that provide benefits or even steady income.

My story is typical: I married very young and was a mom by the time I was 19. My church/family culture at the time heavily discouraged continuing my education or working outside the home at all. I added two more children, stayed home (even homeschooled them) for a decade. But one day I woke up and changed my entire life around.

I stopped homeschooling, walked my way out of a size 3X, and started writing.

But last year a health scare brought home the need for growing up a bit where my employment is concerned. I laid on an exam table awaiting a biopsy and swore to myself that I would never worry about health insurance again. My husband (of 23 years, same dude from the start :) is self-employed himself.

Nursing was always a career option for me. I'm stepping away from journalism/freelance writing, but never away from the art of writing. (Already submitted four short stories just to prove it to myself.) A friend of mine asked me to describe my perfect job, and I took my time and came up with writing for nonprofits, to give voice to those who don't have one. Well, there are few paying jobs for someone like me in that realm, and nursing seems to be the most logical step.

I will begin a very fast CNA course in June. (Finally to the question here; thanks for staying with me so long) I know I do not want to stay at the CNA level for long, but I am unsure whether going for my LPN or RN is a good plan. I have a daughter in high school and worry about taking on loans for myself when she is stepping up to the plate next.

Can I carve out a good career by adding short term, inexpensive certifications? I need to work full-time, and will write in my off time, so I wonder about working as a CNA and then going for a phlebotomy course next spring. I have heard so much about LPN positions phasing out, and I don't know if I have the time to pursue a BSN.

I want to do something that will be useful to another person, and make decent money at it as well. At my age, 41, what would your advice be? ANY commentary or advice would be greatly appreciated. I feel a little lost. For what it's worth, I have worked in a LTC facility before and have a taste of what CNA work is like. Back then it was too hard to balance three very tiny kids, homeschooling, and working nights.

Thank you in advance if you have read this far. I tend to write things in novel length. :)

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

I say start with the CNA. This will provide some experience in healthcare and will open doors for you when you decide to continue your education. There are limitless options in healthcare. Seriously - I don't even know all of them.. Nursing is one. It often requires you to be in an intense program (LPN or RN - ADN or BSN). There is also no promise of a job when you are done. I think that trend is easing a bit though. I have found my career to be rewarding thus far. I do not make as money as I had hoped, my benefits are tanking, and I honestly work too darn hard. Yet I love it. I LOVE my patients (at least most of them anyway) and I know I have made a difference in many lives. I wish you the best with whatever you chose.

[CBlover, BSN, RN]

I am just like you, tend to write things in novel length as well :). If I were you, and nursing was what I really wanted to do, go for it! You don't have to get your BSN or LPN, you can go to a community college and obtain an associate degree in nursing. Is there a community college near you? This is the route a lot of us have gone and then later if you want to get your BSN, you can do it online (since it is more costly too, you may want to be an RN so you can pay for it). Associate degree programs are very reasonable price-wise. I will say, I have known some who have added little certifications like phlebotomy to their CNA and not long after are burnt out it seems. I will say, it is NOT easy to work fulll time and obtain your associate nursing degree, but I have known many that have done it, and they had kids too. But it's for the determined, for sure. Hope that helps at all!

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

Can I carve out a good career by adding short term, inexpensive certifications?

No.

CNAs do not make much money -- maybe a few dollars over minimum wage. And it's back-breaking work. Phlebotomists usually make a few dollars above minimum wage as well. MAs, before you ask, are usually in the same boat pay-wise. As are HHAs and that can be back-breaking work as well.

There are still LPN jobs in nursing homes, private duty, and clinics. You really need to go through a community college for this education with money being a factor -- the difference between the amount of money you will spend to get your LPN at a private/for-profit school and the amount of money you will make in that position should be a crime.