Lifestyle of a CNA

Equinox_93 · Feb 8, 2009

... If you're single with no kids- I'd go with inexpensive with a roommate and shared common area. Save as much money in relation to living expenses as possible now and pay off any/all debt you have while in this situation. This also allows you more money to go back to school to further that education. So-

1. Cheap as possible while being quiet/comfortable enough to consider liveable.

2. Not if you can get everywhere you need to go on public transportation. It's ALOT cheaper. And you can always rent a car if you really need to get somewhere else. MHO.

3. All depends on you... For me- I'm thinking 2nd shifts- but I'm working around 2 kids... It also depends on how easily you can reset your sleep clock, and how much sleep you need to be functional...

MHO.

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Feb 8, 2009

I'm 23. I work full time and live with my boyfriend. We're really lucky in that our rent is very low, and I'm good at saving money, so I have no trouble with bills. I have to have a car because there's no public transportation out here in the sticks, but I just paid it off :yeah: so I'll have some extra money in my savings starting this month. I wouldn't recommend getting a car if you don't really need one. They're expensive. If you buy a decent car, you won't have repairs for a while, but you'll have payments, and vice versa. In either case, you have gas, insurance, maintenance, etc. to pay for. Cars suck. If I didn't need mine I would get rid of it in a heartbeat.

I wouldn't bank on having an easier time in school if you move out, either. Yeah, you won't have 4 siblings up your butt, but roommates are not always much better, and I know that from experience. And maintaining a household on your own, even w/o kids, takes up more time and energy than you think, so it generally evens out. I moved out of my mom's house because I felt like I was too old to be living there and I was sick of driving so far every day (she lives even further away from everything), not because I thought it would be easier not having family around.

The school/scheduling thing is tricky. I've been going to community college for way too long, because it's local and affordable and I didn't know what I wanted to major in. Plus I tend to schedule my classes around my work schedule- work comes first. So sometimes I'll take a full course load, other semesters I'll only take like 2 classes. Nursing school is different though. A lot of jobs will be flexible with you. If you can handle 3rd shift, that's usually a good option for nursing students because it doesn't conflict with classes or clinicals. Working three 12-hour shifts on the weekends is also an option.

yousoldtheworld · Feb 9, 2009

I'm 24, I became a CNA when I was about 21. I have lived either on my own or with roommates the entire time I've been a CNA.

1. Don't get a car unless you NEED one. I walk or ride my bike, or use public transportation. Better for you, and for your wallet (and for the environment, as well.) Car payments plus gas plus insurance really add up!

2. When you start school, roommates are a HUGE help. Living with one or two people saves on so many expenses, and really isn't bad as long as you are careful about who you choose, find people who have similar lifestyles/habits, and work out house rules up front. Look at your savings and your income, and figure out what your monthly budget is going to be. Figure in what you need to spend on food, personal expenses, phone/internet bills, etc, and see how much you can afford to spend on rent. Then find the best living arrangement that suits your budget. I've lived alone, I've had 2 roommates, and I once lived with NINE boys (as the only girl). All of them had good and bad points.

3. As for scheduling, I find it easiest to work 3rds while taking classes. That might not be the case for everyone, of course, but it's easier for me to rearrange my sleep schedule than it is to rearrange a work/class one.

Atheos · Feb 9, 2009

You can live quite comfortable as a CNA while going to school.

I am single/no kids.

Rent a basement, 2 rooms for 400/month.

New car (like 1 week old).

Have food cooked and delivered (yes, I am lazy) from a 'personal chef type company.

Pay for school out of pocket minus 1500/yr from work, no loans.

Work M-F Days (pays all my bills with a little left over) and Double Weekends because I am greedy. LOL

Plus, I go to nursing school in the evenings.

Best advice would be to work as much as possible. A couple years of struggle and sacrifice would pay off. Live as CHEAPLY as possible. Eliminate everything you don't need.

If you don't need a car don't get one. If you can find a workable roomie situation do it. I personally find working days and going to school in the evenings easier but try and find a schedule that works for you. Being PRN or PT at several facilities or working for several agencies may also help. IF you are working now, work extra and save it ALL.

Depending on yor area you may have several options. For awhile I was at 2 different facilities that were 7 days working 7 days off paid for 10 on opposite weeks. Have done m-f and dbl weekend and dbl weekends and 2 dbls during the week.

It also depends on how much you are making. Less than 13-14 and I would try to go as cheap as possible. If you have the oppurtunity to stay at home I would SERIOUSLY consider it. If you make 15 or more than you can easily make it.

Serendipity, PCT · Feb 10, 2009

... If you're single with no kids- I'd go with inexpensive with a roommate and shared common area. Save as much money in relation to living expenses as possible now and pay off any/all debt you have while in this situation. This also allows you more money to go back to school to further that education. So-
1. Cheap as possible while being quiet/comfortable enough to consider liveable.
2. Not if you can get everywhere you need to go on public transportation. It's ALOT cheaper. And you can always rent a car if you really need to get somewhere else. MHO.
3. All depends on you... For me- I'm thinking 2nd shifts- but I'm working around 2 kids... It also depends on how easily you can reset your sleep clock, and how much sleep you need to be functional...
MHO.

I feel like you are exactly right, I live in NYC, and I would probably be better off buying a monthly metrocard for $80 a month to get on the bus and train then investing in a car.

As far as second shifts, thats the only shift I wouldnt consider, only because it is smack dab in the middle of the day, yaknow? I would work either 1st or 3rd- I'm leaning more towards 3rd shift though once I get into LPN school. Or possibly 12 Hrs, weekends only?

What is per diem work, btw?

Thank you SO much for your input, it really means alot to me! :bowingpur

Serendipity, PCT · Feb 10, 2009

I'm 23. I work full time and live with my boyfriend. We're really lucky in that our rent is very low, and I'm good at saving money, so I have no trouble with bills. I have to have a car because there's no public transportation out here in the sticks, but I just paid it off so I'll have some extra money in my savings starting this month. I wouldn't recommend getting a car if you don't really need one. They're expensive. If you buy a decent car, you won't have repairs for a while, but you'll have payments, and vice versa. In either case, you have gas, insurance, maintenance, etc. to pay for. Cars suck. If I didn't need mine I would get rid of it in a heartbeat.
I wouldn't bank on having an easier time in school if you move out, either. Yeah, you won't have 4 siblings up your butt, but roommates are not always much better, and I know that from experience. And maintaining a household on your own, even w/o kids, takes up more time and energy than you think, so it generally evens out. I moved out of my mom's house because I felt like I was too old to be living there and I was sick of driving so far every day (she lives even further away from everything), not because I thought it would be easier not having family around.
The school/scheduling thing is tricky. I've been going to community college for way too long, because it's local and affordable and I didn't know what I wanted to major in. Plus I tend to schedule my classes around my work schedule- work comes first. So sometimes I'll take a full course load, other semesters I'll only take like 2 classes. Nursing school is different though. A lot of jobs will be flexible with you. If you can handle 3rd shift, that's usually a good option for nursing students because it doesn't conflict with classes or clinicals. Working three 12-hour shifts on the weekends is also an option.

I know how it feels to pay something off, I'm sure you are happy as hell! lol. But, that's why I wanna kinda wait a yr and work as a CNA for a yr. b4 I move out cold turkey. So I can save and pay off all of my bills. All I will have to focus on is school, phone, transportation, food -which isnt much or expensive since I'm vegetarian, and rent as far as bills. But I absolutely cannot have these responsibilities AND try to get out of debt at the same time while im on my own. I can imagine FLIPPING OUT with all that on my shoulders! :uhoh3:

Yeah, I'm leaning towards 3rd shift, the shift differentials aren't a bad idea either. Girl, when you really took and broke down all the financial obligations involved in owning a car, I quickly got that idea out of my head! Would you recommend doing agency work at all, is there more flexibility there? Being that I would want to go to school full time I would have to work nights/weekends because class/clinicals obv. are held primarily in the day time.

As far as the roommate situation, if I did move in with someone it would be someone I already know, I have a couple people in mind, some of which I have already lived with while I was away at college so I know what our vibe is like together in a living arrangement. I wouldn't say I am moving out because it would be better w.o. family around, either. It just that my parents are fairly young and couldn't stop having kids so unfortunately the youngest is now, 8 years old, and the oldest is 18! so, being that i'm the oldest of five living in a house with two other teenagers and adolescent children you could imagine all the arguing etc :angryfire Not conducive to studying, but I still love them. Would love to from a distance, LOL :redbeathe:bugeyes:

Serendipity, PCT · Feb 10, 2009

I'm 24, I became a CNA when I was about 21. I have lived either on my own or with roommates the entire time I've been a CNA.
1. Don't get a car unless you NEED one. I walk or ride my bike, or use public transportation. Better for you, and for your wallet (and for the environment, as well.) Car payments plus gas plus insurance really add up!
2. When you start school, roommates are a HUGE help. Living with one or two people saves on so many expenses, and really isn't bad as long as you are careful about who you choose, find people who have similar lifestyles/habits, and work out house rules up front. Look at your savings and your income, and figure out what your monthly budget is going to be. Figure in what you need to spend on food, personal expenses, phone/internet bills, etc, and see how much you can afford to spend on rent. Then find the best living arrangement that suits your budget. I've lived alone, I've had 2 roommates, and I once lived with NINE boys (as the only girl). All of them had good and bad points.
3. As for scheduling, I find it easiest to work 3rds while taking classes. That might not be the case for everyone, of course, but it's easier for me to rearrange my sleep schedule than it is to rearrange a work/class one.

Yea, I'm hoping to get the opportunity to work 3rd shift. This shouldn't be hard because most people DONT wanna work 3rd, right? LOL :lol2:

I love how you are semi "earthy" and riding your bike etc. -i'm the same way, all about saving the environment, and being holistic yaknow? Well, I try. HaHa. Anyway, I decided not to get a car, plus I hear its really easy to tack on weight and get lazy when you start driving. That would ruin my chances of my dream to run a marathon (Maybe, in my next life, who knows?).

I would love to get a room etc with ONE other person, I just have to figure out who Wow, must have been fun living with NINE guys, I couldnt imagine doing that. Especially since I like to walk around the house in barely nothing, lol. Besides that, you gave good advice. I would love to only pay about $600- $900ish for my living arrangement. I cant afford anything more that $1000 from what I calculated so far assuming the worst case scenerio ( I get paid only $10 an hr, lol) . But I need to really get my credit score up b4 I try and get an apt. lol When you go to college they really get you with all the credit card offers etc. :angryfire I think i'm gonna go to Costco or BJs once a month with whoever I room with and buy mostly non perishable foods...

Serendipity, PCT · Feb 10, 2009

You can live quite comfortable as a CNA while going to school.
I am single/no kids.
Rent a basement, 2 rooms for 400/month.
New car (like 1 week old).
Have food cooked and delivered (yes, I am lazy) from a 'personal chef type company.
Pay for school out of pocket minus 1500/yr from work, no loans.
Work M-F Days (pays all my bills with a little left over) and Double Weekends because I am greedy. LOL
Plus, I go to nursing school in the evenings.
Best advice would be to work as much as possible. A couple years of struggle and sacrifice would pay off. Live as CHEAPLY as possible. Eliminate everything you don't need.
If you don't need a car don't get one. If you can find a workable roomie situation do it. I personally find working days and going to school in the evenings easier but try and find a schedule that works for you. Being PRN or PT at several facilities or working for several agencies may also help. IF you are working now, work extra and save it ALL.
Depending on yor area you may have several options. For awhile I was at 2 different facilities that were 7 days working 7 days off paid for 10 on opposite weeks. Have done m-f and dbl weekend and dbl weekends and 2 dbls during the week.
It also depends on how much you are making. Less than 13-14 and I would try to go as cheap as possible. If you have the oppurtunity to stay at home I would SERIOUSLY consider it. If you make 15 or more than you can easily make it.

I'm from NYC, and ive decided that since NYC is one of the most accommodating places for public transportation I better not DARE invest in a car. i wont be able to afford it. Congrats on your car though! What kinda car do you have, lol?

I really love the flexibility that seems to be across the sector for medical professionals. I am going to do either 3rd shift or weekends only. Or both, because i'm greedy too :yeah: LMAO!! Are you in LPN school, and how long will it take you to finish since you are going to school at night??

And my sister is getting food delivered to her too, is it the Ediets program? LOL Sounds awesome.

So your saying for the year before I enter LPN school I should work as much as possible? Im down, I know im going to have to make sacrifices if I want the reward of independence and I am willing to do so:bowingpur I will probably end up gaining weight or losing alot of weight in the process if I get burned out, but hey, whats a year or two huh? LOL

tfleuter, BSN, RN · Feb 10, 2009

If you are worried about having peace and quiet while studying (which I agree, is so important!) then consider using your school or local library as a place to do hw instead of home. That way you don't have to worry about the extra expense of rent, utilities, ect. and can still concentrate on your studies.

On the othe hand, I totally understand the want and desire to be out on your own, so as long as you can afford it, it may be more gratifying!

Serendipity, PCT · Feb 10, 2009

If you are worried about having peace and quiet while studying (which I agree, is so important!) then consider using your school or local library as a place to do hw instead of home. That way you don't have to worry about the extra expense of rent, utilities, ect. and can still concentrate on your studies.
On the othe hand, I totally understand the want and desire to be out on your own, so as long as you can afford it, it may be more gratifying!

I agree I have thought of this as well, but at the same time, some people (mainly HS kids) use the library as a social area. Although using my school library is another option, that may mean staying long hrs after school and coming home late at night in NYC, and if you have been here, its not the best place to walk alone or take public transportation late at night. If I had a car, it would be different.

Also, Id rather be in the comfort of my own home you know take a 15 min nap/relax etc. Grab a cup of home brewed coffee, curl up in blankets on the couch etc. to read (lol), its so hard for me to study with shoes/sneakers on for some reason, lol So I rather study at home anyway bc ppl would think I was weird for taking off my shoes in the library. I'm sure you get the picture...

yousoldtheworld · Feb 10, 2009

Yea, I'm hoping to get the opportunity to work 3rd shift. This shouldn't be hard because most people DONT wanna work 3rd, right? LOL
I love how you are semi "earthy" and riding your bike etc. -i'm the same way, all about saving the environment, and being holistic yaknow? Well, I try. HaHa. Anyway, I decided not to get a car, plus I hear its really easy to tack on weight and get lazy when you start driving. That would ruin my chances of my dream to run a marathon (Maybe, in my next life, who knows?).
I would love to get a room etc with ONE other person, I just have to figure out who Wow, must have been fun living with NINE guys, I couldnt imagine doing that. Especially since I like to walk around the house in barely nothing, lol. Besides that, you gave good advice. I would love to only pay about $600- $900ish for my living arrangement. I cant afford anything more that $1000 from what I calculated so far assuming the worst case scenerio ( I get paid only $10 an hr, lol) . But I need to really get my credit score up b4 I try and get an apt. lol When you go to college they really get you with all the credit card offers etc. :angryfire I think i'm gonna go to Costco or BJs once a month with whoever I room with and buy mostly non perishable foods...

Yeah, it's definitely easiest to get on 3rds...and as a bonus, 3rds tend to be a little less hectic and occasionally you might even have a little downtime to study. (I usually have some downtime somewhere between 3 and 4 a.m.).

And, yeah, I try to be very environmentally friendly. It's been an adjustment as I recently moved from a mid sized city with a decent public transportation system to a tiny little town. Riding a bike to work is awesome, though...it gets me warmed up for the day, gets my blood pumping, and really wakes me up (helpful when you work 3rds on groggy days).

I know what you mean about the credit. Mine still isn't great from some early college mishaps. Sometimes it's easier to find a house for rent by a private owner/individual than it is to rent an apt. through a company - often they're a little more lenient as far as that goes. At my first CNA job, I made only 7.80 an hour (OUCH) so I know how tough budgeting can be.

If you know it's going to be a bit before you move, it can help to keep your eye out for household things you'll need, that way you don't get an apartment then have to spend a ton of money on things you need at the same time. I found some cheap furniture at yard sales and Goodwill for my first apartment. Don't forget kitchen items, towels/bathroom items, etc.

It certainly was interesting living with all those boys. Drove me nuts a lot of the time but I occasionally find myself missing it now. Having one roommate is nice, though. If you have a facebook, sometimes there are groups for people seeking roommates in certain areas, and you might also try craigsllst.

Oh, and as far as groceries go, check out local farmer's markets and things. Sometimes you get great deals, and since you mentioned being environmentally friendly, you can't get much better than buying locally grown things. :)

Anyway, sorry for the long posts. I've just become something of a pro at living on low wages as a student. :) Good luck!