Looking for advice!

[blskinner13]

For the last two years, I have worked (after graduating with a liberal arts degree) as medical records for a dr's office. During that time, I have become more and more interested in becoming a nurse, and remorseful that I just did not do so to begin with.

I was debating taking a CNA course and getting licensed as a CNA, and then working towards a nursing degree.

In a lot of ways, a CNA sounds a lot better. I hate working 8-5 M-F, especially since my fiance works second shift. We never see one another. I love the idea of a 3 to 4 day work week and would have no problem with 12's. I hate driving the 30 minutes to my job now.

There a few LTC's in town that start off just a little less than what I make now, but the one that offers the class (and therefore starts the best chance of hiring me right away) is quite a bit lower- I currently make $12, and they start off at $9.50. However, you get almost a dollar shift diff, and there is always opportunity for OT. And I would have more time to see my fiance, as well as have time for classes. I would also be saving $200 a month in gas.

This is something that I want, but I'm so scared and unsure of what to do. I don't know if it would be a really big mistake and am just looking for advance.

Thank you all!

[Nightmoon]

Hi,

I say jump ! Since you only have two years invested at the Dr's office, now would be the time for a change. LTC offering a class is a huge plus, and even more so if it's free or inexpensive. Nursing homes do offer schedule flexibility, and what you save on gas & vehicle wear and tear will make up for the hourly rate difference.

If you decide later that it's not for you, then at least you still have the medical records experience to fall back on. I was a Bookkeeper for many years and hated it ! I became an HHA and now starting school in a few weeks to be a CNA. I could not be any happier, and feel that it's so important to do something that you can enjoy. Good luck in whatever you choose.

[i_love_patient_care]

If it were me, I would get a job per diem and try it out on weekends for a while before deciding.