need advice

I know here in TN you would make more money being an EMT than a CNA. I guess the path you take depends on what your goals for the future are. If there is a VA hospital near you I would check there for a job as they give Veterans first priority and have great benefits and pay. There are some options other than CNA and EMT. Some hospitals hire EMTs and Paramedics to help out in the ERs. Something you might also be interested in is becoming a hyperbaric tech. All you have to do is find a hospital that has HBO and if you get hired you would get OJT and in most facilities a 40 hour course on HBO. After one year of experience you could sit for the certified hyperbaric tech exam. It is a very interesting field but depending on where you live there may be limited facilities offering HBO. If it sounds like something you are interested in you could find a facility close to you and ask if you could shadow someone for the day. It is a very rewarding job. Also some physicians offices hire EMTs as well.

I agree check with the ER's in your area and see if they hire EMT's. The ER's in my area prefer hiring EMT's because they have a higher skill set than CNA's.

I also was in the military, a hospital corpsman certified as an EMT-B. I worked as a CNA when I got out. I attended a Nursing program that was flexible, 3 days a week. My poor husband worked two jobs. Looking back I would have applied for a program through the military that would allow you to attend school full-time. You will be obligated to serve time as an active duty or reserve nurse. Its worth it though. Look into the the Navy Nurse corp or the National Guard. I also had a little one. This was the best option for our family and it has payed off! Good luck and stay focused. If you can make it in the military you can do this!