Need job advice!

Genista, BSN, RN · Oct 16, 2004

Hi Karen06-

Many people start out working as a nurse's aid (CNA), although it doesn't pay fantastic, and is HARD work. It is good experience, though. In my area CNAs make about $14/hr in the hospital. Less in the SNFs I believe. The pay absolutely depends on where you work,and in what part of the country. Some places will pay more in the city, or substantially less in areas with a lower cost of living. You could also apply for a unit secretary position for about the same pay (at least where I live). It depends on whether the need is high- they may want someone experienced. Being a CNA is such a hard job, so turnover can be high, and often they will train people with no experience. My first paid job in healthcare was after I graduated from nursing school...an RN on med/surg. I worked in non-healthcare jobs until then. Many of my classmates in nursing school worked as CNAs in local hospitals during the program. Some others worked in coffee shops, retail, etc. Whatever works for you. Good luck!

Kona

I will be starting my clinicals in January. I want to get out of my office job and into a hospital now. Is there anything I can do? Everything I have seen says after my first semester or experience and certification required. Where is a good place to start? I am willing to take a pay cut to move into the medical field, but it can't be like $8 hour or anything. Does anyone have any advice? Where did you start out??

JacelRN, BSN, RN · Oct 16, 2004

Hi Karen,

I agree with kona2, a nurse aide position or PCA/CNA as they may be termed, could be right up your alley.

When I worked as a PCA during nursing school, my hospital paid me $2 more on the hour just for being a future nurse, added to the $2 shift diff I made for working evening shift on the weekends, I made about $13/hour. It was wondeful money for me while I lived at home with mom and pop. I was able to afford all my bills except for food/board that my parents graceously provided.

Check with your local hospitals, I suggest a teaching hospital if available, and also with your school. Either may provide you with great resources to start applying.

JacelRN