New CNA: living wage/job availability advice needed

[sharpervisions]

Hi all,

I am starting an accredited CNA program next month (second career - I already have a BFA). My interest is in pediatrics (background in childcare). I'm in a bit of a bind on 3 issues and am looking for practical advice:

1.

I currently live in California and am underemployed - hence the CNA choice. I am looking to move to a more affordable state (probably Oregon) as soon as possible after school. The problem is, CNAs don't get paid a living wage here unless they work at a hospital - and those jobs are hard to come by for newbies. It puts me in a bind, needing to get the work experience to transfer out of state/get a better job, yet also needing to pay rent in the mean time. (I am staying with a friend until I finish the CNA program.)

Wherever I go, I'll probably want to seek further education in (pediatric) nursing, provided I like medical work.

Advice???

2.

How can I get work in pediatrics with a new CNA license?

3.

Limited/nonexistent financial aid is an issue, since I already have a Bachelors. I'm interested in pleading my case, and/or obtaining scholarships... Advice???

Much appreciated!

[mvm2]

being a CNA and finding a job in peds is difficult. The two usually do not mix unless you have a hospital job. But maybe you could look at Home Care. Sometimes they have a peds in Home Care, but however many of the peds cases in Home Care require nurses more then CNAs most of the time. But there might be a few cases that require only a CNA.

[armywife808]

I'm sorta in the same re-careering boat. I have a BS in an unrelated field and hope to start a CNA program in a few weeks. My sciences and & math are too old to apply for a nursing program, so in the meantime, I thought CNA would be good to get my feet wet. After trolling classified ads my summation is that CNAs don't make a lot of money, but that's just the way the healthcare totem pole is structured. If you're staying with a friend perhaps you could continue to do so until you get a good bank of experience? Most LTC/SNF ask for 6-12 months of experience. Don't expect the lights to automatically flip on once you finish the program as it may take a few months to find employment. Plus you have to schedule to take the examination and that could add a a couple of weeks.

Also if you plan to move to OR you will have to check out the CNA requirements there because you most likely will have to transfer your license. Go to the BON for OR and make sure your CA program is in line with OR program standards.

As already stated a hospital is your best bet for pediatrics unless you are able to find a private pediatric practice.