RN or CNA, considering my kids

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Good morning! I have a question I'd like to run by this community. The short version is, I'd like the summers off for the next five years while my kids are still young, but want to begin to pursue nursing, should I go for an associate RN on a part time schedule I've planned out that will take about five years with summers off, or could I become a CNA and somehow ask for summers off?

To further explain.....

I've been a stay-at-home mom/homeschooling mom for over ten years, but now my kids are in school. In fact, I got married straight out of high school and have mostly been home since! I have very little work experience, my part time job now is working for family. My husband supports us well so I am free to take summers off with the kids and want to utilize that. If I were to go to school for an associates I could control my schedule, but a friend also suggested that becoming a CNA may be a good way to start - a little less of a commitment and an earlier entrance into the workforce. But, again, I don't want to work summers until my kids are perhaps teens. Is it at all possible to ask for summers off as a CNA? Or should I take the other route of part time school, in which case I wouldn't begin work until my youngest is about 14?

Thanks for feedback!

Jessica

Specializes in RN- Med/surg.
I'm confused by your 1st paragraph. Did you say that the OP could have every summer off, but it would mean quitting the job she's at and having to look for a new one in the fall?

If that is what you meant, then I agree that the OP would have little problem getting what she wants. But your comments also beg me to ask this question: Do you honestly think that, regardless of how desperate they are, LTC facilities would train someone who has been up-front in saying the job is only a temporary situation? Another words, wouldn't it be more cost-effective for the facility if they spent the $$ on someone who appears to have long-term intentions?

Or maybe I'm too naive when it comes to working in LTC.....

I worked as a CNA in LTC for 5 years. We had 1 mom who was an awesome worker..she took off summers- because she was such an asset, they found hours for her every fall. Also...having nothing to do with her...they hired summer help every year anyway..usually young teenagers...or college students. My first paragraph was basically saying one way or the other..it's possible- not definate.

Specializes in Med/Surg.
I worked as a CNA in LTC for 5 years. We had 1 mom who was an awesome worker..she took off summers- because she was such an asset, they found hours for her every fall. Also...having nothing to do with her...they hired summer help every year anyway..usually young teenagers...or college students. My first paragraph was basically saying one way or the other..it's possible- not definate.

Well then I stand corrected. I have never worked in LTC so things must be different there compared to a hospital, or at least the one I work at. But considering all the nursing & CNA shortages I hear and read about so much, I'm kinda surprised that any facility would be willing to spend the $$ on hiring & training staff who want the summers off, especially if it means having to do the same just to ensure staff-coverage for the summer. I could see if we were talking about someone who just finished nursing school & doesn't want to start a job until fall or even someone who has years vested in their career & experience behind them. But a new employee??

Also, the thing that surprised me most about the OP's comments is that she is completely new to the nursing world, hasn't even started nursing school yet, and has no job experience in a healthcare setting...yet she is more concerned about having her summers off. Shouldn't/Wouldn't "getting her feet wet" by working in a healthcare job/setting, and at a time when the stress of nursing school isn't hanging over her, hence the summer, be just as important & make more sense?? Or maybe it just does to me. I completely understand her desire to be with her children when they have summer vacation, as I am a mother too. And I'm not saying she has to work full-time. She could work once a month and still gain so much(including a paycheck!) because every little bit of experience will help & be beneficial to her as she begins & goes through nursing school. And the sooner she starts, the better off she is. Again, that's just my opinion.

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
should I go for an associate RN on a part time schedule I've planned out that will take about five years with summers off, or could I become a CNA and somehow ask for summers off?
My intention is not to offend anyone. However, I could not possibly become a career CNA due to the backbreaking nature of the work coupled with the very low pay. When I lived in Southern California, I was earning $8 hourly as an aide for mentally retarded adults. I had to change diapers, lift these heavy people, give showers, feed, toilet, and so forth. The work is exhausting, and the pay is crappy. In my area, CNAs are paid between $8.50 and $12 hourly, which is not enough money for me to live on.
Specializes in oncology, trauma, home health.

I think that all moms and dads on this forum would like to have summers off. Oh yeah, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, 4th of July, that Friday before Memorial day weekend, and oh yeah, all the kid's birthdays. Unfortunately when you get a job you have to commit. It sure would be nice to be home on Sunday evenings too...oh yeah, and not have to sleep on Saturdays when the kids are home.

Also, if I could go back in time I would not have given all of the earning power to my husband. Give up your summers (or part of them) to have power in your own right.

Been there, had to do that. Am still doing that..

Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.
I think that all moms and dads on this forum would like to have summers off. Oh yeah, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, 4th of July, that Friday before Memorial day weekend, and oh yeah, all the kid's birthdays. Unfortunately when you get a job you have to commit. It sure would be nice to be home on Sunday evenings too...oh yeah, and not have to sleep on Saturdays when the kids are home.

Also, if I could go back in time I would not have given all of the earning power to my husband. Give up your summers (or part of them) to have power in your own right.

Been there, had to do that. Am still doing that..

Maybe this poster should go into teaching! :idea:

Why don't you go back to school, get your BSN and then become a school nurse. Then one of two things. 1. By the time you graduate, the kids will be teenagers. 2. You can become a school nurse and work on their school schedule. You can even try to get a job in their district, get to know the principal and be nice to her and she might give the go ahead for you to get the school nurse job. Mind you those jobs are few and far between. And if you can't become a grade school/high school nurse, you can try for the surrounding colleges.

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