LeighAnne85

Well, New York and Rhode Island are close as far as living expenses and average wages! I did actually put some thought into traveling time to and from work down there. Most Rhode Islanders have a fit when they have to drive more than a half hour, lol! I got out of that mentality and realized there's millions of people in MUCH BIGGER states that drive an hour to work and that's normal! My boyfriend wants to move to FL, his parents did recently. He's going to be in the marine industry, as a mechanic/technician of some sort. I'm hoping that I can find a job for myself and a decent one at that. Looks like I'll be doing some hardcore research!

Are these hospital or LTC wages? I can't believe how low they can get!!

I can't get over these wages...stupid question but, the cost of living in FL is a little less compared to some states, correct? I'm actually planning on relocating to FL, I'm currently a Rhode Island resident, I've been here my whole life and I've been a CNA for close to 5 years. At the hospital I'm employed at right now, I make $16.24/hour including my evening differential. I'm afraid what I may earn in FL won't quite add up to what I make in RI... but that's when I considered the general cost of living down there, their minimum wage rates, etc...if you're wondering, the economy up here is in shambles and it's most likely a little more expensive to live at all, lol! Any input appreciated on this one!!

Your experience as a CNA won't get you a higher rate of pay as a new RN...but you'll have personal experience and knowledge...it's all you need!

You know what? Taking care of your residents is NOT a race! Some people work faster than others, some don't. In most nursing homes, there always seems to be a "window" of time that you need to get your residents up out of bed or back to bed in the evening. There's a difference between a CNA that takes his/her time and does the job right and one that rushes just to say that they're "done" with their portion of the assignment (their residents are most likely sitting in soiled briefs)...and offers no help to you when you're drowning in work. I prefer the hospital scene over a nursing home, not only for better pay and benefits, but it's just a different pace. I alone may be responsible for 12-18 patients per shift (depending on staffing), but they're not all "total care" patients like a nursing home resident would be. I think if you choose to stay at some sort of long term care facility, the work load should be divided between CNAs, so nobody can say they had to "pick up your slack". You just have to worry about your assigned residents and your residents only! Let the others work how they want to...and just know that you performed your job correctly.