KarinV

Thank you both for the responses. Unfortunately, I don't have the type of job I can cut back on hours. I either work everyday or I don't. I'm stuck, however, making $11.50 an hour when I know I'm capable of so much more. When we can't take our kids on a simple vacation because of money, there's a problem. (Though I don't expect to become rich as a nurse! lol) I'm either stuck making minimal pay the rest of my life, or I go for it. My family realizes I will be unavailable for those 11 months but I also think the rewards will outweigh that. Now to get into an evening nursing school... that's a whole other story! It looks like I won't be able to start until NEXT September.

I am planning on going to nursing school for LPN next September. It will be the full time, 11 month course through Finger Lakes Boces. Problem is, we can't go without my income for that year to quit work and go to school. I have spoken to two different people, both who's opinions I trust. One says absolutely not, it can't be done. It's too much. The other says without a doubt, she's confidant I'd be fine. Both are nurses in supervisory positions and have seen many nurses going through school or continuing their education. My day job is not quite full time. It's 6.25 hours per day, M-F. Schooling would be M-Th, 4 to 9:30 with some clinical work on some Saturdays. I have 2 kids but they are a little older and I have lots of help at home from a supportive husband. I'm 43, so not a spring chicken, but far from over-the-hill. So, I'd like your opinions... is this something I can do? I'm not afraid of some hard work. I'd love any and all feedback you can give me. Thanks!

Awesome. Thank you SO much for your thoughts. It helps a great deal. I was already leaning towards home health. I have a feeling that's the direction I will be taking. :)

I found out lots more information today from a friend who's an RN. NY does not have CNA2 because NY has the toughest exam out of all the states. NY's certification is acceptable in any other state and she said it's easy to transfer. She is getting info for me because there are businesses that will PAY me, including health insurance to put me through school and then work for them for a certain length of time. She's also a certified trainer and can train me for the BCLS I need. That's all I have to pay for is the card... $7. Still gathering info! So far, home health care seems to be one of the highest paying, at least for CNA's in NY. In your opinion, what's the higher paying CNA positions in NC? Home health, hospital, Dr. office?

I didn't realize there was a CNA 2. I would hope to get certified here in NY and find a job, even part time for a little experience. I'd be one step ahead when we move. Besides that, I'll need a job immediately after moving. Thanks for your responses!

Just another thing NY is higher for (reason we are leaving NY). A CNA course at our local community college, including book, scrubs and exam fees is $1850. I'm definitely interested, I have to call tomorrow to see what kind of help there is for funding. How long of a course is it for CNA? Our web site didn't give specifics. Would you also suggest HHA certification is necessary? That was another $700, but looking at job requirements I didn't really see it mentioned.

At this point, I am only thinking of getting into nursing. I think it's something I would enjoy doing (I've always thought about something in medical) and now that my kids are a little older, I can focus more on a career for myself. I currently live in New York but we are looking into moving to North Carolina in 2 years, hopefully sooner. We do have a program at the local college for a certified nurse's assistant for around $2500. My question is, if I get certified in NY can it be transferred to NC? What would be the steps to doing that?