Quit my CNA Job ???!

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello all! I’ve been working as a CNA on the west coast for almost 2 years now! I love being a CNA! I became a CNA with the goal of gaining healthcare experience for PA school. I made that clear to my nursing director when I was hired. So fast forward to today and I got into PA school!!! I don’t start PA school until next fall. My dilemma is should I continue to be a CNA until I start school or quit and find another job now that I have secured my spot in pa school. I really want to keep this job for now because I have direct contact with patients and I feel it would make me a better healthcare provider in the long run. On the flip side we have been short staffed as our unit cut back down to once cna for 18 patients on a cardiac step down unit due to budgeting issues. I really love this job and my coworkers and the patients but I get paid a measly 15 bucks an hour doing back breaking work. Should I just quit and do a boring office job until I start?

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One cna*

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I personally would stick with it, but that's just me. Only you know whether you can replace $15/hr and if it would be too boring for you.

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Maybe try to diversify your healthcare experience. Maybe become a scribe in the ER? Or move to another unit that interests you?

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Specializes in Ambulatory Care-Family Medicine.

I second the scribe in ER if you are able. It will help expose you to more of the provider side of healthcare and show you more of the duties you will be performing as a PA. Depending on the ER schedule, it may even allow you to continue to work some during PA school (some ERs have staggered start times instead of just 7-7). You could also apply to be a tech in the ER. Sometimes ER techs have very different duties from the CNA duties on the floor.

I would try to stay in a healthcare related field if you feel like you can't keep the CNA job until next Fall. It will look better on applications in the future as a new grad to show you do have X years of experience in healthcare and that your are not a "job hopper."

Good luck and Congratulations on PA School!

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I don't have any advice, but wanted to tell you that the best nurses, NPs, PAs, and doctors that I have worked with all started as CNAs. They truly understand what it's like to be in the trenches. Good luck ❤️

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Congrats!

Look for a scribe position. Don't quit the CNA position for work outside of healthcare, though, unless something else tips the balance (like the pay is significantly more).

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Specializes in school nurse.

Maybe work for a home health agency in the meantime? The money will still be measly, but the caseload is limited by definition...

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It’s always best not to quit one job until your have another job. The best time to job hunt is when you’re employed.

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1 hour ago, Jedrnurse said:

Maybe work for a home health agency in the meantime? The money will still be measly, but the caseload is limited by definition...

I worked in home health care as an LPN private duty while I transitioned to RN. I was placed with a wonderful family and the work was not stressful. I could not imagine going to school FT and working on a busy floor but a lot of people do it.

Office work will be easier on your body but don’t be fooled by thinking that it will be boring. Offices can be very busy too, just a different kind of busy. Pay may be less than what your making now, or maybe more-very dependent on who you work for, what they do, and where you are located.

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Specializes in Adult Primary Care.

I agree with the Scribe position.

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Go PRN. You’ll get to do patient care a few times a month while working a different job.

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