Red Cross Training for CNA

emmy27 · Oct 19, 2015

There are many CNA jobs available, but the pay is low (even with years of experience, in many areas CNAs make little more than minimum wage) and the work is very, very physically and emotionally demanding.

If you're interested in other areas of healthcare and looking for some experience working hands-on with patients, it isn't a bad idea to work as a CNA (although many facilities will train you to take the test themselves, so look in to that before paying for a course). As a career change? It doesn't make much financial sense if you've just invested in a BS that won't improve your pay or marketability in this field.

CMCareer16 · Oct 19, 2015

I am in the midst of trying to see what I should do, so I am volunteering at a local community hospital. I am in a Masters Program

for Health Advocacy - however I do not know if completing beyond the Professional Certificate in Patient Advocacy as there is no definite path to take. My career changer was hard to get into human services, but I am doing relief work as a residential counselor, money is low in that field as well. Career changes exciting, but sometimes frustrating ;-)

emmy27 · Oct 20, 2015

I think you'll find the pay for CNAs is even lower than for a residential counselor (the average national CNA salary is about a 2/3 of a residential counselor), and there is no room for advancement- if you do discover you like working in healthcare, you'll have to go back to school for another degree to obtain any other position.

CNAs do vital work and I value my own experience as one as a stepping stone in my career, but it's not really a logical career step for a 56 year old with a new degree in another field (and possibly still student loans?) who is studying for a masters, unless you intend to go back to nursing school.

CMCareer16 · Oct 20, 2015

Thank you..I agree with you, and yes, plenty of student loans! When I went back to finish my psychology degree, my intent was Speech Pathology to work with stroke and head injured individuals, but the competition is great, and difficult to get into school for that Masters program.

Missingyou, CNA · Oct 20, 2015

While generally, the pay for a CNA is maybe a dollar or so above minimum wage, it can really depend on where you work.

I did residential care for developmentally delayed adults and that pay was $1 above minimum...now I work as a CNA in a nursing home and the pay is double the minimum wage. ....just depends on the facility!

Not to mention, I find HUGE rewards in being a CNA so, even if I was only making the "average" pay, I'd still do it.

It's a quick enough way, training wise, to a new career path. You could do home care, nursing home, hospital, doctor's office....though the last two will require you to work 6 months in a nursing home.

So, in the end, if you're looking for a career change in order to increase your pay rate, CNA probably isn't the right direction, however, if you're in it for the other rewards that you probably found as a residential counselor, than a CNA would be a good choice. :)

CMCareer16 · Oct 21, 2015

This is good information "missing you" :-) I am a relief counselor in my own town, my understanding is CNA training is not extensive, but you take an exam. I know I don't want to stay as a CNA, but I feel the experience is worthwhile, just like direct care for developmentally disabled young women (that's what I do presently)...

Missingyou, CNA · Oct 21, 2015

Since you've done residential care before, like I have, you will find the training to be easy. It's all pretty much what you've been doing all along. You will learn a few new things tho too.

If you are headed into any sort of health care field, I think the experience you get working as a CNA will be very valuable! You will see first hand all sorts of illnesses and how to deal with them, what works and what doesn't. You may even find a specific area of where you want to go by working as a CNA since you will see so many other professionals within your work place.

btw, I did my CNA training at my local Red Cross and they did a great job preparing me for work.

They will also be able to tell you if your state reimburses you for the tuition once you begin working in a facility...so ask! :)

BeachsideRN, ASN · Oct 21, 2015

I think the CNA training may be valuable to you as broad training rather than a career change. Though it may lead that way.

CMCareer16 · Oct 21, 2015

Thanks! I will go to the Red Cross open session in my area, they have them weekly. I will get feedback and at least check it out!

LovelyLocs, ASN, BSN, RN · Oct 21, 2015

I just wanted to add (if someone has not already) that it is very possible a community college near you might have a CNA program that is considerably cheaper than the one offered by the American Red Cross.

Regardless of which program you ultimately choose, I wish you the best of luck!

:)

cjones9841 · Oct 24, 2015

Wow, similar to my situation. I just graduated with a B.S. in psychology as well this past May and literally just paid a few days to take the CNA course at the Red Cross. I am wondering if I made the right decision. However, I did this because I want to become a nurse in the future and don't mind starting at the bottom. I am 22 and plan on going back for nursing after being a CNA for a while. Hopefully it works out! :) If your plan is very similar to mine, I say go for it!