Should I get a job as a CNA if I am planning to get pregnant in the next 4 months?

NurseBanana · Mar 7, 2008

No idea what type of money you're looking for...in Tampa, CNA/PCTs seem to make about $11-13/hr, depending on shift and experience. I couldn't afford to do it, and not having the experience hasn't hurt me in clinical. However, I've been a bartender for a long time, and I'm extremely comfortable talking to people. It pays better than most non-tip jobs that don't require an education, from what I can gather. Whatever job/school you're interested in, how do you know you'll get pregnant in 4 months? Obviously it can happen, but most people don't get pregnant the first time they try...I'd plan my life if I were you, and if you wind up being in school and you think it's too difficult to do while pregnant, you can put off the pregnancy. Or, if you get pregnant, you can quit the job.

ok, let me put it this way: I need to make at LEAST $20,000/yr. before taxes. Not interested in bartending- I'm a newlywed, plus I'm so over the bar scene they actually irritate me. I know I'll get pregnant within 4-5 months because I only got off the pill 6 months ago and already got pregnant and mis-carried. Getting pregnant is not the issue. Staying pregnant is. Can't put it off either, because I'm 31 and want to be done child-bearing by 35. I'm sure about doing the LPN bridge to RN. The only thing I'm not sure about is a CNA job. It all comes back to money. If my husband had a more consistent/better paying job, it woudlnt' be an isue. But since both of our incomes are variable, its impossible for me to earn less than $20,000 (before taxes). Money stresses me out.

nasaodds · Mar 9, 2008

The only problem with being pregnant while being a CNA is the amount of lifting you will do. This is a very demanding job on the body, pregnancy is even more demanding. As a mother of three under 6 years old I would say you can do what you put your mind to. Your body will have a limit however no matter what just be careful and take care of you and the baby! GOOD LUCK!

NurseBanana · Mar 9, 2008

well i just wanted to update and say that i've done some serious number-crunching and there is no way I could be a CNA. Isn't it sad that i can't do it because I can't afford to? I just think that is so sad. The "helping professions" in our country don't get paid NEAR enough. I would def. have to work a 40 hr week at $12.15/ hr BARE MINIMUM to get by. And who knows if I would eve find that. Plus, when the hell would i have time to study? So i am going to have to stick with my current part-time job (which makes more than a CNA) so that I can pay the bills, study and have a baby. Thanks for all your posts! You lead me to a decision and that's what I needed!! :heartbeat