Single mom planning to go to school

WCSU1987 · Jun 16, 2015

Not sure if much help but a full time CNA in KY you are looking to make $24K to $26K, which isn't a bad salary with COL, having some family helping you out, and raising a kid. Maybe can work that till a bit more financially stable take a class a semester if can balance it out. Best of luck to you.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jun 16, 2015

CNA=Certified Nursing Assistant. If you mean "medication aide", then no, it's not the same thing. Medication aide is someone who has a short course completed so he/she can be employed to give out medications under the directive of a nurse.

One does total patient care, the other gives meds. You are more likely to find work as a CNA than a med aide, as they aren't employed nearly as widely as CNAs are.

As for your possibly choosing to pursue sonography instead of nursing, I think Dranger's point was that you aren't any more likely to have more family time with that; in fact, you have years to go before you would be employable doing it. You'd need a college degree to begin with...and you aren't there yet.

Getting a job in a nursing home frequently does come with the facilty's providing a CNA course for the applicants. You can then work while attending school for the pre-requs. Seems like the most realistic way to go for you at this time, honestly.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Jun 16, 2015

I'm a single mom currently getting ready to start my second year of the program. I started school in August of 2013, completed my prereqs, and started the program in August of 2014. I had some of the prereqs completed before starting back from years ago. I went to school full time, fall 13, spring 14, and summer 2014. I am going to tell you it is not easy, especially with your son being so young. My son was 7 and was starting second grade when I signed up for school and filed for divorce. I made sure to take my classes during the day while he was in school. And I do not work. I will graduate with my ASN when I am 40.

From experience, you need to be extremely organized, and have a huge support system. I could never have done this without the support of my friends and my boyfriend. My ex does help as much as he can. I make calendars for every month of the year for each person who has my son. I color coordinate print and highlight. There were 2 mixups in the beginning on who was getting my child when. Once, my ex just forgot him. Yet again, if not for the great help of friends who have become my family and one great bus driver, tragedies were averted. So, I got very organized. Clinical hours can be at any time of the day or week. Mine can switch from week to week. Most days I have to be there at 6:30. If we are late, we are sent home. You cannot miss clinical or class at all. Clinical hours at my school cannot be made up and there really is no replacement for lecture time, but most schools have attendance policies because of Federal Financial Aid. You have to have so many clinical hours to be eligible to sit for the NCLEX.

I am not saying this to discourage you or be harsh. But you need to fully investigate schools, what is required, how you will live during school, and how much help you will have. Plan it all out before hand or you will fail before you start. Also depending on how long it has been since you were last in school, you may have remedial classes before certain prereqs. I needed college algebra for my program. But when I took the Accuplacer test I had to do 2 algebra classes that were high school level before I could even take college algebra. I don't regret it because I had some great instructors who helped me understand algebra for the first time in my life. I excelled in those classes. But it had been 20 years since I had taken it also.

I don't know if moving to a brand new town will help you or hurt you. I would think that you are a little established in your current area so you may have a bigger network of support. Just take the time and do some research and don't make any impulsive decisions that you will regret later. I see it every, single, day in here.

Nursing24/7, LVN · Jun 30, 2015

Most CNA programs cost $1500 or less. Research free CNA programs in the area you are moving to. Also some CNA schools have financial aid or scholarships for low income folks, so call around & ask.

I took my CNA cert through American Red Cross but I researched & found a philanthropic organization who had a scholarship program for low income folks who wanted to get into healthcare.

I am in the same boat as you as far as finances...so I have to figure out how I will pay for nursing school either through scholarships & other avenues because I have really really crappy credit, so I can't get approved for large loans. It's REALLY tough, but if you really want this & work hard, things will fall into place for you.

Also once you become a CNA try to get a job at a hospital ASAP, as a lot of hospitals have tuition reimbursement or financial assistance (make sure this is an option at the hospital before you apply though) to employees who are furthering their education. The hospital I work at for instance gives $2500 in tuition reimbursement & $1000 bonus yearly to nurses who get certifications & degrees that enhance their current skills as a nurse.

Good luck!

Nursing24/7, LVN · Jun 30, 2015

Btw I am 43 & a mom to 3. It's never too late!