Thinking about becoming a CNA but...

Bbett, MSN, NP · May 6, 2015

I'm not from GA so my information might not be of help. Don't believe everyone when they say you can't work through nursing school. Myself and a lot of others in my program worked full time. I worked as a CNA through my RN program, 3 12 hour shifts.

I live in Michigan and NAs do draw blood on most units. Don't bother getting trained though because they will train you on the job.

LPNs are still here in Michigan, but mostly LTC and I know of one hospital system that still hires them on the unit.

As far as reputable places I obviously can't help with that as I'm not from your area. I just wanted to let you know don't shy away from your RN or LPN because you are afraid of being able to work full time.

Good luck!

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · May 6, 2015

If given the opportunity, I would start taking general ed courses enroute to becoming a BSN.

If you are wanting to get a foot in the door and get a job at a hospital or clinic/MD office you could do either CNA or Medical Assistant. Any number have classes nights and weekends, and are short term. Also, EMT is also an option, and again, night and weekend classes.

LPN's are not widely used in hospitals, although in some they are, however, it is more cost effective for hospitals to hire RN's who have a scope that would be more consistent with their goals.

As a CNA, I do not know how much per hour is made in your state, but you should perhaps look around and see what kind of jobs are available before committing to any one program. Also, if there are jobs for new grad RN's.

In the meanwhile, I would start your degree process if you believe that the job market is such that it would warrant you going back to school.

Best wishes!

shabish, CNA · May 6, 2015

Thank you both for your comments. Don't Stop I was actually just reading some posts about how many have worked f/t & done lpn program. I work 1130p-8a & the lpn programs I have looked into are apprx 9a-5p. I would hate to go into the program getting mediocre grades. I will have to think about that some more.

Jade, I have been reading about hospitals wanting nurses to have their BSN. I am just not sure if that is what I want. I may be perfectly happy as an LPN assuming of course I am working in a facility I really enjoy.

Red Kryptonite · May 6, 2015

Lots of LTCs and SNFs hire people for "double weekends" which is where you work 16 hours each on Saturday and Sunday only.

Missingyou, CNA · May 6, 2015

The Red Cross is probably your best bet altho, some community colleges offer the programs.

Keep in mind some states reimburse you for the tuition once you begin working in a medicare/medicaid facility (Nursing home, etc).

It IS possible to find work as a CNA working only weekends/holidays etc, but that really depends on your area & demand for CNA's. I will say that generally there is a high demand for CNA's in most areas. You can also work at home care agencies where you can pretty much choose your schedule and number of hours, although the work can be sometimes inconsistent. You could also accept a per diem position in a nursing home. Hospitals tend to require 6 months long term care for CNA's.

Phlebotomy will do you no good if you work as a CNA in home care or in a nursing home. But, if you have the time/energy and funds to take the class, it's always a good thing.

The $10. an hour seriously depends on your area. Generally, I'd say it's possible.

LPN's and CNA's have very different skills and qualifications. CNAs would be hired at a hospital to give direct patient care... ie, toileting, washing, etc.

If you are planning to become a nurse or are wondering what it's like, a CNA would be an excellent step in that direction. Being a CNA first will make you a better nurse if that's the way you decide to go.

mirandaaa · May 6, 2015

I'll help with what I can!

Firstly, don't believe that you can't work while in school; tons of people do. I'm in a similar boat where I work Mon-Fri 8-4 currently and I will not be able to keep that schedule if I am accepted, but I'll cross that bridge when I get there. I'll talk to my boss and see if we can work around my school hours and if not I'll go back to PRN CNA work and bartending.

1. You should be able to find tons of reputable places in Atlanta that offer CNA courses. Do a quick google search and you'll probably find a bunch of locations!

2. Finding a job with those hours would not be hard at all. Employers love employees willing and eager to work nights and weekends. If you find a job PRN (which means as needed), you basically work when you want to work (so long as they have an open shift available). Where I worked before, we were so understaffed that I just turned in a calendar every month that showed what days and shifts I was available and I got almost every one I was available for, and they were still calling out daily for more open shifts. PRNs generally make more hourly as well.

3. Unsure about this one. Some NAs take blood and others do not; I believe it depends on the state. Where I am from, we were never trained to take blood.

4. This depends on where you live and where you work. You can find out this information online as an average for your area. One place I worked paid $11 hourly + shift differential for nights and weekends but then another I worked at paid less than $10 (and this was with 2 years of experience). But generally PRNs make several dollars more than the full-time employees. As PRN I was making $14 hourly.

5. LPNs and CNAs are different. CNAs are still very much required in hospitals for cares. Many hospitals are phasing out LPNs and ASNs from hospitals and only bringing in BSNs (not the case everywhere, but it's very common).

Hope this helps!

Kwidner · May 7, 2015

This is the place I will be attending next month its in woodstock, Ga which is 30 min north of Atlanta, maybe its worth checking out. Giving Care Education Center, Woodstock, GA | CNA Training | CPR Training

shabish, CNA · May 7, 2015

You all have provided such great info THANK YOU!. I guess my first thing will look into cna jobs just to see what is out there...then contact some nursing homes/facilities to see if they will reimburse me for cna course if I agree to work for them.

I think i may want to look into lpn program so will think about how much I will need to get started on some pre-req.

mvm2 · May 7, 2015

There might be other places too that might pay for or at least even part of your classes. Look into nursing homes/LTCs but also rehab and even home care agencies might be willing to help you financially with your CNA class. Do you have a VA hospital or home. Check them out too.

I took a CNA classes through my home health agency and even though they did not reimburse me for the class I was still able to work for them as an aide and make the money so i could take the class. I was under no obligation to work for them, I could take the class and not work for them but when I talked to them about the class I did not have a job at the time and I jumped at the chance to be able to work for them as an aide and gain valuable experiance and save the money to be able to take the class. I found out I love home health and have stayed working for them even after I am a CNA. Now I have my statues as such and my pay is a little bit more now that I am a CNA instead of just an aide.

pmabraham, BSN, RN · May 8, 2015

Good day:

Check out State to state nursing | Mighty Nurse which includes a column for CNA's

Also check your local community college to see if they offer CNA classes.

Thank you.

lovinglife2015 · May 8, 2015

As far as reputable CNA programs, check your state's BON website and there should be an available list of schools/centers. Your local community college probably offers a CNA class as well.