Wish I had known..

Published

Spent four months in a CNA program that cost me about 400 dollars not including gas and child care. Spent three months working as CNA only to get laid off. Luckily a friend referred me to the local community college where I found out there are many health care degree options. The financial aid office was wonderful! They guided me through the process. Not only are my education and books being covered by Pell Grants, but I because I'm a full time student I qualify for subsidized child care. Which put my son into an amazing 4 star Preschool that I could never in a million years have afforded on my own. I wish I had known about all of that before or I wouldn't have wasted the year or so on CNA. I'm taking Medical Assistant because I really love the field (and in NC we can do so many things like give injections ect) but I know many people taking Radiology, Health Information Technology, Med Lab Tech, Respiratory Therapy, all of these are wonderful choices and many people are doing one of them, getting the prereqs out of the way while they are applying to an RN program. So now I've got a pretty much useless CNA license and a year of my life that I will never get back. I'm posting this because when I got started I heard time and again that many people, esp single moms like me, don't realize how much there is out there to pay for education and transform ones life.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

...and thats where they saying, "once one door closes, another opens" comes into play.

Congrats. You have no idea how much I try to convince everyone of this. Especially single Moms. I am not a mother, but still get a lot of help. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

About that subsidized childcare....I am wondering if I would qualify for this. Did financial aid help you with this? Or is there another way one would go about qualifying for this?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sorry that the CNA thing didn't work at, but it seems like your on the right path now and that you're getting a lot of support. I'm sure things will become better once you're done with school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I completed my CNA my last year in high school. I was so interested in nursing that I would spend my lunch looking at colleges' class schedule. For me having a boyfriend, or children was the last thing on my mind.

I took anatomy in college my last semester in high school. I just wanted to be an RN. I'm glad I had an rn as aCNA instructor, and showed us all the posibilities in health care.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 19 yrs CNA.
:twocents: When I started working as a CNA many moons ago I was told this was a short-cut to nursing :chuckle. After working for many years :saint: I found out there's no short-cut. Although, I enjoy working as a CNA & when my clients are happy, I'm happy :saint::wink2:. I knew in my heart that I wanted to be a nurse, so a few years ago I went back to school :up: & now I'll be a RN next year :yeah:. I encourae everyone to continue their education and follow your dreams. Your never to old :up: .
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Are you planning on getting your AA in Medical Assisting? If so why don't you just do the LVN/LPN because you'll be in school about the same amount of time and making more money. I don't mean to discourage you, but MA's don't make much money. Here in my area, they make between $9.00-$13.00 hr, and a LVN/LPN can make anywhere between $22.00-$29.00 hr. Find out everything first before you make the quick decision to do the MA progarm. Also you didn't waste a year of your life taking the CNA. Keep applying everywhere and try hospitals. Here in my area, CNA's make abuot $11.00 hr in a nursing home and anywhere between $16.00-$22.00 hr in the hospitals. Keep looking and don't give up!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i hate when people say they have wasted their lives...how will you ever know if something is the right fit for you if you never give things a try. anyway i think being a Medical Assistant may be more up your alley. won't hurt to try and plus you will be gaining lots of experience. good luck to your career.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 6 yrs LTC, 1 yr MedSurg, Wound Care.

I don't think the time you spent as a CNA is a waste at all. When you and your classmates finish, you will have experience whereas they will not. It also led you to where you are today.

Congratulations! I'm very glad you found something you will love!

Dondie

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree, the experience was experience, and that gives you that much more than someone who didn't do the CNA program, If medical assisting is your thing, I think you will have a unique perspective having your CNA experience.

I am looking to be a RN. With a CNA I hope to eventually get a job at one of the hospitals ( I know will be tough) as many of the hospitals here have nurse programs where they pay up to $3500 for tuition for nursing programs :-) I am a mom, but my son has severe medical complications, so I need to work at night, which the cna and RN has many opportunities. I am also a career changer, gee it would have been great to have my degree in nursing rather than fine arts but I don't regret it or view it as time wasted. I did some great things and learned a lot! Life experience is priceless !!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
About that subsidized childcare....I am wondering if I would qualify for this. Did financial aid help you with this? Or is there another way one would go about qualifying for this?

I found out about it through one of our local parenting magazines. I don't know if its just our area or state by state thing. You might try doing a web search for "Child Development/ child subsidy" and then type in your state. The subsidy office maintains contracts with high quality child care centers who agree to take so many subsidized children as clients. I and others as parents pay a fee to the child care center based on income. It was set up to make sure that all children get access to the best child care and oh is it a life saver. I just checked the child care centers most recent accred. and they are now a five star center! (tops in our area, one of 2 that I know about) I'm on my knees every night thanking god for this chance for my family.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hate to burst the bubble but if I had a dime for every MA graduate who thought being an MA was their path to money and job security and came out of school not able to find a job. On the other hand, you're going to a CC which is much smarter than getting ripped off at some private school that charges 12-15k.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion