Working as a CNA/PCA do you feel able to make a living?

Published

Thinking of going to nursing school, but with the admission start date, limited number of programs, and pre requisites probably won't start school for another two year's. I am looking to become a CNA move to my neighboring state once my pre requisites are done and look into colleges in that area. I figure can complete my CNA in a month work night's knock out my pre req's, maybe take an EMT class, learn a language, and save some money up while I wait till eligible to get into a program. I already have a few nursing assistant skills, five year patient care experience, and a male hopefully that will make it attractive to find right job opportunities.

Curious do you feel not on your own, but with a roommate/partner/spouse able to make do with CNA salary?

I am 28 going to get married in a year. My fiancé is finishing up LPN school hoping can make do instead of living in the basement of the MIL, ha.

Appreciate the feedback.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I work as a CNA in home care and I feel that even though I could not make it on my own I do contribute to the houses finances.

One thing you need to know is if you get your CNA in one state and then move to another there are different hoops you need to go through to be certified in the other state. Each state is different in their requirements so be sure to check out what you'll need to do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Agreed with you MVM2.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in hospice.

If I were young and single I could live on my CNA pay just fine. If I were married with no kids and my husband was working as a nurse? No problem.

The thing that gets my finances into difficulty is raising the five kids. ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Home Care, Dr Office/Clinic.

It can be done but it is super duper tough. I work 2 jobs: 1 as a CNA at a hospital & 1 as a caregiver at an assisted living on call. My husband does not work and has not worked for several years due to an accident related disability. He's been a stay at home dad all this time and I am the one who supports my family. We have 3 kids (2 still at home). I have to work a lot of hours to make ends meet & some months we come up a little short but it always works out some how. I'm doing my prereqs now & plan on applying to RN school in Spring 2016.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

I'm a CNA at a nursing home in MN. Not married, no kids but live with my long time boyfriend. He makes decent money and I'd like to think I do too. $14/hr working night shift, full time usually working overtime, and weekend bonuses if I pick up on my off weekend. I'd be able to make it on my own if I had to, plus be able to put money aside. My checks are $900-1100 every two weeks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Were im @ CNAs can make up to 17 dollars an hr and houseing here aint to bad like the bigger cities

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Long term care.

I live on my own just fine on a CNA salary.

I have enough $ to go on vacation every year.

I can always pay my bills on time.

I have some money saved for a rainy day.

I rent a nice apartment in a nice neighborhood.

I have my own reliable car.

I don't have a "smartphone" just a regular, no frills, cell phone.

I don't have cable tv or all the electronic gadgets other than a lap top. I have other things to do with my time.

If you know how to budget your money, it's do-able even on your own.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Appreciate the feedback right now a mental health worker making $22 an hour. Three is no opportunity to go full time at the moment. Was looking to become a CNA to find full.time work. The CANs at the hospital are unionized I know they start out at $14.50 with differential being $1.50 on evening's, $2.50 on weekend's and nights.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Which city do you stay in? Because where I'm from CNA's average around $11 an hour and I live in a real expensive city.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma,ED.

I worked as a CNA up until last year i made $26 an hour night shift in a state run trauma hospital other hospitals in my area pay about 14-18 an hour depending on experience and SNFs 10-12 so yeah you can survive on your own depeding where you can work

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.
I worked as a CNA up until last year i made $26 an hour night shift in a state run trauma hospital other hospitals in my area pay about 14-18 an hour depending on experience and SNFs 10-12 so yeah you can survive on your own depeding where you can work

$26/hr as a CNA??? Cripes, I'd love to know what the nurses there make!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion