Would you take a pay cut to be a CNA?

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I am a pre-nursing student and have been interested in becoming a CNA. I can't afford the classes so would have to be sponsored by a LTC and then work for them.

This would also mean I would make $1-1.50 less per hour. I currently make $12.01 at a clerical job that has half decent benefits.

Of course, we all have different costs of living, varying amounts of income from partners (or not), etc, that would play a role in this decision... But would you consider the experience of being a CNA prior to becoming a nursing student/nurse so valuable that it'd be worth the pay cut?

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Depending on what area you are in, I would become a CNA PRN (2 days/week if possible). I worked as a CNA full time for 1 year and I felt like I did it for 20! OTOH, when you are in nursing school, you probably will be less frightened to do patient care/interact, do assessments, etc. And if you are already working at an LTC, you can see trachs, tubing, medications (if allowed), PB's, O2 and tube feedings, etc., all necessary for nursing school.

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In a word: yes.

I have found very few nurses who weren't CNAs who actually understand and respect aides. Sure, a lot will say they value us and are glad to have the support but the ones who've been doing it a while - they're the best.

One of my charge nurses was a cna for 17 years. Aside from being a wonderful person, a good boss, & a great nurse, she is understanding and helpful even down to our level.

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Do CNA work in addition to your better paying job, not instead of it. A LTC facility would be glad to hire you to work PM or night shift on Friday nights. For that matter, you might be able to come in for four hours only to help feed dinner and put residents to bed.

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I currently work 1st shift on Sundays and 2nd shift Monday-Thursday. I could totally work a Friday night, if that is something a local LTC would want. I am going to look into part-time work further. Thank you all :)

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Specializes in Nurse Anesthesiology Student.

I worked as a nursing assistant making 13/hr....got hired to work as a MA and get paid 17/hr so nope. I would not take a pay cut for a reduced scope of practice.

I honestly feel like my current MA experience will make me a better student nurse and a professional nurse in comparison to working as a nursing assistant.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Trauma.

I did, and I personally think it was the right thing for me to do at the time. After I got my CNA, I continued to work as a surgical services assistant (cleaning ORs, transporting patients, stocking, etc.). Including shift differential I made over $15/hr. I tried my best to get a job at the hospital I worked at as a CNA, but I had no luck since I had zero patient care experience. My first caregiver position was at a little assisted living place that paid me $9/hr. After six months I got hired by a SNF and stayed there for 2 years eventually making $13/hr. Now I'm working at a hospital making just over $17/hr including differential and have such a variety of care experience under my belt.

Things were financially tight at times, but I feel like it has made me a better caregiver.

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Absolutely not. I have worked as a CNA and it was hard, exhausting and underapprecaited work. I made 10 dollars an hour both in a SNF and hime health. Now I am a CMA, and I make 12.50 per hour and I enjoy this job much more.

Although, I am glad that ive worked as an aide as a PP said, a lot of nurses don't ever have the experience and I think it really does make some one a better nurse if they really understand what an aide does.

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