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Are you satisfied working as a CNA? Where did you get your technical certification??
I am enrolled in Job Corps, and I want to get a stable job that makes over 34k a year with the least amount of training possible/no associate's degree
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7 answers
Updated
Hwal’s Answer
Parker,
I got my certification several years before applying to PA schools. As others who have been CNAs have said, I mostly felt like I was not adequately compensated for the physically and emotionally demanding work. I completed a program with a community college and it was about 6 weeks long and part-time. Having said this, your CNA license can bring you several different opportunities, such as types of facility, types of patients or clients, working with one patinent/client vs many as part of a care team, etc.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help.
Hwal
I got my certification several years before applying to PA schools. As others who have been CNAs have said, I mostly felt like I was not adequately compensated for the physically and emotionally demanding work. I completed a program with a community college and it was about 6 weeks long and part-time. Having said this, your CNA license can bring you several different opportunities, such as types of facility, types of patients or clients, working with one patinent/client vs many as part of a care team, etc.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help.
Hwal
I sincerely appreciate the honesty in your response. I do have a friend who feels that his work is very mentally demanding as well as physically demanding, but his 8 week program gave him a job rating 44k a year at a nursing home as a CNA, and he feels his pay is good enough as he is still a teenager.
Parker
You're welcome. 44k is definitely above average and a great salary for a CNA gig, especially for a teen. I have heard from many that CNA pay overall has increased over the years.
Hwal Lee
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
You should consider taking as much training as possible while you are using your Job Corps scholarship. Some students have been able to complete LVN/LPN training before graduating. If your current campus does not offer that type of training, consider transferring to another Job Corps once you complete your basics. It will be well worth it. Good luck, you will do well.
I was definitely planning on finishing the initial certification as fast as possible, but with as much effort I can give, and then the Advanced Training. After I complete these goals, I plan to work a CNA job when possible as I have a good friend with a history of over 8 years, and he is a CNA at a job that pays around 44k a year entry level. I am hoping to get a recommendation, then finance a car, and go to the community college in my home city that I have already been provided with the Pell grant. I initially wanted/desired to be a pharmacist, and I have completed about a semester of the chemistry degree for transfer I had. I may/may not change my major, but I figure with a CNA job for the upcoming years will not hurt.
Parker
Sounds like a plan. The great part of a nursing career path is the schedule flexibility and the many opportunities to continue your training and education. Many employers will pay your college tuition to pursue a higher level or proficiency. Stay position. Do not let negative influences interfere with your goals at the Job Corps. The Job Corps isnt for everyone. Stay focused and you will do well.
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Updated
Charanpreet’s Answer
Hey Parker,
I'm currently employed as a Registered Nurse (RN), but my journey began with earning my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate back in high school. I was fortunate enough to participate in a Regional Occupational Program (ROP) for 4 months, which was absolutely free as it was provided through my high school. I only had to cover the cost of my uniform and a portion of the book.
There are other avenues to secure a CNA certificate, such as state-approved community colleges or private colleges. Some of these programs can be wrapped up in as short as 2 months, while others may extend up to 4 weeks. Once you step into the role of a CNA, your earnings can match or even exceed your expectations, depending on whether you land a job in a hospital or a skilled facility.
To be completely transparent, my experience as a CNA wasn't all rosy. It helped me pay my bills, but I often felt invisible to the staff. I was assigned all the high-acuity patients, and there was no cap on the number of patients I had to take care of. Sometimes, after bathing a patient, the RN in charge would express dissatisfaction with my pace. It's a physically demanding job where you find yourself on your feet for 12-14 hours.
But remember, every job has its ups and downs, and this is just my personal experience. Your journey could be entirely different and more fulfilling. I'm rooting for you, Parker. Best of luck!
I'm currently employed as a Registered Nurse (RN), but my journey began with earning my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate back in high school. I was fortunate enough to participate in a Regional Occupational Program (ROP) for 4 months, which was absolutely free as it was provided through my high school. I only had to cover the cost of my uniform and a portion of the book.
There are other avenues to secure a CNA certificate, such as state-approved community colleges or private colleges. Some of these programs can be wrapped up in as short as 2 months, while others may extend up to 4 weeks. Once you step into the role of a CNA, your earnings can match or even exceed your expectations, depending on whether you land a job in a hospital or a skilled facility.
To be completely transparent, my experience as a CNA wasn't all rosy. It helped me pay my bills, but I often felt invisible to the staff. I was assigned all the high-acuity patients, and there was no cap on the number of patients I had to take care of. Sometimes, after bathing a patient, the RN in charge would express dissatisfaction with my pace. It's a physically demanding job where you find yourself on your feet for 12-14 hours.
But remember, every job has its ups and downs, and this is just my personal experience. Your journey could be entirely different and more fulfilling. I'm rooting for you, Parker. Best of luck!
Thank you so much for your honest answer, and thank you for helping those who are in need 🙏!
Parker
Updated
Marlana’s Answer
Hey Parker!
I'm currently a CNA and I started the job, including the training, July 1st, 2024. I work part-time while going to college full-time. I am satisfied with the job because it allows me to make a big difference in peoples' lives while they recover. When people are hospitalized, they are more vulnerable and are not used to such a big change and accommodating them to be as comfortable as they can be really makes a difference. I would say, if you are not planning on working or going into healthcare after college or wherever then I would not recommend becoming a CNA. It would not provide the experience and lessons you would need if you do not want to work in health care.
Looking at community colleges for classes is a great and affordable way to get your certification. What I would recommend is to look into the hospitals near you to see if they offer classes to become a CNA. I worked at University Hospitals for two years in dietary before learning that to become a CNA there they pay you and teach you everything you'd need to know. Plus, there's a shortage of nurses and CNA's all over the United States. You may get overwhelmed at first when learning all the material required but it will be okay. You will not understand everything right away. It takes time. Don't be afraid to ask for help or to ask a nurse for advice. It's better you ask about something you're unsure about rather than having a patient fall or mess something up. As a CNA you are a part of a team, there's no competition to be better but rather to help people who are unable to help themselves.
In this job you need to be able to have a backbone. Patients will get mad and say hurtful things, but you can never take it personally. I have gotten yelled at and cursed out by a patient before, but I have to remember the situation they're in and not to take anything personally. This job is very fulfilling! You will love the feeling you get after helping a patient, being there just to listen, and making them comfortable. I was surprised when I felt it for the first time. You're going to be the one patient's see the most and that means something. This job is a lot, it'll be exhausting, and overwhelming but I think you can do it! Good luck on your journey! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out!
I'm currently a CNA and I started the job, including the training, July 1st, 2024. I work part-time while going to college full-time. I am satisfied with the job because it allows me to make a big difference in peoples' lives while they recover. When people are hospitalized, they are more vulnerable and are not used to such a big change and accommodating them to be as comfortable as they can be really makes a difference. I would say, if you are not planning on working or going into healthcare after college or wherever then I would not recommend becoming a CNA. It would not provide the experience and lessons you would need if you do not want to work in health care.
Looking at community colleges for classes is a great and affordable way to get your certification. What I would recommend is to look into the hospitals near you to see if they offer classes to become a CNA. I worked at University Hospitals for two years in dietary before learning that to become a CNA there they pay you and teach you everything you'd need to know. Plus, there's a shortage of nurses and CNA's all over the United States. You may get overwhelmed at first when learning all the material required but it will be okay. You will not understand everything right away. It takes time. Don't be afraid to ask for help or to ask a nurse for advice. It's better you ask about something you're unsure about rather than having a patient fall or mess something up. As a CNA you are a part of a team, there's no competition to be better but rather to help people who are unable to help themselves.
In this job you need to be able to have a backbone. Patients will get mad and say hurtful things, but you can never take it personally. I have gotten yelled at and cursed out by a patient before, but I have to remember the situation they're in and not to take anything personally. This job is very fulfilling! You will love the feeling you get after helping a patient, being there just to listen, and making them comfortable. I was surprised when I felt it for the first time. You're going to be the one patient's see the most and that means something. This job is a lot, it'll be exhausting, and overwhelming but I think you can do it! Good luck on your journey! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out!
Updated
Sylvia’s Answer
Dear Parker,
I loved my tenure as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). It's a challenging role, and it may take some trial and error with various employers before you find the right fit for you and your family. Are you presently working as a home health aide? Have you considered this path? While the pay might hover around the minimum wage, some employers offer an hourly rate of $15 to $22, providing a steady income once you secure a good client.
A CNA role offers both flexibility and job security. I believe you could comfortably earn around $34,000 annually. Earning more hinges on your willingness to take on extra shifts and the overtime pay benefits your employer provides. Many CNAs regularly work 16-hour shifts to boost their earnings. However, it's crucial to prioritize your physical and mental well-being to avoid burnout. Given the current shortage of CNAs, it's likely that your future employer will offer you extra shifts. This is one of the reasons CNAs enjoy their jobs - they never have to worry about finding work. Some even consistently work over 50 hours a week. While I wouldn't necessarily recommend it, everyone's needs and priorities differ. I know individuals who routinely work 72 hours a week, but they find their workplaces so pleasant that it doesn't pose an issue. Additionally, the workload in settings like assisted living facilities and home health can be lighter compared to nursing homes and hospitals. Alternatively, you could consider working in a unit like the mother-baby unit in a hospital, which is often a joyful environment. The options are plentiful.
I transitioned to a CNA role from an accounting job because it offered the flexibility I needed to accommodate my family's needs. The night shift became my solution to childcare. My experience ranges from working in nursing homes with overwhelming patient loads to more balanced workplaces.
Being a CNA also paved the way for my hospital job. I spent several years as a Clinical Technician in Medical Surgical, a position that often doesn't require CNA certification. Many hospital departments offer a positive work environment. Having CNA credentials can simplify the hiring process for a hospital clinical technician role and can also open doors to positions like hospital unit secretary.
My advice to you is to pursue a CNA role and secure a job. Then, seek a workplace that is receptive to your needs. You might also consider staying in home health and finding a good client. Home health companies are always on the lookout for reliable staff.
I loved my tenure as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). It's a challenging role, and it may take some trial and error with various employers before you find the right fit for you and your family. Are you presently working as a home health aide? Have you considered this path? While the pay might hover around the minimum wage, some employers offer an hourly rate of $15 to $22, providing a steady income once you secure a good client.
A CNA role offers both flexibility and job security. I believe you could comfortably earn around $34,000 annually. Earning more hinges on your willingness to take on extra shifts and the overtime pay benefits your employer provides. Many CNAs regularly work 16-hour shifts to boost their earnings. However, it's crucial to prioritize your physical and mental well-being to avoid burnout. Given the current shortage of CNAs, it's likely that your future employer will offer you extra shifts. This is one of the reasons CNAs enjoy their jobs - they never have to worry about finding work. Some even consistently work over 50 hours a week. While I wouldn't necessarily recommend it, everyone's needs and priorities differ. I know individuals who routinely work 72 hours a week, but they find their workplaces so pleasant that it doesn't pose an issue. Additionally, the workload in settings like assisted living facilities and home health can be lighter compared to nursing homes and hospitals. Alternatively, you could consider working in a unit like the mother-baby unit in a hospital, which is often a joyful environment. The options are plentiful.
I transitioned to a CNA role from an accounting job because it offered the flexibility I needed to accommodate my family's needs. The night shift became my solution to childcare. My experience ranges from working in nursing homes with overwhelming patient loads to more balanced workplaces.
Being a CNA also paved the way for my hospital job. I spent several years as a Clinical Technician in Medical Surgical, a position that often doesn't require CNA certification. Many hospital departments offer a positive work environment. Having CNA credentials can simplify the hiring process for a hospital clinical technician role and can also open doors to positions like hospital unit secretary.
My advice to you is to pursue a CNA role and secure a job. Then, seek a workplace that is receptive to your needs. You might also consider staying in home health and finding a good client. Home health companies are always on the lookout for reliable staff.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Vivi
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Parker!
Rather than be CNA, I have worked teaching enrolled nurses therapeutic diet in community college. See if you can make it into an EN course. That may require subjects like senior high school biology and chemistry. Certainly the pay would be better, especially if you eventually become a nurse practitioner!
God Bless You!
JC.
Rather than be CNA, I have worked teaching enrolled nurses therapeutic diet in community college. See if you can make it into an EN course. That may require subjects like senior high school biology and chemistry. Certainly the pay would be better, especially if you eventually become a nurse practitioner!
God Bless You!
JC.
Updated
Christine’s Answer
Hello and welcome to hard work in health care. I was a CNA in the early 1990's I only made minimum wage, about 6 an hour. I went through the employer's program and took the NYS test for CNAs. I worked for a total of 4 years as one. I already have a BS in Animal Science, Silly but the basics are the same. I felt I could do more for the residents than what I was doing. Mind you I loved my job and the people I took care of. I applied to a RN Diploma program as it was cheaper for me than the local college which was out of state tuition. I had already done the non nursing courses. But they made me take Anatomy and Physiology over as it was not a human based program. However the basics are the same for all mammals, just some different organ parts. I was very glad I became a CNA as it led me to a wonderful experience. It is not all roses and hearts though. A CNA is hard work. You need compassion, empathy and to be respectful and kind. Unfortunately, many CNAs are not that. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors.
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Vivi