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Do you think that a career in Certified Nurse Assisting is worth pursuing?

If money was not an issue, do you think that pursuing a career in CNA is worth the pursuit? I love helping people, baking, dance, reading. #nursing #cna

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Hassan’s Answer

According https://www.indeed.com/career/nursing-assistant/salaries/Phoenix--AZ the avg CNA pay is $16.79 which isn't that much more than what other entry level jobs are paying these days. This may not be a career since it's unclear how much salaries will rise. You may want to consider an Associates or Bachelor in Nursing since those jobs will pay 2-3 times as much.

https://azbn.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/Approved%20CNA%20Programs%203-3-2020.pdf list the approved CNA training sites and it looks like it only takes 120hrs for the training.
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Lauren’s Answer

If you love to help people, I think starting a CNA career is great. Not only will you help people with healthcare related tasks, you can also use your hobbies to help especially in the nursing home setting. I think another great way to get experience is working in the acute hospital setting as well. This will expose you to all different sides of healthcare and you might find you want to continue your education and seek a nursing role, etc. I worked as a CNA prior to becoming an RN and Family nurse practitioner and know first-hand the experience I got has helped me. Some nursing schools offer points towards applications for those with healthcare experience. There are CNA jobs that offer the certification and course as well, so that is something to look into.
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Desiree’s Answer

Only you can answer whether something is "worth" it to you. I suggest that you consider the pros and cons - perhaps start by making a list. Consider what it takes to become a CNA - not just money (which I see you're excluding from this conversation), but also the training/time, and how useful/portable/transferable that training may be to other jobs. Look at this both short term and long term: where will you be as a CNA in your 20s, 30s, 40s? What are the likely career paths within the field?? And, what other fields might a CNA prepare you to move into -- nursing, administration, etc.??

Lastly, I note that one's passions and one's career might not always match up - so if you truly love baking, dancing, helping, you can continue to do so outside your career, too. Don't loose sight of your interests just because they are not part of your job. Hobbies, volunteering, a side business as a dance teacher or making homebred goods? - there are many great ways to have a fulfilling life and maintain work-life balance.

Desiree recommends the following next steps:

List the pros/cons to help you make your own assessment
Consider the career from both short- and long-term prospectives.
Think about where you can grow - if you want to - from being a CNA down the road and what (if any) additional credentials/education may be required.
Be mindful that your career might not always be the outlet you seek for all your passions and be open to other ways of maintaining them as hobbies or through volunteering.
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Emma’s Answer

Hello Yvonne,

Choosing a career as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) can be incredibly rewarding for those who are genuinely passionate about healthcare and have a deep-seated wish to aid others. CNAs are a vital cog in the healthcare machinery, providing direct help and support to nurses and the entire healthcare team. This profession offers a swift gateway into the healthcare industry, with training programs that can be wrapped up in just a few weeks or months. It's an especially attractive option for those who crave meaningful patient interactions and yearn for a career that provides a sense of satisfaction through delivering essential care.

However, it's crucial to understand that being a CNA can be physically strenuous and emotionally challenging. CNAs often encounter tough situations, and the pay is typically lower compared to some other professions in healthcare. Nevertheless, for those who appreciate hands-on patient care and are prepared to tackle the job's demands, a career as a CNA can serve as a valuable stepping stone in the healthcare sector, possibly paving the way for further education and career progression in healthcare.
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