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So im pregnant (expecting January 4th) and Ive really started thinking about plans for the future. I want to go back to school, I want a job that will pay well and not leave me or our baby girl struggling. We are already struggling as is and I want to be able to afford nice things in life, like a house and a better car. For school im stuck between two options and I can’t make up my mind. Im stuck between a Vet Tech and a CNA. I like the idea of overtime and working longer shifts (12 hours) and having more days off so I can be around our baby more. But I just dont know what to do, I have a list of pros and cons for both but I want to hear other peoples opinions. Vet Tech Pros > - Online program (self paced, 2yrs or less, would be good with baby around)
- Starting pay between $15-$24 an hour
- Deal with animals
- more places are hiring around here
- Would actually like it
Cons > - 40 hours a week (work 5 days, 8 hour shifts)
- Not a lot of overtime potential
CNA Pros > - 6 week(???) in person program
- Starting pay between $16-$22 an hour
- 32 hours a week (3 days a week, 12 hour shifts)
- Lots of potential for overtime
- More days off (good for staying home w/ baby)
Cons > - start out in nursing home (most likely)
- Clean ppl shit/blood
- Bathe ppl
- Deal with rude/mean ppl (most likely)
- Probably will get abused by old ppl (most likely)
- Honestly might low key hate it, but I need moneyyy
- less job opportunities around here
Keep in mind that these are just my personal views about the good and the bad, please leave comments below.
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Trivia Team |
I would say being a CNA would give more room for you to grow pay wise but it seems like you have a lot more cons to being a CNA. Make sure you check pay specific to your area. Where I live vet techs make more than a CNA.
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CNA is a thankless job. Depending on the nursing home they can FORCE you into overtime after your scheduled shift. (it's part of your employment contract) You had better LOVE people: helping people by changing diapers, clean up everything, feed them, answer a call button every other minute etc. (I know this! I worked in a nursing home & also had to stay in one twice for broken leg recovery) I've seen things trust me Vet tech sounds easier. Here the pay is the same for both Edited at October 14, 2024 09:14 AM by PK Rescue Stable
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Possibly an X-ray tech after you've had the baby.
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Well in my personal opinion, looking over your pros and cons. It seems you can choose between working with animals and having less time off, but it seems you may make more without taking into account overtime. Or you can work with humans (which it seems like you don't like that idea xD) and have more time at home. Personally I would choose being a vet tech. Yes you will have more time at work, but it seems based on what you have said that it will be easier to find a job and you would enjoy it way more. The pay ir roughly the same. I know you won't get much overtime opportunities, but I would rather give up overtime than do something I would hate. You also will have more shifts but less hours. 12 hour shifts sound like an ass lol. I hope this helps! <3
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I was a vet tech for years and I loved it -- in the right office. It's a great job. In the wrong office, not so much. You couldn't pay me enough to be a CNA, but if ultimately you think you'd like to go into nursing, maybe it would be a good starting point. My personal opinion is enjoying your job is more important than pay, but I stuck in a bad job for a lot of years and just moved to a great one that pays less I am so much happier. Even though it means some budgeting and cutbacks. Good luck on whatever you decide.
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Vet tech, once achieved would put you in good position for weekend/night dog sitting or dog walking/bathing. Overtime possibilities there. But check OK with job contract. I do know of a few people that like CNA work and find it very fulfilling. But maybe not you. And actually 12hr shifts will be dreadfull with a baby. Travel time to and from work is critical and needs to be taken into consideration for both potential work places.
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I was a vet tech for a while And I can still say Your still going to with dealing with poop/pee/blood Aggressive animals. Possibility of being bitten or kicked whatever clinic you end up with (large VS small) Veterinarians themselves can be unpleasant to work with You'll still be dealing with the occasional rude/mean clients from time to time
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There will be pros and cons to whatever you choose. While you need to make a decent salary, either profession could garner that for you. Are there any local physicans offices in your area or close to your area that hire CNA's? Being a CNA does not necessarily mean you must work in a nursing home. Have you also looked at the possibility of LPN or Medical/X-ray Technican training? The medical field is always in need of good CNA's, LPN's and Medical/x-ray techs. Edited at October 14, 2024 02:54 PM by Center Line Farm
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I have worked multiple jobs as CNA and I honestly cannot reccomend it. Although cleaning up after people is hard, what is even harder is dealing with violent patients who hate you. It is a thankless job and each place I have worked at has been more interested in money than the wellbeing of their patients or workers.
Have you considered becoming a dental hygienist? Or an x-ray tech? These jobs make good money and once you are admitted the programs are only about 2 years long. I am currently in school to become an x-ray tech and I love it! It is not back-breaking work like being a CNA, but you still get to help people and you have a certain level of respect as a professional. If you have any questions about it feel free to PM me!
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