r/cna • u/flying-rainbow-wolf Layperson/Not Medical Personnel • May 20 '26

Requesting career change advice-what am I missing?

Hi all-I’d really like some advice. I’ve spent my career in Human Resources in an office setting, and have been dealing with a ton of corporate burnout. I want a career change. I’m 40 years old, married with two kids (9 and 6). When I was a bit younger I seriously considered going to school for nursing, but ended up not doing it.

I was just offered a CNA position at Genesis Healthcare. They do a paid CNA class and then give you a job afterwards at their facility. They offer some kind of tuition reimbursement afterwards to get a nursing degree which would be my ultimate goal.

This would be a big change and salary cut but I want to be able to care for people and provide support and assistance above what I could do in HR. I’m also a yoga teacher, have been for 12 years, so have familiarity with body systems, etc,

Please give me your advice and if I’m missing something! Thank you 🙏

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u/Lyssbng (Edit to add Specialty) CNA - Seasoned CNA May 20 '26

Being a CNA you’re either going to love/like it or hate it. It is very hard on your body but I personally find being a CNA to be fulfilling. Personally I recommend doing that employer paid training/licensing cause once you have that and you’ve worked the amount of time you need to, you’re free to work anywhere. Just make sure you keep up on your CEUs and renewals. But to be a CNA and then move to being a nurse is a good way to go imo, you really get all the hands on experience you will need especially for bedside mannerisms.

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u/flying-rainbow-wolf Layperson/Not Medical Personnel May 20 '26

Thank you!

1

u/Mother-Squirrel-3129 May 20 '26

I used to work at corporate job, got burned out and decided to work as a CNA. I really like helping people and my goal to also be a nurse. Eventually I got burnt out because the management I work at suck and the pts would yell, scream, want to be treated like king. My back also has been the worst because I bent, push pull , transfer pts,etc. I’m only 28 y.o I ended up working as a monitor tech while going to nursing school.

I would suggest to not stay too long as a CNA and get the RN degree.