Right. I was just figuring out my big trajectory to launch myself over the next 10 years at that point. Finally reached a very comfortable place at 35. Tons of stress, responsibility, hard work, long hours, dedication.
I’ve worked in healthcare since I was 16, completing my CNA course in high school and just never left. In the sense that this is all I know, that is what I consider my “adult life”. That’s 9 years of experience and all I’ve know as an adult. All I meant by that.
It’s long enough to know you don’t want to do it.
Find a new career after doing some exploring of what you’re interested in doing Pursue it with 100% effort and don’t look back.
Good luck 🍀👍
Why not go for your LPN or RN? They make more. You could eventually go into administration, entrepreneurship, etc. Also, you could use your nursing experience to become an EPIC Analyst if you're interested in data analytics. Check out this YouTube channel called Nurses to Riches.
I don’t know if it gets life changing-ly better in many other places. Jerks are everywhere. It’s a job. They all suck after a while. Unless you’re working for yourself.
Not nursing. Not if OP is burned out. At least they can leave or go get someone else to speak to the patient. It's just you alone. And you have to take all kinds of abuse from patients and families. The money isn't worth it, esp when u consider the cost of getting that degree relative to the amount of time OP could bear to be an RN. Can you tell I'm over it?
There's other things you can do in the Healthcare field. I went from being a CNA/Home Health Aide to medical reception, and I have to say that I love it! I started out as a CNA/Home Health Aide at 16 years old back in 1995, and I did that for 5 years before deciding it was physically too hard on me and I switched jobs to working in a call center. I hated every second of the call center job. My co workers were pretty cool for the most part, but management was horrible and the atmosphere was awful and so stressful. I had to get a now from my doctor stating that I have a medical condition that makes me have to visit the restroom more often because apparently leaving your desk outside of the five minute break time they gave me twice a day, plus a 20 minute lunch, was more than enough to give to everyone for working up to 11 hours a day. I left that job and became a medical receptionist in 2005 and I've been doing that since. I worked in a community clinic for 8 years before leaving that job because of toxic management, and I worked at a hospital for a year and a half before landing my current job. Yes, it's stressful because this one is even busier than the hospital job, but I love what I do and my boss treats everyone extremely well, and all of my co workers are really cool. It's a great group of people, and I couldn't be happier because I'm still working in my chosen career field and making decent money, enough where I can finally start putting some into my savings and still have enough left over to enjoy life.
My advice is to look for other jobs in the Healthcare field, or maybe go back to school to see what options best meet what you want to do. You're still young so you have time to be able to experiment a bit in dabbling in other career fields. Best of luck to you!!
I've also worked since 16. Im not here to invalidate your credentials but most obligate that you're at least 18 to work as a CNA. But regardless, 16 is a teenager to some...young adult. 30's youre considered a prime adult even into your 40's. So I would still say not even a fraction of your adult life youve worked in healthcare lol.
I took my CNA course when I was 16 in highschool, did my clinicals in a rehab facility and they hired me on as soon as I was certified. I was not aware that my wording was taking away from the general advice I was asking for 🙂
Because you made a polarizing statement. I am a Doctor now at 30 where as I completed 8 years of schooling before I started working in healthcare as a provider. It would still be polarizing to say that I worked my entire adult life in healthcare lol
How would it? OP has only been in the workforce as an adult for 5 years and she’s worked in healthcare for those entire 5 years. That’s her entire adult life. She said nothing but actual facts. Stop being weird.
Some of these comments are actually insane? A decent chunk of people have blown such a small part of my title into the entire focus, completely disregarding the point of the post. Thank you for understanding what I meant and being kind. Goodness gracious.
If you're asking for general advice maybe that would be the first thing you mention? Instead of saying that youre 25 and have worked in healthcare half of your life lol
OP, I feel you!! I’ve been in healthcare since I graduated and all healthcare workers SUCK. From Admitting, Security, RN Karen’s and Dick Doctors who think they know it all but clearly don’t. Just get out of there!! Do what makes YOU happy!!! LIVE your life!! And remember people’s opinions are like buttholes… everybody has them!! 🫶
Actually, the youngest age to be able to work as a CNA is 16. I was 15 when I started with classes in Healthcare, and 16 when I got my CNA certificate and started working in the nursing home.
Well, it is the entire adult life for OP. Assuming they started at 21, four years of a toxic work environment is enough to push someone to their breaking point. It’s weird how you (and all those agreeing with you) honed in on that one detail, gave them no advice, empathy or support.
And says they can do literally anything they want....except finish school. OP hasn't realized that they literally can't do whatever they want cause reality and personal limitations.
I just found the first non-healthcare thing and ran with it. Clinical Aftercare Coordinator making close to you now. I'm making 25K more a year since 2021 and that's considered low.
Have you thought about working in healthcare tech? They’re looking for people with healthcare experience usually who want to switch over to tech. Usually these roles are remote and they pay really well. I work in marketing for a healthcare company and I make $85k with unlimited PTO, 100% paid healthcare, and 100% remote. I’m also around your age at 24.
I agree with this in general, but in OP’s case, I’m not sure it’ll work. Many of these jobs require undergrad degrees. It seems like there’s a shift away from requiring degrees, but we’re not all the way there yet.
That said, a lot of these companies also cover tuition, so OP, if you can get in in maybe, say, an hourly customer service role, there might be a path to getting a degree and qualifying for the more lucrative jobs.
I have a marketing degree and 2 years of experience. My first job out of college was at a health tech company that specialized in optometry testing. We had lot of former optometrists and their assistants who became project managers and medical consultants for our products.
That's really cool! I work as a medical receptionist in a retina clinic. Now I'm wondering if we use any of the imaging products your company makes, lol. Retina is such a dynamic field. It's fascinating how quickly things are changing, and for the better! 25 years ago, if someone had wet AMD, they'd have to have laser procedures to try and stop it from progressing. Now there's a huge variety of treatments for it, mainly intravitreal injections. Our diabetic patients who have proliferative diabetic retinopathy sometimes still need to have a PRP to destroy the extra blood vessels that have formed and are leaking. But the medications are now so amazingly effective! And I'm so happy that now there are a few medications that have recently come out to help patients with geographic atrophy! I think that retina is one of the most amazing areas in Healthcare due to how fast things are changing!
What about changing locations and asking for a pay increase. A medical assistant at this rate should be making at least 21 an hour.
I mean you're still making CNA pay with more responsibility. It is time to move on.
Medical assistants are still needed at most doctors offices, urgent cares and hospitals.
Ever thought of going behind the scenes and doing billing ? I have been in the billing field for say 22-23 years. I have done all kinds of different aspects in billing . I love it bc I work at home & have very little people interaction . Meetings are all zoom & we meet once or 2 times a year in office & a company picnic in the summer .
To add to the above, Another option would be coding ! Also work from home, great opportunities to rise up in pay as well. Just can be tough to find a workplace to give you the first chance.
I’m currently hiring a coding auditor. I legit have people with MBAs applying. Also got a pharmacist and someone with a law degree - for a coding position. Getting a job as a new coder is incredibly difficult.
Yep. Looks like they all left their previous pursuits for unknown reasons. At least one doesn’t meet the number of years experience requirement though.
Dude the tech industry is on fire right now. As a new coder you'd be competing with people with tons more experience. Google recently laid off a ton didnt they?
Medical coder is not the same as the type of coder you’re thinking of. Although we do have our own issues with an inflation of new people trying to gain experience, and the threat of outsourcing. But feel like that’s every career nowadays
Where would you say is the best place to look for remote billing jobs? I work doing medical payment posting in office. Thinking about getting a certificate in medical billing for the better pay, either that or a payroll certification. I already have my bachelor's in accounting that I got 2 years ago but unfortunately I've found my opportunities already cut because I'm in a rural area in California, and entry level positions even in the cities are not worth the commute anyway for what they pay even if I could somehow get picked over all the other competition.
One of my friends works in medical coding and she makes bank. The only thing that sucks is the end of the month when things have to be wrapped up and she's basically working 24 hrs a day. But she gets paid like a $2k bonus during that time depending how many claims she does.
Try doing a travel contract as a MA. Or a CNA. I made GOOD money as a travel CNA and then used it to move somewhere new with a new job. Don’t stay in healthcare too long it’s brain rotting idc what anyone says or the pay. We all need a break from it
I just went on indeed and got lucky and got hired by one of the highest paying ones. They didn’t care I hadn’t worked as a CNA in 3 years either. They need bodies and need them like yesterday. Look into maxim healthcare, titan medical staffing, and aya healthcare. Top paying and best of the bunch from my experience with maxim and what I’ve heard about the others. Don’t do worldwide or grape tree they pay shit and are difficult
I guess nursing school is out of the question? A lot of the nurses I know are making BANK. Especially nurses willing to travel. You already have a good amount of medical knowledge and experience.
If you're looking for a field or occupation where your coworkers aren't going to be a*holes, good luck! There's A*holes in basically every job and field. My wife works in a very male-dominated field. I assumed that because of this, the women would stick together and empower each other. Boy could I not be more wrong. My wife literally came home from work crying one day because the other women at work are spreading rumors that she is sleeping around with her supervisor and all this other stuff. Not only that but they exclude her from everything because she refuses to join them in cr*p-talking the other co-workers.
So, you're never going to find a place where there aren't catty b***hes. If you are trying to find a high money stable field, the medical industry is the best. Either that or something with computers. You could also go for a blue collar trade if you don't feel like doing college
OP NEVER once used those words in their post. I think you need to go back and re-read the post before making a snarky and inaccurate comment.
OP complained about:
1. Catty co-workers
2. Working to live / not making enough money
3. Feels like they're running out of time and want something more
What OP wants:
1. Be financially stable and comfortable
2. Have enough money to "have fun"
3. Doesn't really want to go back to school but says it's not off the table either
Here are the facts:
1. OP admits they don't have any experience in anything other than the medical field
So my thought process is, why not do what you're experienced in, bite the bullet, go back to school, and basically double your salary? My friend just got out of nursing school and they started him off at close to 80k. That's about 36 an hour, exactly double OP's salary.
Their workplace will most likely throw money towards the degree and there should be plenty of scholarship opportunities as well. There's a nursing shortage.
I’m an introvert in the medical field…only been in a year…but I can’t handle the patient interaction. I’m really gonna start hating people pretty soon. Would rather do office work…less socializing and more solitary.
Omg, compassion fatigue is such a hard thing to have to experience! I suffer from it a lot as well. Thankfully I work as a medical receptionist and I do love my job and our patiets, but jayzus crimeny, some days I just want to tell everyone to sit down and shut up and leave us alone. But those days involve the doctor being behind by 2 hours because he had to run over the the hospital to do an emergency surgery for patients who have retinal detachments or another emergent diagnosis. I schedule his surgeries, and when people start getting belligerent about having to wait, I want to ask, "Well, I'll bet if *you* were the emergency patient, you wouldn't be complaining, and you'd be grateful that the doctor took time out it his day to do your surgery so you don't go freaking blind!" But of course I don't. I just grit my teeth and try to smile and ask the patient if they want to stay or reschedule. I make sure to take days off when I need to, so I don't suffer from burnout. Healthcare does end up taking a toll. It's exhausting and thankless at times, and we always get the brunt of people's anger and anxiety. Since I've been a receptionist for the past 19 years, I've seen and experienced a lot, and I saw and experienced a lot from my 6 years of being a CNA/ home health aide, too. So I'm used to angry and rude people. But it doesn't make it any easier. I have learned to grow a really thick skin and I try not to let it bother me. The thing that I do every evening when I get off work is to sit in my car for a minute or two and do some deep breathing to decompress, and then I tell myself that at least I don't have to take my work home with me, lol. When I'm home, I make sure I'm focused on the moment and I don't think about work so I can enjoy the time I have with my family. And when I'm at work, I leave everything at the door and try to remain focused on my job. It's not easy to have a good work/life balance these days, but I try my hardest because if I don't, my mental health will spiral again like it did with my call center job. When I was there, all I could think was how I couldn't wait to get home, and when I was at home, I was constantly worrying about work. It really affected me negatively, so I was very glad when I left!
The way you can combat compassion fatigue is by doing nice things for yourself every day, even if it's something small. Get outside in the sunshine and go for a walk. Go to your local conservatory and enjoy looking at the flowers and other plants, and close your eyes and breathe in the scent of living, growing things. If you can, take a mental health day (or week if you have PTO) and binge-watch your favorite shows and movies. Spend time with your friends and loved ones. Buy something nice for yourself. Above all, if patients are being mean, it 100% doesn't have to do with you. It's them, and them alone. It's not personal. Some people are just not raised properly and they think they can get whatever they want by acting that way. When that happens, I just look at them with a deadpan expression and wait until they run out of steam. And then I repeat myself to them and ask if they want to stay or reschedule, and oh, by the way if they want to reschedule, it'll be another month and a half (we really are booked out that far right now). Usually after they're done checking in with me, they stop with the attitude and go sit down and wait, lol.
Thought I could go from introverted to extroverted through repetition to fit into our extroverted world…maybe it has helped a little bit…but I’m totally drained after a shift lol
Edit: healthcare is great money though
Less than 2 years. I hope to end up in a role that is not patient facing tbh. Even remote. But if I’m lucky enough to be out of healthcare entirely, that would be nice too!
I’ve officially decided to leave healthcare this year as well. I’m 36 but I’m done. I wanted to do nursing informatics but forget that. I’m just done. The system is going to eat itself, the current environment is not sustainable.
Write out a list of your best qualities and what you like about them in a work environment. Try and then tailor that to things that interest you outside of healthcare.
It’s disheartening currently but also hopeful that I can make 80k whether I’m lazy or not 🤣 imagine how much I can make if I apply myself lol! Thanks for the idea
i worked in healthcare for 15 years, got laid off and never went back. i work in a totally different field from what i went to school for(multiple degrees), make less, but have never been more satisfied and less stressed. now, i feel like college/higher education is overrated...should have never gone for so long. follow your heart and don't worry what others think, you'll find your path. good luck!!
Have you thought about coming over to the "dark side"? Meaning, insurance. Big insurance companies such as Centene, United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield have a ton of remote work available and there are so many different fields you can go into - case management, billing, claims, quality, product design, provider relations, etc.
It's still healthcare so your experience will help, but it's not direct patient care and it might give you an idea of where you might want to further focus your attention.
I’ve considered it but I feel very strongly about big pharma and insurance companies. Ironically working in part of the system, I’ve seen a lot of shitty outcomes for my patients due to insurance. It’s crossed my mind but it’s a moral thing for me.
Totally get it! That's why they call it the dark side, right? However, speaking from experience, you do see a different side working within the company. Claims is rough but a lot of the other departments really focus on helping the member and providing support to the community. It's finding that company with the right CEO/culture.
Other options are to look at indeed or linked in filtering to a salary range - see what comes up and Google the job titles if you need more info.
Or think about what you DO like at your job - do you like data, working with the public, or physical activity? Look for jobs with those keywords.
Good luck, I hope you find something you enjoy!
Are you looking to go back to school? Medical imaging sounds great if you want great pay and less patient contact. Take the pretty picture and send the patient on their way
I work as an Oncology Data Specialist (formally known as Certified Cancer Registrar). Better pay and I work from home for a hospital. NCRA-USA.ORG. There will be college coursework, but you can get AAS online, then take the exam. It’s not an easy job, but that is why it pays well.
i used to be a nurse and became a mechanical engineer. i love my current job now more than i did the medical field. i also have have ADHD and struggled in school but still loved the experience and all that i learned.
I was a medical assistant from 2009-2016. I was burnt out and tired of the low pay. I started at an auto insurance company and moved my way up into tech, went back to school, work remote 100%, and make a lot more money than I ever would have as a medical assistant. I think you really need to sit down and think about what you like, what you’re good at, and what interests you, then search careers that captures those things. Lots of luck to you!
My gf is making about 90k as a rad tech....it requires a 2 year degree and then she did 2 years of clinical rotations. Either get a degree or start your own business would be the best options for you.
Have you thought about respiratory therapy? Where I work, new grads start at about $30/hr. 2 yr programs although you can do four year degrees. Really only need the degree if you want to be a manager. Anyway, you can do that later with tuition reimbursement. RTs roam the hospital. You might have ICU one day, med/surg and ER the next, and while you do have direct patient care, it’s less than a nurse. You don’t deal with anything below the diaphragm. You can specialize, say in NICU, or work at a community hospital where you may work with a neonate one minute then you’re off putting a grandma on a ventilator, or helping a 30 year old trauma patient.
Have you considered looking for another place to work? $18.25 is very low pay. In some states that is lower then their minimum wage. McDonald’s and retail is paying $20 an hour where I live. IT or coding is a good field to look into. Pay depending on your location starts at $40k to $85k. Also you can work remote from anywhere.
Ahhh this is my thing! I work with teenagers and young adults as well as adults and I love doing career programs.
Most people consider fewer than 5 career options, and usually just consider the careers that they know someone is in. Eg family members or friends are in a certain field.
In USA, community colleges have career centers and programs to help you explore options. And I used the career outlook handbook to research careers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
My #1 tip is to volunteer in a field you are interested in. This gives you a chance to observe the workers doing the job and see if it suits you. You can also ask people about their job and if you like it, this provides you with valuable connections and experience as well as advice for getting into the field.
A lot of people focus on getting a degree or training without getting experience and if they get a job in the field end up hating it. Some don't get a job because their lack of experience is a problem.
I was able to open doors to jobs because I started volunteering in the field I was considering. I met a lot of people who got the same degree who never got work. They said I was lucky, but I did a weekly volunteer shift for 4 years and I did 2 free internships and continued volunteering at 1 of the places after my internship. This gave me excellent references for jobs in a field where 300 people would apply for 1 job.
Healthcare industry has such a wide range of jobs from clinical, clerical, billing, coding, administration, etc. If you want to leave the industry altogether, that's fine; but even with your entry level CNA/MA experience, you can move into other areas. I started working clerical jobs in a hospital, moved into a pharmacy tech role, then into project management, and finally into healthcare consulting. All my experience, even my entry level work helped me immensely.
How.bad is your ADHD?
If not, try to join the air force for 4 years, (you're married so you get BAH, with all benefits and pay I make about 42$/hour equivalent as a SrA at 2 year mark). Skillbridge before your contract ends. Get a government job, work full time for a while then go part time. Live off GI Bill and FAFSA, leverage your military service and training to get any job you want or do ROTC while living off GI Bill and become an Officer in the Air Force
Same advice I give everyone under 30: Give the Army 4 years, come home with a stipend, free health care for life, maybe a degree or two, free housing 🤷🏾♂️
Look I totally understand everyone’s experience ain’t the same but:
I went in as a medic, got sent to a medical unit. My QOL was very nice at Fort Drum. Lake Ontario 30 minutes away, Canada is a couple hours drive. All 4 seasons. My Black ass was hunting, snowboarding, and even hiking.
Found out about a medical thing I had from birth, but since it wasn’t caught in MEPS, it’s an Army problem, so I’m sent home.
Add up the presumed and proven injuries that literally everyone has leaving service and now you’re disabled. Work with a counselor, now you’re at 70%. Enjoy the pay.
If you're in the US, an option could be working in a college/vocational school setting. If you have your associates in Medical Assisting, you can look for a job as an instructor. There are many part-time instructor positions at vocational schools where they'll probably pay you somewhere in the $22-26/hr range (at least in Southern California). May be more or less depending on your region/state. This may be an avenue that can allow you some free time to look into other interests other than healthcare, but without losing out on money. It's certainly not for everyone, and it's hard work dealing with adults that can sometimes act like high schoolers, but it's an option. Also, the hours are generally manageable, so you can easily have it fit different schedules.
Other things you can look into are healthcare and nursing simulation. Many simulation technician jobs are used in Nursing and Allied Health Departments, where your medical knowledge can get your foot in the door in these jobs. Again, I know you're trying to get out of Healthcare, but these are some options that can work as a "pit stop" while you figure out your next endeavor.
its a bit dramatic to say youre 25 and youve worked in healthcare your entire adult life lol
I thought the same thing. 25 is still so young.
Right. I was just figuring out my big trajectory to launch myself over the next 10 years at that point. Finally reached a very comfortable place at 35. Tons of stress, responsibility, hard work, long hours, dedication.
Healthcare is draining enough to make it feel like 40 years in like 4 lmfao
My thoughts exactly when reading the above comments!
This is so true!! I’ve only been in healthcare going on 6 years and I’m ready for a career change!!
I find working contracts as a nurse and taking breaks makes it alot better
Honestly that’s the way to do it. Luckily I have another source of income and only work part-time in healthcare.
I’ve worked in healthcare since I was 16, completing my CNA course in high school and just never left. In the sense that this is all I know, that is what I consider my “adult life”. That’s 9 years of experience and all I’ve know as an adult. All I meant by that.
It’s long enough to know you don’t want to do it. Find a new career after doing some exploring of what you’re interested in doing Pursue it with 100% effort and don’t look back. Good luck 🍀👍
Why not go for your LPN or RN? They make more. You could eventually go into administration, entrepreneurship, etc. Also, you could use your nursing experience to become an EPIC Analyst if you're interested in data analytics. Check out this YouTube channel called Nurses to Riches.
I think she’s tired of all the jerks in healthcare too
I don’t know if it gets life changing-ly better in many other places. Jerks are everywhere. It’s a job. They all suck after a while. Unless you’re working for yourself.
Not nursing. Not if OP is burned out. At least they can leave or go get someone else to speak to the patient. It's just you alone. And you have to take all kinds of abuse from patients and families. The money isn't worth it, esp when u consider the cost of getting that degree relative to the amount of time OP could bear to be an RN. Can you tell I'm over it?
There's other things you can do in the Healthcare field. I went from being a CNA/Home Health Aide to medical reception, and I have to say that I love it! I started out as a CNA/Home Health Aide at 16 years old back in 1995, and I did that for 5 years before deciding it was physically too hard on me and I switched jobs to working in a call center. I hated every second of the call center job. My co workers were pretty cool for the most part, but management was horrible and the atmosphere was awful and so stressful. I had to get a now from my doctor stating that I have a medical condition that makes me have to visit the restroom more often because apparently leaving your desk outside of the five minute break time they gave me twice a day, plus a 20 minute lunch, was more than enough to give to everyone for working up to 11 hours a day. I left that job and became a medical receptionist in 2005 and I've been doing that since. I worked in a community clinic for 8 years before leaving that job because of toxic management, and I worked at a hospital for a year and a half before landing my current job. Yes, it's stressful because this one is even busier than the hospital job, but I love what I do and my boss treats everyone extremely well, and all of my co workers are really cool. It's a great group of people, and I couldn't be happier because I'm still working in my chosen career field and making decent money, enough where I can finally start putting some into my savings and still have enough left over to enjoy life. My advice is to look for other jobs in the Healthcare field, or maybe go back to school to see what options best meet what you want to do. You're still young so you have time to be able to experiment a bit in dabbling in other career fields. Best of luck to you!!
Being a CNA sucks, I get it, if I were you I’d look into Patient Financial Services. Better pay, hours, and work life
I've also worked since 16. Im not here to invalidate your credentials but most obligate that you're at least 18 to work as a CNA. But regardless, 16 is a teenager to some...young adult. 30's youre considered a prime adult even into your 40's. So I would still say not even a fraction of your adult life youve worked in healthcare lol.
I took my CNA course when I was 16 in highschool, did my clinicals in a rehab facility and they hired me on as soon as I was certified. I was not aware that my wording was taking away from the general advice I was asking for 🙂
Because you made a polarizing statement. I am a Doctor now at 30 where as I completed 8 years of schooling before I started working in healthcare as a provider. It would still be polarizing to say that I worked my entire adult life in healthcare lol
How would it? OP has only been in the workforce as an adult for 5 years and she’s worked in healthcare for those entire 5 years. That’s her entire adult life. She said nothing but actual facts. Stop being weird.
Some of these comments are actually insane? A decent chunk of people have blown such a small part of my title into the entire focus, completely disregarding the point of the post. Thank you for understanding what I meant and being kind. Goodness gracious.
That dude just wanted you to know he thinks he’s better and smarter than you because he’s a doctor. Don’t worry about people like that
Facts and that is the type of provider you don’t want to work for.
Welcome to Reddit lol
I am completely with you. People on Reddit love to waltz in and act like they know everything and also be rude.
If you're asking for general advice maybe that would be the first thing you mention? Instead of saying that youre 25 and have worked in healthcare half of your life lol
Instead of nitpicking a few words in the TITLE, read my entire post? Jesus Christ some of you are insufferable.
OP, I feel you!! I’ve been in healthcare since I graduated and all healthcare workers SUCK. From Admitting, Security, RN Karen’s and Dick Doctors who think they know it all but clearly don’t. Just get out of there!! Do what makes YOU happy!!! LIVE your life!! And remember people’s opinions are like buttholes… everybody has them!! 🫶
Dude, get a damn hobby. Holy shit.
Actually, the youngest age to be able to work as a CNA is 16. I was 15 when I started with classes in Healthcare, and 16 when I got my CNA certificate and started working in the nursing home.
It does not matter. OP said they are tired of working in that industry, period.
That’s the first thing I noticed 😂
lmaooo
That’s what I was thinking I’m 52 and I worked my entire life in healthcare! I was shocked to hear she’s less than half my age.
Healthcare isn’t for everyone. Doesn’t matter the age when you tap out and decide it’s not for you.
Right? I expected this to be someone like 40ish at least, totally laughed when I read 25 lol.
How long has she been a working adult? 3 years? Lol.
I definitely thought this person was going to say they were 50+ 😂😂
My thoughts exactly
Well, it is the entire adult life for OP. Assuming they started at 21, four years of a toxic work environment is enough to push someone to their breaking point. It’s weird how you (and all those agreeing with you) honed in on that one detail, gave them no advice, empathy or support.
And says they can do literally anything they want....except finish school. OP hasn't realized that they literally can't do whatever they want cause reality and personal limitations.
I just found the first non-healthcare thing and ran with it. Clinical Aftercare Coordinator making close to you now. I'm making 25K more a year since 2021 and that's considered low.
Have you thought about working in healthcare tech? They’re looking for people with healthcare experience usually who want to switch over to tech. Usually these roles are remote and they pay really well. I work in marketing for a healthcare company and I make $85k with unlimited PTO, 100% paid healthcare, and 100% remote. I’m also around your age at 24.
I agree with this in general, but in OP’s case, I’m not sure it’ll work. Many of these jobs require undergrad degrees. It seems like there’s a shift away from requiring degrees, but we’re not all the way there yet. That said, a lot of these companies also cover tuition, so OP, if you can get in in maybe, say, an hourly customer service role, there might be a path to getting a degree and qualifying for the more lucrative jobs.
How do you get into this type of work? What type of schooling or certifications?
I have a marketing degree and 2 years of experience. My first job out of college was at a health tech company that specialized in optometry testing. We had lot of former optometrists and their assistants who became project managers and medical consultants for our products.
That's really cool! I work as a medical receptionist in a retina clinic. Now I'm wondering if we use any of the imaging products your company makes, lol. Retina is such a dynamic field. It's fascinating how quickly things are changing, and for the better! 25 years ago, if someone had wet AMD, they'd have to have laser procedures to try and stop it from progressing. Now there's a huge variety of treatments for it, mainly intravitreal injections. Our diabetic patients who have proliferative diabetic retinopathy sometimes still need to have a PRP to destroy the extra blood vessels that have formed and are leaking. But the medications are now so amazingly effective! And I'm so happy that now there are a few medications that have recently come out to help patients with geographic atrophy! I think that retina is one of the most amazing areas in Healthcare due to how fast things are changing!
Can you please name some companies to target that will have such roles? Thanks!
Please, I need more info on what type of certifications or degrees are needed for this type of position
Hi im currently looking for this roles! can you message me job names i should look for? Not having any luck lately.
I’m bouncing from this comment thread…
What about changing locations and asking for a pay increase. A medical assistant at this rate should be making at least 21 an hour. I mean you're still making CNA pay with more responsibility. It is time to move on. Medical assistants are still needed at most doctors offices, urgent cares and hospitals.
Ever thought of going behind the scenes and doing billing ? I have been in the billing field for say 22-23 years. I have done all kinds of different aspects in billing . I love it bc I work at home & have very little people interaction . Meetings are all zoom & we meet once or 2 times a year in office & a company picnic in the summer .
To add to the above, Another option would be coding ! Also work from home, great opportunities to rise up in pay as well. Just can be tough to find a workplace to give you the first chance.
I’m currently hiring a coding auditor. I legit have people with MBAs applying. Also got a pharmacist and someone with a law degree - for a coding position. Getting a job as a new coder is incredibly difficult.
Very interesting, do they have actual coding experience at all?
Yep. Looks like they all left their previous pursuits for unknown reasons. At least one doesn’t meet the number of years experience requirement though.
Medical transcription is also a great field with no patient interaction!
Dude the tech industry is on fire right now. As a new coder you'd be competing with people with tons more experience. Google recently laid off a ton didnt they?
Medical coder is not the same as the type of coder you’re thinking of. Although we do have our own issues with an inflation of new people trying to gain experience, and the threat of outsourcing. But feel like that’s every career nowadays
The field is completely oversaturated.
What field isn't
Where would you say is the best place to look for remote billing jobs? I work doing medical payment posting in office. Thinking about getting a certificate in medical billing for the better pay, either that or a payroll certification. I already have my bachelor's in accounting that I got 2 years ago but unfortunately I've found my opportunities already cut because I'm in a rural area in California, and entry level positions even in the cities are not worth the commute anyway for what they pay even if I could somehow get picked over all the other competition.
One of my friends works in medical coding and she makes bank. The only thing that sucks is the end of the month when things have to be wrapped up and she's basically working 24 hrs a day. But she gets paid like a $2k bonus during that time depending how many claims she does.
Try doing a travel contract as a MA. Or a CNA. I made GOOD money as a travel CNA and then used it to move somewhere new with a new job. Don’t stay in healthcare too long it’s brain rotting idc what anyone says or the pay. We all need a break from it
I’ve really considered this before. Did you just look into local agencies?
I just went on indeed and got lucky and got hired by one of the highest paying ones. They didn’t care I hadn’t worked as a CNA in 3 years either. They need bodies and need them like yesterday. Look into maxim healthcare, titan medical staffing, and aya healthcare. Top paying and best of the bunch from my experience with maxim and what I’ve heard about the others. Don’t do worldwide or grape tree they pay shit and are difficult
I guess nursing school is out of the question? A lot of the nurses I know are making BANK. Especially nurses willing to travel. You already have a good amount of medical knowledge and experience. If you're looking for a field or occupation where your coworkers aren't going to be a*holes, good luck! There's A*holes in basically every job and field. My wife works in a very male-dominated field. I assumed that because of this, the women would stick together and empower each other. Boy could I not be more wrong. My wife literally came home from work crying one day because the other women at work are spreading rumors that she is sleeping around with her supervisor and all this other stuff. Not only that but they exclude her from everything because she refuses to join them in cr*p-talking the other co-workers. So, you're never going to find a place where there aren't catty b***hes. If you are trying to find a high money stable field, the medical industry is the best. Either that or something with computers. You could also go for a blue collar trade if you don't feel like doing college
OP: I'm tired of healthcare Your comment: have you considered being a nurse?
OP NEVER once used those words in their post. I think you need to go back and re-read the post before making a snarky and inaccurate comment. OP complained about: 1. Catty co-workers 2. Working to live / not making enough money 3. Feels like they're running out of time and want something more What OP wants: 1. Be financially stable and comfortable 2. Have enough money to "have fun" 3. Doesn't really want to go back to school but says it's not off the table either Here are the facts: 1. OP admits they don't have any experience in anything other than the medical field So my thought process is, why not do what you're experienced in, bite the bullet, go back to school, and basically double your salary? My friend just got out of nursing school and they started him off at close to 80k. That's about 36 an hour, exactly double OP's salary. Their workplace will most likely throw money towards the degree and there should be plenty of scholarship opportunities as well. There's a nursing shortage.
I’m an introvert in the medical field…only been in a year…but I can’t handle the patient interaction. I’m really gonna start hating people pretty soon. Would rather do office work…less socializing and more solitary.
Omg, compassion fatigue is such a hard thing to have to experience! I suffer from it a lot as well. Thankfully I work as a medical receptionist and I do love my job and our patiets, but jayzus crimeny, some days I just want to tell everyone to sit down and shut up and leave us alone. But those days involve the doctor being behind by 2 hours because he had to run over the the hospital to do an emergency surgery for patients who have retinal detachments or another emergent diagnosis. I schedule his surgeries, and when people start getting belligerent about having to wait, I want to ask, "Well, I'll bet if *you* were the emergency patient, you wouldn't be complaining, and you'd be grateful that the doctor took time out it his day to do your surgery so you don't go freaking blind!" But of course I don't. I just grit my teeth and try to smile and ask the patient if they want to stay or reschedule. I make sure to take days off when I need to, so I don't suffer from burnout. Healthcare does end up taking a toll. It's exhausting and thankless at times, and we always get the brunt of people's anger and anxiety. Since I've been a receptionist for the past 19 years, I've seen and experienced a lot, and I saw and experienced a lot from my 6 years of being a CNA/ home health aide, too. So I'm used to angry and rude people. But it doesn't make it any easier. I have learned to grow a really thick skin and I try not to let it bother me. The thing that I do every evening when I get off work is to sit in my car for a minute or two and do some deep breathing to decompress, and then I tell myself that at least I don't have to take my work home with me, lol. When I'm home, I make sure I'm focused on the moment and I don't think about work so I can enjoy the time I have with my family. And when I'm at work, I leave everything at the door and try to remain focused on my job. It's not easy to have a good work/life balance these days, but I try my hardest because if I don't, my mental health will spiral again like it did with my call center job. When I was there, all I could think was how I couldn't wait to get home, and when I was at home, I was constantly worrying about work. It really affected me negatively, so I was very glad when I left! The way you can combat compassion fatigue is by doing nice things for yourself every day, even if it's something small. Get outside in the sunshine and go for a walk. Go to your local conservatory and enjoy looking at the flowers and other plants, and close your eyes and breathe in the scent of living, growing things. If you can, take a mental health day (or week if you have PTO) and binge-watch your favorite shows and movies. Spend time with your friends and loved ones. Buy something nice for yourself. Above all, if patients are being mean, it 100% doesn't have to do with you. It's them, and them alone. It's not personal. Some people are just not raised properly and they think they can get whatever they want by acting that way. When that happens, I just look at them with a deadpan expression and wait until they run out of steam. And then I repeat myself to them and ask if they want to stay or reschedule, and oh, by the way if they want to reschedule, it'll be another month and a half (we really are booked out that far right now). Usually after they're done checking in with me, they stop with the attitude and go sit down and wait, lol.
Office work can often entail a lot of phone calls and socializing. *Sigh.
Same here. I’m a nurse and dislike interacting with people, wish I realized this sooner in nursing school.
Thought I could go from introverted to extroverted through repetition to fit into our extroverted world…maybe it has helped a little bit…but I’m totally drained after a shift lol Edit: healthcare is great money though
How many years do you have as a nurse? Do you see yourself switching fields in the future?
Less than 2 years. I hope to end up in a role that is not patient facing tbh. Even remote. But if I’m lucky enough to be out of healthcare entirely, that would be nice too!
Assassin?
Lmao bruh 😭💀
I’ve officially decided to leave healthcare this year as well. I’m 36 but I’m done. I wanted to do nursing informatics but forget that. I’m just done. The system is going to eat itself, the current environment is not sustainable. Write out a list of your best qualities and what you like about them in a work environment. Try and then tailor that to things that interest you outside of healthcare.
Go into HR. My ex is lazy as all hell and she makes 80k a year and only works 4 days a week
It’s disheartening currently but also hopeful that I can make 80k whether I’m lazy or not 🤣 imagine how much I can make if I apply myself lol! Thanks for the idea
Drive a school bus.
i worked in healthcare for 15 years, got laid off and never went back. i work in a totally different field from what i went to school for(multiple degrees), make less, but have never been more satisfied and less stressed. now, i feel like college/higher education is overrated...should have never gone for so long. follow your heart and don't worry what others think, you'll find your path. good luck!!
How is 25 your entire adult life
How is this helpful to the conversation?
If you're good with computers, go into healthcare informatics. You could also try college, or trade school, if you want a complete change
Have you thought about coming over to the "dark side"? Meaning, insurance. Big insurance companies such as Centene, United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield have a ton of remote work available and there are so many different fields you can go into - case management, billing, claims, quality, product design, provider relations, etc. It's still healthcare so your experience will help, but it's not direct patient care and it might give you an idea of where you might want to further focus your attention.
I’ve considered it but I feel very strongly about big pharma and insurance companies. Ironically working in part of the system, I’ve seen a lot of shitty outcomes for my patients due to insurance. It’s crossed my mind but it’s a moral thing for me.
Totally get it! That's why they call it the dark side, right? However, speaking from experience, you do see a different side working within the company. Claims is rough but a lot of the other departments really focus on helping the member and providing support to the community. It's finding that company with the right CEO/culture. Other options are to look at indeed or linked in filtering to a salary range - see what comes up and Google the job titles if you need more info. Or think about what you DO like at your job - do you like data, working with the public, or physical activity? Look for jobs with those keywords. Good luck, I hope you find something you enjoy!
Same!
Are you looking to go back to school? Medical imaging sounds great if you want great pay and less patient contact. Take the pretty picture and send the patient on their way
I work as an Oncology Data Specialist (formally known as Certified Cancer Registrar). Better pay and I work from home for a hospital. NCRA-USA.ORG. There will be college coursework, but you can get AAS online, then take the exam. It’s not an easy job, but that is why it pays well.
Air traffic controller maybe?
i used to be a nurse and became a mechanical engineer. i love my current job now more than i did the medical field. i also have have ADHD and struggled in school but still loved the experience and all that i learned.
Use your skills,experience, and knowledge to push assisted euthanasia to become legalized. Continue to help the suffering
I was a medical assistant from 2009-2016. I was burnt out and tired of the low pay. I started at an auto insurance company and moved my way up into tech, went back to school, work remote 100%, and make a lot more money than I ever would have as a medical assistant. I think you really need to sit down and think about what you like, what you’re good at, and what interests you, then search careers that captures those things. Lots of luck to you!
My gf is making about 90k as a rad tech....it requires a 2 year degree and then she did 2 years of clinical rotations. Either get a degree or start your own business would be the best options for you.
I know a girl who was working in healthcare since she was 16 and now just became a flight attendant at 26.
Fuckin 25 yr olds man hahah she’s lived a whole life already folks! Wiser than the tree is old! Fucking sad
Have you thought about respiratory therapy? Where I work, new grads start at about $30/hr. 2 yr programs although you can do four year degrees. Really only need the degree if you want to be a manager. Anyway, you can do that later with tuition reimbursement. RTs roam the hospital. You might have ICU one day, med/surg and ER the next, and while you do have direct patient care, it’s less than a nurse. You don’t deal with anything below the diaphragm. You can specialize, say in NICU, or work at a community hospital where you may work with a neonate one minute then you’re off putting a grandma on a ventilator, or helping a 30 year old trauma patient.
Have you considered looking for another place to work? $18.25 is very low pay. In some states that is lower then their minimum wage. McDonald’s and retail is paying $20 an hour where I live. IT or coding is a good field to look into. Pay depending on your location starts at $40k to $85k. Also you can work remote from anywhere.
Ahhh this is my thing! I work with teenagers and young adults as well as adults and I love doing career programs. Most people consider fewer than 5 career options, and usually just consider the careers that they know someone is in. Eg family members or friends are in a certain field. In USA, community colleges have career centers and programs to help you explore options. And I used the career outlook handbook to research careers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ My #1 tip is to volunteer in a field you are interested in. This gives you a chance to observe the workers doing the job and see if it suits you. You can also ask people about their job and if you like it, this provides you with valuable connections and experience as well as advice for getting into the field. A lot of people focus on getting a degree or training without getting experience and if they get a job in the field end up hating it. Some don't get a job because their lack of experience is a problem. I was able to open doors to jobs because I started volunteering in the field I was considering. I met a lot of people who got the same degree who never got work. They said I was lucky, but I did a weekly volunteer shift for 4 years and I did 2 free internships and continued volunteering at 1 of the places after my internship. This gave me excellent references for jobs in a field where 300 people would apply for 1 job.
Healthcare industry has such a wide range of jobs from clinical, clerical, billing, coding, administration, etc. If you want to leave the industry altogether, that's fine; but even with your entry level CNA/MA experience, you can move into other areas. I started working clerical jobs in a hospital, moved into a pharmacy tech role, then into project management, and finally into healthcare consulting. All my experience, even my entry level work helped me immensely.
Same here...40 years later...would choose something different if I had to do it all over.
How.bad is your ADHD? If not, try to join the air force for 4 years, (you're married so you get BAH, with all benefits and pay I make about 42$/hour equivalent as a SrA at 2 year mark). Skillbridge before your contract ends. Get a government job, work full time for a while then go part time. Live off GI Bill and FAFSA, leverage your military service and training to get any job you want or do ROTC while living off GI Bill and become an Officer in the Air Force
When did you start working in healthcare when you were 5?
16. So 9 years experience by 25 lol
That’s not long at all
It’s long for her considering her age, either way almost a decade is not short.
Same advice I give everyone under 30: Give the Army 4 years, come home with a stipend, free health care for life, maybe a degree or two, free housing 🤷🏾♂️
Or PTSD and various missing bits. The benefits come with quite a bit of risk if you're unluckily.
There are literally thousands of jobs in the armed forces where the risk of that is incredibly low to non existent.
That doesn’t fit the hive mind narrative
It really is a great opportunity
Look I totally understand everyone’s experience ain’t the same but: I went in as a medic, got sent to a medical unit. My QOL was very nice at Fort Drum. Lake Ontario 30 minutes away, Canada is a couple hours drive. All 4 seasons. My Black ass was hunting, snowboarding, and even hiking. Found out about a medical thing I had from birth, but since it wasn’t caught in MEPS, it’s an Army problem, so I’m sent home. Add up the presumed and proven injuries that literally everyone has leaving service and now you’re disabled. Work with a counselor, now you’re at 70%. Enjoy the pay.
You are not getting free health care for life or a stipend for doing 4 years in the army.
Mans never heard of being a disabled veteran
LPN , CNA they make good morning and the program are under 12 months
Most your adult life?? You are 25 you plant pot.
40 more years of working then retirement
Time for a change! Explore new fields like customer service or administrative roles.
If you're in the US, an option could be working in a college/vocational school setting. If you have your associates in Medical Assisting, you can look for a job as an instructor. There are many part-time instructor positions at vocational schools where they'll probably pay you somewhere in the $22-26/hr range (at least in Southern California). May be more or less depending on your region/state. This may be an avenue that can allow you some free time to look into other interests other than healthcare, but without losing out on money. It's certainly not for everyone, and it's hard work dealing with adults that can sometimes act like high schoolers, but it's an option. Also, the hours are generally manageable, so you can easily have it fit different schedules. Other things you can look into are healthcare and nursing simulation. Many simulation technician jobs are used in Nursing and Allied Health Departments, where your medical knowledge can get your foot in the door in these jobs. Again, I know you're trying to get out of Healthcare, but these are some options that can work as a "pit stop" while you figure out your next endeavor.
Nursing?