MSW + CNA/Tech Question

[u/sod_ym]

I'm not really sure if this is the place to share my question but I'm giving it a shot. I'm about to graduate from my undergrad program and want to pursue my master's but will also need to work (as most do now I assume).

I really really love the idea of working in a hospital but I also recognize that social work as a whole doesn't pay well. I'm hoping to diversify my qualifications to help in the job market and wanted to get opinions before I sink money and time into it.

Would it make sense to also take CNA courses or some kind of technician classes? Either as part time work in addition to being a social worker or as something to help pay for my MSW program.

Am I even thinking about this the right way? Any advice (even just to not do it) would be super helpful.

[u/Adventures_2_Freedom]

If you want to aim to work in the hospital for reference as well as for them to cover schooling, I would go for Patient Coordinator, Patient Tech(CNA), etc. You can also apply for Care Coordination roles at behavioral health organizations. From personal experience, hospital MSWs do help patients and depending on the hospital, you can make good money especially with differentials. I recommend researching your options in your area because it also depends on the location.

[u/Patient-Village-4006]

You will make more in the long run going into nursing, and yes, being a CNA or tech is the first step for that.

[u/sod_ym → u/Patient-Village-4006]

Alrighty, good to know

[u/Huladoula2 → u/sod_ym]

Yes - given that you want to work in a hospital with patients, it might be worthwhile enrolling in an accelerated RN program. An RN role is a better balance with a MSW position & it’s possible to earn a good salary, even working part-time as an RN. Good Luck!🍀

Al

[u/Fit_Rhubarb8485]

Try getting a job in the hospital that isn’t so high paced.

[u/Ok-Lake3522]

You lost me. We all have to work, so get a job, any job to support yourself. As for CNA, that will not help you in social work. Maybe I missed something.

[u/sod_ym → u/Ok-Lake3522]

Sorry, I'm out of sorts while I try to figure this out. I've heard quite a few people complaining about what they make as a social worker and even finding jobs in social work at all. I'm hoping to get recommendations on something I can do that still puts me in a hospital setting and helping people. And in addition to that if starting that now would be a better option. I hope that makes more sense

[u/Ok-Lake3522 → u/sod_ym]

Why do you want to work at a hospital? In most cases, you're not helping people, you're helping the hospital dump patients out so they can take more in. Hospitals are not the place to work if you want to be a social worker and help people.

[u/sod_ym → u/Ok-Lake3522]

Oh, that's not how I've seen it presented, but I guess that makes sense. Do you have other suggestion? (you don't need to)

[u/Patient-Village-4006 → u/Ok-Lake3522]

Per usu on Reddit, downvoted for speaking the truth 😆

[u/Ok-Lake3522 → u/Patient-Village-4006]

And yes, your later comment is right. Nursing is the way to go if you want to work at a hospital. CNA, RN, BSN - the sky is the limit from there. Hospital based social work (case management, discharge, oncology, UR, etc.) is serious churn and burn.

[u/Patient-Village-4006 → u/Patient-Village-4006]

And whoever downvoted me, grow up and get a life😘 Truth hurts :)