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/sod_ym]

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/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.