New To Nursing, Need to ask a question

I'm not really sure where this post goes, so I apologize in advance if I've misplaced it. (I also apologize in advance if this gets long, I tend to be a bit long winded)

My name is Ashley, and I am starting school this coming week for my CNA/MNA/Nursing Assistant. My class will be 2 days a week, 6 hours a day, ending in mid-December. My problem/question lies within the college aspect.

I, unfortunately, did not qualify for financial aid this year, so my tuition and books are being paid straight out of pocket (and this is not an easy task, since I am a mother to three very young children and we are living strictly off my husband's income)

I had originally planned to get my CNA this semester, my prerequisites done in the Spring semester, and hopefully start in on my nursing courses Fall 2005 semester. It is my goal to become an RN. However, since I didn't qualify for financial aid, my plans have been put on hold. I won't be able to afford tuition and books for the rest of school, and I won't be able to attend because it is unlikely that we can afford childcare for our three children. (They are ages 3,2, and 9 months, btw)

The only plan I have is to possibly attempt working as a CNA to afford childcare for me to attend school, and hopefully re-apply for financial aid when I am ready to start the rest of school.

My question is, does anyone know a rough estimate of pay for a CNA in Kentucky?? I need a rough estimate on it so I can decide if working as a CNA while trying to go on to college will give us the income needed to pay for childcare.

Thank you VERY MUCH!!

Ashley

CNA in KY I'd say $7-$10/hr. If you can get on at a hospital some offer tuition assistance to any employee to go to nursing school. We've had secretaries, dietary, housekeepers all in nursing school paid for by the hospital. I had ADN and the hosp paid for the BSN all you have to do is promise to work for them for a time (usually 2 years) after school or pay them back.

If your not too opposed to writing papers, apply for scholarships. I've going to school on a full ride...meaning I don't even have a job.... because most people simply don't take the intiative to apply and there are a ton of scholarships for nursing students. There are also various scholarships for "non-traditional" students. ie, if your not 18 years old fresh out of high school.
Try www.fastweb.com or one or the other scholarship search pages.
If you go to any local community college with a nursing program, they can tell you how much it will cost. Sometimes, they have more information on local scholarships and grants.
Good luck