How I become a CNA contractor
Heyyyy gurl heyyy! So as of lately I been seeing a lot of fuss over CNA’s and what they make n how they make it. Well I wanna give a lil clarity into it and show y’all how I get to it! Might help someone take that leap of faith to self sufficiency!
I recently decided to quit my full time 9-5 because I actually make MORE money contracting than I do punching a clock Monday-Friday and WITHOUT the time constraints. I’m a single mother of 3 beautiful kids and I’m the 24/7/365 present parent, so my presence accounts for EVERYTHING! I decided I no longer wanted to parent from my cell phone, I wanted to go on field trips, come to school events, awards programs, sporting competitions; everything and anything I had been missing out on because of work 😒
Back in 2023 I obtained my CNA license in the state of WI. I started working as a gig worker picking up shifts on various platforms I had been told about by friends and family that are also CNA’s. These apps allow healthcare professionals to fill vacancies at facilities on per diem/long term/short term basis at will.
In 2025 I relocated to Atlanta, GA, in that process I also transferred my CNA to GA through reciprocity. Reciprocity is the application used to apply for CNA licensure in another state if you already have a current active license in a different state. Some states allow reciprocity as a compact state, some don’t. You gotta do a lil research to which state is and isn’t.
Once your licensed in your state there’s a few things your gonna wanna get out the way so you can’t start making cash asap! Your gonna wanna get together your proof of immunization history, most off the apps want a MMR vaccine, Tetnus vaccine, recent TB test, and recent physical or a physician health clearance statement. All of the apps do background checks, depending on your state fingerprints (Georgia is a fingerprint state), and some of the apps require urine drug screens.
Once you get all that out the way and submitted and everything clears your ready to go! You’re going to download the following apps: Clipboard health, ShiftKey, ShiftMed, Nursa, Medley, Nursieo, IntelyCare, AYA Health, and NurseDash. There are plenty to choose from but these are the one if find the most production in myself. I specifically use Clipboard and Shifkey mainly because they payout instantly! Yup, u read it right, soon as you clock out of a shift within in minutes your paid out direct deposit to your chosen account! No 2 week wait, no 1 week wait, not even a full day wait. Clock out, get paid. That easy.
Now to be clear, not all of the apps mentioned will have shifts in your state! You have to do the leg work to see what apps work for your area! But there are some of the apps that will defer you from signing up if they are not in your state.
Now to the Nitty Gritty, the shmoney 💰🤑 So yea to answer your question it’s completely possible to make a 2 week paycheck in one week or even a few days. Most facilities offer 3 shift, 1st,2nd, and 3rd. Usually a 6am-2pm, 2pm-10pm and 10mp-6am, give or take a hour or so. For me personally I prefer 3rd shift, it gives time through your the day to tend to business matters, the kids, personal errands etc. By the time I leave for work kids are already in bed sleep and still sleep when I get home so they never get a chance to miss me. During the school year I pick up day shifts with 3rd, that’s 16 hours shifts. In 4 days you can very well clock over 60 hours easily. And at a decent pay rate, say $19-$21/hr, let’s just say the bag is secured. And don’t add in any shift differentials or OT pay…yea it’s that’s easy. Taxes hit a little different as a contractor but if you do like I did and down load a business income app (Found), all that is taken care of for you. Not only does the app calculate annual tax payments and quarterly payments, they also provide you with a business debit card to keep track of business purchases for tax credits.
At most I would say if you learn how to manage your time, have the work ethic and drive, along with the skill and professionalism I would highly encourage any one to give contracting a try. It definitely has its perks of schedule flexibility, no cap on the amount of income you can make, travel abilities, and not to mention the family time it gives you back that was lost to corporate slavery.
Got questions? Leave em below!
Hey friends! Building on my journey as a CNA contractor, I want to dive a bit deeper into how I truly 'secure the bag' using those amazing apps we talked about. You asked about *Clipboard Health, NurseDash, and ShiftKey*, and let me tell you, mastering these platforms is key to maximizing your income and flexibility. First things first, let's talk about setting up your profile. This is crucial! Think of it like your professional dating profile. Make sure your certifications are always up-to-date, and don't just upload them – double-check that every detail is clear and easy for facilities to verify. A professional profile picture, a concise but compelling bio highlighting your experience (especially any specialties), and a strong work history will make a huge difference. Facilities often review profiles quickly, so make yours shine! When you're browsing for shifts on apps like ShiftKey and *Clipboard Health*, don't just grab the first one you see. I always look at a few things: Facility Reviews: Many apps allow you to see ratings or comments about facilities from other CNAs. This is golden info! Avoid places with consistently negative feedback if you can. Shift Differentials: Always keep an eye out for shifts with higher pay for evenings, nights, or weekends. These are often where the real money is made. Distance: Factor in your commute time and gas costs. Sometimes a slightly lower-paying shift closer to home is more profitable than a higher-paying one far away. Shift Types: Some facilities are better for quick in-and-out shifts, while others might be great for longer commitments if you're looking for consistency. For *NurseDash*, and really all of them, responsiveness is key. If a facility offers you a shift, try to accept or decline promptly. It shows professionalism and can lead to more offers down the line. I’ve noticed some apps prioritize users who are reliable and responsive. Another game-changer, especially for Clipboard Health and ShiftKey with their instant payouts, is how you manage that money. It’s exciting to get paid right away, but it also means you need to be disciplined. This is where that 'business banking and financial management app' I mentioned comes in. I personally use Found (as seen in my previous post!) to keep my business and personal finances separate. It automatically tracks my income and expenses, and most importantly, calculates my estimated taxes. This single step saved me so much headache come tax season. It's like having a little financial assistant in your pocket, making sure you truly 'secure the bag' not just in earning, but in keeping it too! Don't be afraid to try out different apps to see what works best in your area. While I primarily use Clipboard Health and ShiftKey for their instant pay, I do keep NurseDash and others on my radar for backup or when I'm looking for a specific type of shift. Each app has its own quirks and facilities, so diversifying your options can broaden your opportunities significantly. Remember, being a CNA contractor isn't just about picking up shifts; it's about building your own business. Treat it with that mindset, use these tools effectively, and you'll find yourself not only earning more but also enjoying the freedom you deserve. You've got this!
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