From Stay-at-Home Mom to Certified PSW – How I Changed Careers in Just 6 Months

From Stay-at-Home Mom to Certified PSW – How I Changed Careers in Just 6 Months

Changing careers after years at home may feel overwhelming, but it’s possible—one step at a time. In early 2023, one stay-at-home mother transitioned into a certified personal support worker (PSW), also known in the U.S. as a Home Health Aide (HHA) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). In less than six months, she moved from family caregiving to professional care work with flexible hours and stable income.

This article explains how that journey unfolded—and how others can take the same path.

Step 1 – Realizing Caregiving Was Already Part of the Job

Many stay-at-home parents already have valuable caregiving experience: raising children, supporting elderly relatives, managing daily routines. These unpaid roles involve skills that are directly useful in professional home care: communication, patience, physical support, meal prep, and medication reminders.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects over 800,000 new home care jobs between 2022 and 2032. With a growing elderly population and rising demand for in-home care, certified caregivers are in high demand—even for entry-level positions.

Step 2 – Choosing the Right Training Path

The title “PSW” is often used in Canada, while U.S. employers use:

  • HHA (Home Health Aide) – focused on in-home care

  • CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) – more common in nursing homes and hospitals

Most states allow candidates to become certified HHAs or CNAs after completing 75 training hours, including at least 16 hours of clinical experience, based on federal CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) requirements.

Typical program formats:

  • Full-time weekday program: 5 hours/day, 4–5 days/week → completed in 4–5 weeks

  • Evening/weekend option: 3–4 hours/day → completed in 8–12 weeks

  • Cost range: $300–$1,000 (varies by state and provider)

Approved programs can be found through community colleges, nonprofit training centers, or state workforce boards.

📍 Tip: Check your state’s Department of Health website for a list of approved HHA/CNA programs.

Step 3 – Completing Training and Certification

The training typically includes:

  • Personal care skills: bathing, feeding, dressing

  • Safety procedures: infection control, lifting

  • Communication and emotional support

  • CPR and First Aid (in some states)

After finishing training, candidates must pass a written and hands-on skills exam to be listed on the state nurse aide registry. This listing is required for employment with licensed care agencies.

According to CareerOneStop, nearly all U.S. states allow employers to verify certification online by name or license number.

Step 4 – Finding the First Job

After certification, the next step is getting hired. Within three weeks of passing the state test, this caregiver secured part-time work at a local home care agency.

Job search methods that worked:

  • Indeed.com → Filter by “entry-level” or “no experience required”

  • State job boards → Many list Medicaid-funded positions

  • Care.com → Connect directly with families seeking in-home caregivers

Some employers prefer CPR certification, access to a car, or availability on weekends. Others value personal experience, especially if caring for elderly family members.

According to ZipRecruiter (2024):

  • Entry-level HHAs in the U.S. earn $14–$17 per hour on average

  • In states like New York or California, wages may exceed $20/hour

Step 5 – Gaining Confidence and Building a Routine

The first few shifts were challenging. Adjusting to professional documentation, following care plans, and communicating with nurses required learning.

But personal experience helped. After two months, the caregiver was managing four clients independently. By month six, two families requested her specifically for long-term shifts.

Skills improved with each visit:

  • Time management (multiple client needs per shift)

  • Clear communication with family members

  • Emotional support for clients with dementia or isolation

Some employers also offered paid training in special topics like fall prevention or dementia care.

What Helped the Most?

✅ Staying organized – using a small binder to track appointments, notes, and certifications

✅ Asking instructors for feedback during clinical hours

✅ Choosing comfortable clothing and footwear

✅ Watching YouTube videos on patient transfer techniques

✅ Practicing blood pressure checks at home

Final Thoughts

Starting a new job doesn’t always mean learning from scratch. For many caregivers at home, professional roles in home care are a natural next step. The work is physical, emotional, and sometimes messy—but also deeply rewarding.

In just six months, one stay-at-home mother went from unpaid labor to certified, paid, and in-demand. With planning and motivation, this path is open to many others.