Thru program w/ children

Specialties CRNA

Published

I have 4 children ages 16, 7, 2 and 6mo (!) and was trying to figure out which 2 years of their life would be the best time to attend CRNA school. (I know it would have been best BEFORE I had them, but I didnt). So to those of you who have done it, any pearls of wisdom? To those of you who are planning it, what is your line of thinking about this?

I feel as if I have only one window of opportunity and thats in 5 years when they are all in school but then my 7yo will be 12 and those are critical years leading up to the 'very influential' 14 that I would want to steer her most on the straight and narrow. I just cant figure out when the best time would be. I love being a mom but I desperately want to become a CRNA once I can figure out a well thought out plan. I am a stay-at-home mom now but previous experience in CCU, CSICU, PACU so its just a matter of getting back in the ICU a year or two before applying (and other things to make me an attractive applicant!)

If Idont live near family when the time comes, Im thinking about hiring a nanny. It will just be too much for my husband b/c I told him he will feel like a single parent.

Ive heard of some still living at home with their families and others who got apartments. I am open to any thoughts on this matter.

Rhonda

I don't know about the others...but I couldn't retain a thing in the 3rd trimester and couldn't have managed to study much.

Ditto...being exhausted for six months afterwards.

?Possibly too ambitious to plan a rigorous course for this time

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First, let me say that becoming a nurse anesthetist was the best decision I ever made. It is the best field in nursing, bar none.

I know many CRNAs who raised children while in school and while it was difficult never were sorry that they did it.

My own son is proud of my accomplishments and is my biggest cheerleader. I would have never been able to offer him the lifestyle and my free time in any other profession. The beauty of this profession is that there are so many types of employment opportunities and the opportunitiy to set your own schedule. Also, the pay is great.

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Wow! Well, I believe that its not a black and white issue. I have a 3.5 y/o and a 5 month old. I'm 27 y/o and married. I'll admit, there is some guilt when attending a CRNA program, but I wouldn't be happy with myself if I had a gap in my life that I have not fulfilled. I don't want to be one of those people who is 70 y/o saying, "I wish that I could have been a CRNA but.....". There's no time like the present, so do what's best for yourself. Your children will realize how important it is to get a great education. They'll definitely respect your decision to fulfill your career goals. Don't let anything bother you when there's negative attitudes floating around. Ignore those who are negative and do what YOU want to do. When you're finished with the program, reward your kids. When I complete the CRNA program in 2006, I'm treating myself to a new GMC Denali and taking my husband and the kids to Disney World. I've never been there. I will also explain to my kids that this is their present for putting up with mommy while she was in school. The extra cash that a CRNA makes will also allow you to have more time with the kids. I plan to make every weekend fun for the kids, such as going to the pool during the summer, or tubing in the Poconos during the winter. Make the most of your life and don't let anyone discourage you! Leslie.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

I'm still in the middle of the application process for anesthesia school. I'm 31 yo & I have 3 children & another one on the way. My husband and I are prepared for the stress we'll face with me going back to school, but we've been planning for this since I started school as an undergrad. If it wasn't for my children, I don't think I would have this goal. Let's face it: it would be nice, maybe it would even be optimal, if all children could have one parent who is at home with them all the time, but raising raising a family now takes more in the way of income than it has ever taken before. My husband has a great job as an aircraft mechanic, but things now are not like they were in the "Leave it to Beaver" days where a family could have a nice home, a car or two, send the kids to college, etc., all on dad's income alone. Sometimes it just takes more than that. I got through my BSN program with my family as my motivator, and it's because I want a better life for them that I plan to continue my education and advance my career.

Lou

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Originally posted by KC CHICK

There is also a role model aspect here....these children will see what can be accomplished when you set your mind to it. To see a parent earn a Master's degree and graduate could be a great learning experience for that child. Show them what it means to be a strong, hard working individual that finishes what you start. Show them what kind of work and dedication it takes to be successful in today's working world.

Anne:D

Anne....

I totally agree. That's something that I am struggling with at the moment as well .... apply for one of the 3 NP programs here in town and fight for a job when I graduate; or.... move to another city; let my exhusband/family raise my child and worry about her while I am in CRNA school. I don't know what will happen; but I feel that it is incredibly important to impress upon my daughter to follow her goals and dreams; and that women are capable of anything.

one of the many issues facing me as I look at the long term goals....

Here's a question... anyone do a CRNA program as a single mom? Did you survive? Did your child/ren make it??

Dianna

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