[CandyGyrl]

{REALLY LONG}
I wondered the same thing . I am 27 years old and I WAS going for my BSN except I was invited in to my previous schools nursing pgm which is an associates degree. The deal was bittersweet the school pays for books and tuition AND its accelerated. BUT I was looking fwd to doing my BSN and having it all out of the way.

I started the other stuff pretty young, worked, got married at 22 had 2 children {want more at least 1} then I decided at 24 that I wanted to become a nurse. Went to HFCC for 2 years doing pre reqs {although I'd taken a few college courses in the past... I wanted to start fresh} and while on the waiting list decided to go for my bachelors because I only needed classes to get into their nursing program.

Now that the semesters done next week I get an offer I can't refuse. The thing is I don't work so hubby is taking care of everything. We have a house, homeowners ins. 2 cars, car notes, car ins., utilities, groceries, part of my tuition... YOU know part of being an adult blah blah blah. He's really stretching himself and with the economy in Michigan right now OMG. I've already racked up a few student loans and It would be nice not to owe too much.

The thing is I decided to become a Nurse so that I can become a CRNA and I had this timeline and everything now things may be a little off track because once I'm done with my Nursing pgm next year, will I want to jump straight into a BSN pgm as a NEW NURSE. I know its stressful enough just getting the hang of things as a new nurse If I start my BSN this will be on top of trying to work out my schedule around classes, and exams and study time and kids and family and.... I just don't know.

THEN I'd have to contract myself for 3 years to the hospital I'm working for because they ARE paying for my education and all. SO yes I'll be a nurse by Age 29 but who knows when I'll finish my bachelors NOW? I'm assuming if in an accelerated pgm age 31? But I won't be able to apply for CRNA school until 32 or 33 and I'll be 35 when I'm done and this will be a lot of WORK.

I don't want to be selfish by focusing on my career and leaving my family behind but if I don't do it I'll be 35 and thinking of all I could have done . Yes I really want it. Yes I know I've got to think positive and GO FOR IT but now I wonder... am I really cut out for it?

I like to be the BEST, and I don't want to be the one whose struggling in the CRNA pgm because I was unable to prepare myself better by taking extra science courses to strengthen my knowledge base{maybe I won't need to}. It's a competitive program and I want to be a competetor.

[smileyRn96]

CandyGyrl,
This is coming from a male nurse who supported his wife as she went to nursing school and who is now asking the same from his wife . I begin CRNA school in August and I am 36 (been RN 12 yrs).
IMHO....I would try and bite this off in small pieces. Get your RN and start working to support your family and get the needed experience to apply to school. You can get your BSN part-time while working and still help your family. I say this because I am a diploma grad and went back to school for my BSN and supported my family. Plus the hardest stuff will not even begin until you start CRNA school. The way I looked at when I was getting my BSN was that I was not a traditional student and therefore could not look at education from the traditional point of view. I knew that I could not put my family on a shelf for 7-8 yrs and expect everything to be okay when I got back to them. I have had to make concessions in the areas of study time and sleep to be with my family. Although, my grades never suffered, got my ccrn, score >1250 on my gre while being very efficient with my time.
I hope that helps some. You can do it!!! Just be patient and do not loose site of your family or your goal.
-Smiley

[muskylounge]

I am not exactly sure but I am sure it changes as some retire and graduates enter into the field, but I read somewhere the average age in most CRNA classes in in mid to high forties. I would think most of you youngins' will do just fine. I wanted to be a nurse out of HS in 1986 but was scoffed by friends and family. I should not have listened to them. I love science and fascinated with the human body. I have always loved people I can't wait to finally get my chance. I am only a student nurse right now but I have plans for my future and goals to attain. I am 40 BTW

[CandyGyrl]

Not looking at education from the perspective of a traditional student makes alot of sense and could save me a lot of stress.

When you stated that you're entering the program at 36 it never struck me that you are too old. I actually think thats a great age because 30's are the new 20's after all! Seriously in today's society, we want it yesterday .

I sort of feel like I'm really behind for my age. I didn't go to college right out of high school because I didn't want to waste time figuring out what I want to do and spending 70k to do it. So I got out here and worked and bumped my head a few times thinking I really wished I'd listened to my mom who is a nurse and tried to convince me that I'd be good at nursing even if I didn't want to be one for the rest of my life-- I'd have a great career until I figured things out.

Well now that I've "figured it out" I feel like I'm playing total catch up. More so now because I have a family to think about and I don't want to put them on the back burner because I was a late bloomer yet at the same time I really want to do well in school (BSN and CRNA) which takes a lot of hard work, time, and dedication.

Correct me if I'm wrong and I DON'T want to offend but-- I sort of feel like it's just a little different for men vs women when it comes to pursuing educational and career goals. Men are expected by their wives and family to "pursue bigger and better things". Whereas with women, yes its fine to pursue these things but only in moderation, if the thing you're pursuing becomes too much where it interferes with chores, childrearing and bedroom activities it might be better off left alone.

Then again it may depend on the level of support you receive from your spouse and family. It seems natural that it would work out great for your family because you and your wife are both RN's and you both understand what goes into this. But for an outsider who doesn't really "get it" it may be difficult to help them understand. Again I really want this but not at the price of my family. I feel like I have plenty of time to get my house in order before I go out for this at least a good 7-10 years. {wow that seems like a long time from now}