[Lookn2hvn]

I am in nursing school now and am exploring my options in education and career choices.

Becoming a RN-CRNA sounds awesome so far, and as I have worked in a factory seven years (with hard labor 10-12 hours a day,6 days a week sometimes) and have vowed not to let a corporation rule my life again; I like the freedom nurses have over their employment and hours. I have read several posts stating that CRNA's sometimes have more desirable hours. Is this true? ( I am excited by the way over the type of hours RN's work, just believe in having a life outside of work too, nobody ever lies on their deathbed and wishes they had spent more time at work)

Also, everyone says that you cannot work while in CRNA school. My question is, not even one day a week? And can you not work because of the course work or are you not allowed to?

Any info regarding the pros and cons of choosing a CRNA career will be greatly appreciated! When I tell my family I am interested in this(including some RN's), they scoff and say that there is too much responsibility/liability involved as people's lives are at stake. Isn't this the case of nursing in general I say? Aren't nurses at any level there to care for the sick and dying? Most of the people I talk to don't approve, and I'd like to understand why. (not that their opinions will stop me!)

[ready4crna?]

CRNA work hours depend on practice area, just like nursing, and as a sole provider, your days may be longer. My program allows you to work one weekend shift a month, but good luck with that! (I have three chapters of biochem to digest and synthesize into retrievable info tonight- and that to just keep current with the pace of the class-this weekend will be catch up for the other five classes I am in)
I personally feel responsible for learning everything I possibly can as someday I may put your kid to sleep and you would expect nothing less than my best. This may be the responsibility your friends and RN's are talking about. I recommend you look beyond the hours worked and the lifestyle the career affords before any career decision. Shadow a CRNA, work in a high acuity ICU, and make sure you want it. (Careful what you ask for...)
And for the record, I am glad I made the decision to pursue this career and look forward to every day. Now, ask me again in two weeks when as our program director tells us, it starts to get really challenging.....
now- enough procrastination and back to the books!

[japaho41]

There are a few programs that have a part time option (UNC-Charlotte) but I am not sure what that really entails. I think that you really need to be in a position for the entire length of the program to not worry about working. Having that said you need to have a plan to be able to accomplish that for the entire duration of the program. So start thinking about how you will be able to do this without working, be it loans, a working spouse, family, whatever it takes.

Liability, Sure their is liability in the ICU but as a CRNA it becomes elevated quite a few notches with the procedures and medications that you are responsible for delievering.

Pros of being a CRNA take a look at the AACN website that will give you some indications of what the profession has to offer.