[apaisRN]

Gasgiver, is your school public? I don't think there's any way I could have saved enough to make a dent in my private tuition.

[jewelcutt]

Regardless of whether you want to work like a mule and save before school, or take out loans to get you through school (every individual is different, one way is not the best for everyone), the main point is..... you will be able to get school paid for. Don't worry about not becoming a CRNA becasue you couldn't pay tuition and living. It is good to have a plan to save, but don't go crazy, school is stressful enough and you don't want to live like a rat for more than 2 1/2 years anyway. Some of us didn't have the luxury of saving thousands of dollars (some of us were finishing degrees while working full time up until school started which = no savings). Do I let it bother me that I took out a lot of loans? No, I have the money I need to survive and I don't live off of ramon noodles. You will soon learn in school what things are worth stressing about and what things are not worth even a thought. And you won't be living poor to pay off loans when you're done either. Getting off of MY soapbox now......

[ashfost]

LOL, i love these soap boxes. keep 'em comin!

[William_SRNA]

Jewelcut is right there is a way and money is the last thing you need to worry about. I believe Kevin took a stipend before he started at Newman if he could give the pros and cons that would be nice.

Originally Posted by jewelcutt

Regardless of whether you want to work like a mule and save before school, or take out loans to get you through school (every individual is different, one way is not the best for everyone), the main point is..... you will be able to get school paid for. Don't worry about not becoming a CRNA becasue you couldn't pay tuition and living. It is good to have a plan to save, but don't go crazy, school is stressful enough and you don't want to live like a rat for more than 2 1/2 years anyway. Some of us didn't have the luxury of saving thousands of dollars (some of us were finishing degrees while working full time up until school started which = no savings). Do I let it bother me that I took out a lot of loans? No, I have the money I need to survive and I don't live off of ramon noodles. You will soon learn in school what things are worth stressing about and what things are not worth even a thought. And you won't be living poor to pay off loans when you're done either. Getting off of MY soapbox now......

[gasgiver]

My school is public. The same information is offered at public and private institutions...

Reply in general.....
About the stipend, as the salaries go up while you are in school your starting salary also goes up. They are aware that you are not naive and unintelligent enough to sign that kind of contract

[apaisRN]

Jewelcutt, I feel the same way. I'm not up to the stress of living poor while I do this whole challenging program. And I want to take care of my body so I can enjoy life when I'm done - not abuse it living on mac and cheese and ramen noodles. We're not going on any tropical vacations or anything, but my husband and I do intend to do this with a reasonable amount of comfort.

[tarheel]

gasgiver, would you mind offering a brief breakdown of how you got to where you are now chronologically with regards from starting school to get your RN to BSN to work experience and the different areas/field you worked. I just started an ADN program here in NC and may transfer to a BSN program. NC has five CRNA schools to apply to and it would be greatly appreciated to gain a little on the learning curve from someone who's been there and is where he is now. TIA And any additional advice/recommendations is welcomed

For example or however you prefer

1998-2000 : RN school

2 years - med-surg

6 mnths - icu

2002-2003 : BSN school

3 and 1/2 years - icu

applied to CRNA school

etc., etc.

[gasgiver]

Sure,
Graduated HS 1995

Three years at a local community college 95-98 graduated with a AA and AAS
Transferred to WCU in the metropolis of Cullowhee, graduate 2000

ER 2000-2001 Great experience (will not count for school)
CTSU 2001-2005 (A1 experience and for some reason schools like it, I believe because of the numerous invasive lines)

Apply, Apply, Apply

I would stay away from floor nursing. One, it sucks, and two you do not need it..... People will argue that it will help build your skills.... BS!!!! By the time I transferred patients to the floor from the ER I had already placed IV's, Foley etc.... Also get as many certs as you can CCRN, (ACLS, BLS, PALS) instructor.... I was also a teacher at the clinical level..... Hope this help.... Sorry about the improper grammer, this is the only place I can lay back and not have to worry about that crap....

[tarheel]

Mil gracias, gasgiver. Pardon my naivity, what is A1?

[gasgiver]

A1= primary, primo, excellent etc....