My Career Path...hopefully

SarasotaRN2b · Apr 20, 2005

Hello, all.
First time reader and first time poster. I'm sure this topic has been beaten into the ground extensively, but I figured I would feign ignorance and claim that I have never heard of a "search" function...bwa ha ha.
Background info...
Currently in an ADN program in Bakersfield, CA. I have a 3.9GPA as of now and can hopefully push that to a 4.0 by the time I am finished; which will be Dec. 2006. After graduation, I hope to go directly to ICU while completing my fast-track ADN--->BSN at Cal State Bakersfield or online through Dominguez Hills. Once I have my 1-2 years of ICU experience (and relevant certificates, etc), I hope to apply to one of the three CRNA schools in CA. Tell you the truth, I'll probably apply nationwide and accept pretty much anything, heh.
I'm 28 years old and A GUY. Yes, you heard right; another male nurse. I wish there were more male nursing scholarships . Anyways, I hope to be finished with everything by the time I am 35-36. I have a wonderful fiance that is cheering me on to bigger and better things which is quite nice.
I work at Target part time on the weekends and clear (after taxes) $140 every two weeks. I drive a 1976 AMC Gremlin to boot. I have no credit debt, but am in debt student loan wise up to about 12k.
So, basically, how does my plan sound? I figured I would make this thread to show others that even though one may be a late bloomer, one can do it. I have a pretty huge passion for learning and absorbing. I LOVE science; which is one of my main reasons to go into the field of the CRNA (in addition to other reasons). It should be known that even though one is poor, if the ambition is there, the results will come as well.
Anyone else in my similar situation? Oh, and first thing I'm buying when I graduate the ADN is a 2002-2004 Tacoma. Screw this Gremlin thing
Please respond in kind,
Yours truely,
EnigmaticParadigm
Oh, and I have no children...only a houseplant...
...which needs watering...

Welcome, EnigmaticParadigm, so glad that you have joined us! I always love hearing when another male decides to become a nurse. It is because of a male nurse (my former supervisor in a psychiatric day treatment center) that has spurred me onto becoming a nurse and following his footsteps.

Kris

Tweety, BSN, RN · Apr 20, 2005

Welcome. Nice to see you!

I would hardly call 28 years old with a plan like that "late blooming". Keep up the good work!

llg, PhD, RN · Apr 20, 2005

Sounds like an ambitious, but reasonable, plan to me -- particularly since you seem to managing your money fairly well and have not accumulated a lot of debt. (However, don't forget that a lot of people get themselves into financial trouble when they "treat themselves" to an expensive reward after graduation -- like a new vehicle.)

One word of advice: Be prepared to hit a few bumps/delays along the way. I certainly can't predict where you may run into a few problems, but be prepared for that possibility. Know that you might need to be flexible, make some compromises, change your mind, etc. It happens. That' life. If you are prepared to deal with such possibilities, you will probably wheather them better.

Here are a few examples of things that MIGHT happen that would give you reason to re-think your plans:

1. That fiance of yours might get pregnant and/or not want to sacrifice her career so that you can attend a school far away. Marriage, children, etc. may change your perspective on some aspects of your plan.

2. Marriage, children, etc. might strain your finances and you might need to work a few more years to pay down your undergrad student loans before you take on larger loans for grad school.

3. Some new grads need a while to make that transition to staff nurse and find it hard to both make that transition and go to BSN school at the same time. I always advise new grads to give it at LEAST a few months before returning to school. Finsh your RN orientation and "get settled" in your new job before taking on an additional education committment. Orientation is the equivalent of going to school -- and trying to take 2 courses of study divides your energies and you run the risk of doing a poor job at both. Waiting a semester or two to make that student/staff nurse transition is usually well worth the investment of time. You want to do your best in both.

4. You might find that your tastes and preferences change. Be open to the possibilities that some other area of nursing may be surprisingly appealing to you once you get a little experience with it. You might find that you may want to teach ... or be a Nurse Practitioner ... or be a CNS ... etc. There is certainly nother wrong with being a CRNA -- but I am hearing too many students say that is their chosen career path -- many simply because they don't know much about the other possibilities. Explore all of your options with an open mind throughout your career so that you will have the best chance to find the best fit for you.

Good luck! -- and welcome to nursing -- and to allnurses

llg