Just Curious To Know

ChocoholicRN · Jul 25, 2011

While I am not in any type of CRNA program, to my knowledge there are no schools that allow you to work while in the program. One of my former classmates' wife was in a CRNA program and from what she told him, she was allowed to work a little bit in the beginning (no more than part time, if that) and then soon after she wasn't allowed to work at all. They make you sign a contract, and I don't know what happens if you try to break that contract.

Crystal74 · Jul 25, 2011

Thanks so much ChocoholicRN for responding. I am no where near ready to enter the program, but I have small children and was just wondering how it all works since I would have to pay out of pocket and may have to move all of us to another state at some point during the program.

Thanks again

Zookeeper3 · Jul 25, 2011

I'm sorry, but once you become an RN and make your way to the ICU, with the highest grades of your BSN, you then apply after excellent references 1-2 years later. unless you are single with a death wish, it is next to impossible to achieve the needed learning in the CRNA program while working.

Usually ICU nurses work two years of all the OT possible and bank the $$ to get this done, all while getting All "A's" in a BSN program. The CRNA program is beyond competitive to get in and is about a 12-14 hour day of study and clinical, assuming you're an A student that can fly by tests with minimal prep.

Not being scary. That is how it is. I know of no part time CRNA program. I know of none of which you can manage working even per-diem. I'm not trying to be negative, but provide honest feedback. My job in CSICU was a feeder program to the CRNA program and every nurse employed by me wants in to it. So while it's not my thing, I know what they struggle with. This is in NC. Perhaps other states have part time programs that can fit your need? Mine only has a part time nurse practitioner, not CRNA.

I wish you the absolute best in your career planning to make it happen:D

allnurses Guide · Jul 26, 2011

Yes, there are a couple of programs that allow you to work. I do not know there names, but they have been discussed on this forum before.

Crystal74 · Jul 26, 2011

Zookeeper3 thank you for your honesty, like I mentioned before I am know where near even applying for school to become a CRNA but thank you for your honesty.

wtbcrna, thank you for your response, I will try and do more research in funding such a program.

ckh23, BSN, RN · Jul 26, 2011

I have heard and know people that work full time while going to CRNA school. Most programs recommend that you don't work, but I have seen very few in my area flat out say you cannot work. Most people that are single and don't work, save up as much as possible and then live off of that and student loans.

The program I am entering recommends you don't work, especially in the first year, but they say many students start working per diem in their 2nd year when the program transitions from class to majority clinical time.

If CRNA is your ultimate goal and you are a few years out from even beginning a program, I would start working and saving now. Saving up as much as you can for a few years will help you greatly if you can't work.

The bottom line is whichever route you decide will be difficult. You really need to consider what you need to do and sacrifice to get through school. If you really want to be a CRNA than you will find a way.

szeles23 · Jul 26, 2011

There is a part time CRNA program at East Carolina University I believe... I may be mistaken but check into it. They are not very expensive, I was looking into them for PA school

Crystal74 · Jul 26, 2011

ckh3 thanks for the advice, CRNA was always my ultimate dream job. I was just trying to get some information about school who would have first hand knowledge. I dont know about other programs but here in Arizona there is only 1 school that offers the program and after talking to an advisor today she made it very clear you cant work because you need to devote your life to the program. Another reason I posted this thread is the program here requires you to be in other states when your second year starts.

szeles23 thanks for the info I will definatey look into that schoo:D

szeles23 · Jul 26, 2011

I have bad news, I just went to ECUs website because I was trying to find out some info on the FNP program. Unfortunately the CRNA program is not part time. Its full time. I myself am still weighing the options being a PA or NP.

http://www.nursing.ecu.edu/msn_concentrations.htm#na

ssrhythm · Jul 28, 2011

I'm at USC School of Med, and two of my classmates work part-time. When I say part time, I mean that they stayed on PRN where we worked prior to school, and they picked up one or two shifts during Christmas break (1st year only), and an occasional weekend day. To me, working any is INSANITY! Yes, you could fit it into your schedule once you get past the major didactic portion of the program, but why? You really, really REALLY need to take the couple of days off you have here and there and REST! There is no way on earth that you can make enough money while in school to not have to rely on savings or loans, so why not save enough or borrow enough to not have to worry about working?!?! You will invest way too much money, time, and soul in the program to have exhaustion cause you to do something careless that gets you the boot. It simply is not worth the risk. Borrow what you know you will need then borrow a little more. Make the program your top priority from day one. Get out; pass boards; repay debt. Good luck!

Trauma Columnist · Jul 28, 2011

Moved to pre-CRNA forum.