I am having a crisis, and I need some serious advice! Here is the situation:
I've wanted to be a CRNA since college. I've been a nurse since 2004. Gained most of my experience in telemetry, was a traveling nurse, and have now been in the ICU 2 years in November. I applied to a university here in Philadelphia months back, just to get my foot in the door. I had heard all the horror stories about the interview, and wanted to get at least ONE under my belt so I could see what I was dealing with.
When I interviewed, I truly did not expect to be accepted. Like I said, I wanted to see what the interview was going to be like. In the back of my head, I was thinking I'd have another year to save money, take classes, etc.
I was crazy excited and shocked to find that I had been accepted. So of course right away, I sent in my deposit and started working overtime to pay off bills. Then I took an online health policy class.
In the past week, my mind is suddenly working overtime. I am starting to think that maybe I should wait another year to start school. Here are the reasons why I feel it may benefit me to wait another year:
1.) Money - I am single, so I dont have an OVERWHELMING amount of debt...maybe $5000 or so. I am working hard to pay it off right now, and my car will be paid off before I'd start in January. But since I didnt really except to be accepted, I have basically no savings. NO SAVINGS! I would have help from my parents but still!
2.) Classes - There are I believe 6 classes that non-matriculated students can take before the program starts, to get them out of the way. Things like health policy, role of the APN, etc. Considering this is SUCH an incredibly rigorous and demanding program, doesnt it make the most sense to make things as easy on myself as possible by taking ALL of these B.S. classes BEFORE the actual important anesthesia material begins? I only took ONE!
3.) Experience - I know a few people who have been accepted with 6 months-1 year experience in the ICU, so I know this is not unheard of. And obviously the school felt I was eligible as they did accept me. But I know that generally, people have anywhere from 8-15 years ICU experience before they begin this program! I have 2 YEARS. I am not saying that I don't think I would be able to get through.....but obviously the people who have 8 years experience will have it a lot easier than I do. This is intimidating. Does it make sense to put myself through this? Or do I get another year of experience?
Obviously this is such a hard decision. On the other hand I am SO excited to start school, to begin my 'life' in essence. To learn new things, make new friends, get my butt kicked. I already even told my job when I am leaving, and everything is basically in place for me to go.
I was in the same situation as you now find yourself. I gave myself 2 years to get in and got in on the first try. I didn't hesitate though. I figured when opportunity knocks, you better open that door or else it might go knocking on the next door and may never retrace its step.
As far as the loans? I didn't owe any money except for the car and mortgage. Well guess what? Unless you are rich, you will worry about money period. Just do like all others in my situation does, don't open the student loan statements! And in the end, as a fellow Dave Ramsey listener........... you will have a bigger shovel to pay it off in the end!
The reason for ICU experience is not to teach you anything about anesthesia. Think about what you have said and try to figure out what ICU experience really means.
Pass the gas...I thought you were responding to the person who was asking for your advice. So, except my apology. Sometime the opinions here are a little crazy, but I agree, a good and strong background in ICU is so vital. I hope more people can link the purpose of getting as much experience as possible before applying to any school.
hell000nurse
56 Posts
Jefferson, Jan. 09! You?