Brave, or just crazy?

calirn2006 · Feb 9, 2007

I think if it is something you want you will make it happen. I am a mother of a 18 mth old son and my husband and I are about to move from CA to PA for me to go to anesthesia school. It is something i have wanted for a long time now. As for the financial aspect of it...that is why loans are made! You have such young kids that someday you will be their role model to pursue higher education. Make sure you have a strong support system behind you and go for it! At least that is my take on it! Like I said I haven't started school yet but the adventure will begin soon! Best of luck to you and your family!

ready4crna? · Feb 9, 2007

Jolly-I am moving a long distance to attend the program of my dreams and have alot of the same fears and thoughts. I have a small kiddo and a supportive spouse. Cali is right, Loans are what the dream of CRNA is made of- be they for books or childcare! :chuckle I shadowed two CRNA's that encouraged me to "just do it", one of which was a single parent of three through school! I am not saying it will be easy, my spouse and I have tried to prepare by looking at it like I will "check out" for thirty months and any time I spend with my family is a gift to us, (expect the worst, then be pleasantly surprised). All I am trying to say is that 24-36 months to accomplish a dream is a small sacrifice that your kids an spouse will appreciate later, (not to mention that when you do what you love, you are happier!)

I know there are parents and spouses in CRNA programs across the country and hope that some of them will offer advice here on these boards, but my guess is that when they are not studying, they are with their families and are not likely to spend time perusing the boards.

LightattheEnd · Feb 10, 2007

I just graduated in December from NA school and am proud to now call myself a CRNA. My daughter was around 18 months old when I started and she is 4 now. If you would have asked me when I was in school I probably would have had a different answer. It was very difficult, but looking back now, it was worth every bit of it. I say as long as you have a good support system (which is the most important thing) go for it! I did not work and took out Stafford Loans and private loans to get myself through. Every CRNA that I spoke with before I started said if the loans are the only thing keeping you back, don't worry about them and go. I now agree with them. Your earning potential when you get out is far and above any loan payment you will have.

Imissthefall · Feb 10, 2007

JollyJenny,

I am not a CRNA but I say go for it! At least your kiddoes will be in school so it's not like you would be paying a ton for daycare!!! Good luck in whatever you choose to do.

louloubell1 · Feb 13, 2007

Like LightattheEnd, I too graduated anesthesia school this past December (still waiting on my board results though, so I can't yet say that I am a CRNA). I have four small children (10, 8, 6, and 3). I'll be honest with you and tell you that it was rough. Many days I did not even get to see my children, and I spent a lot of time out of town clinical rotations. When I was home, I was tired, often crabby, and needing to spend a lot of time studying. Though my children were never neglected, I was definitely not the parent I wanted to be. However, it was my darling husband who had the worst of it. He took on so much extra headache and responsibility while I was in school. Anesthesia school is hard to do with children at home, but it is do-able. Good luck with your endeavor.

GCShore · Feb 16, 2007

Support is the most important aspect of this post! When I started NA school, my oldest daughter was 5 and my youngest was 18 months. Currently in my last semester of classes and clinical ending in August, oldest is almost 7, middle is now 3 and I am currently 8 months pregnant! Yes, it can definitely be done......as RNLou pointed out, I definitely am not the parent I would like to be.....yet! But would I do it again? YOU BETCHA! My oldest tells everyone that she wants to be a CRNA when she grows up, so it gives me alot of opportunity to educate the public about us!

No, the current pregnancy wasn't planned (it was supposed to happen next year), but my program is AWESOME in working with me! I haven't been sick, missed any days or took any PTO.....saving it all for April when this little booger arrives! Hang in there, do what you got to do and if you feel that your support system can handle it.......then GO FOR IT! Good Luck!

GCShore

calirn2006 · Feb 17, 2007

Wow GCShore....you ARE amazing! Best of luck!

duewest · Feb 18, 2007

I'm doing it now...2 kids 4 and 6. I made the decision not to work at all, therefore my debt is a bit more, but it's worth it to be able to spend the time I need to with my kids.

It will only be harder on them the older they get. I think sooner is better.

Jason

goof1552 · Feb 18, 2007

I know my posting is way after the initial post on this thread, but just a thought for anyone else reading this later on is to talk to potential employers about sponsorships. I posted somewhere else about it being risky, i.e.you may not like the job but are obligated there, but if you are in dire financial straits it is better than losing your house. I took a 3 yr/36K sponsorship that is basically like getting your sign on bonus before school. I am moving to a place I have never lived and have no family near. It is also in a pretty practice restricted state (studied up on it before I decided). All that being said, I think I made the right choice. I am about half way through school and am doing well financially. The stress level difference between me and some of my class mates is huge. As the others said, loans are great - I am taking them as well, but if they arent enough - look at other avenues. Dont let this stop you! Good luck.

CaliGirlCRNA · Feb 19, 2007

Hi Jenny,

Actually my wife is currently in the program, and we have a 3 yr old. I actually stopped working (was a Ritz Carlton Chef) so that I can take care of my lil one and be there for my wife. It is difficult, zero income, bills are still being held at bay but our savings are taking a wallup. Lord knows that my wife is constantly studying (as she is now) and is either reading up on cases, studying for tests or writing papers. I do get to see her at dinnertime, we make sure of that. Be certain with your spouse that all parties can handle the additional stresses (ie no income, spouse pulling both weights, is mature) before committment to the program. It is worth all the pain I am sure. If you look at most, they have a dream that they are striving for, and yes, us "spouses" also are dreaming. Mine is to get the heck out of this apartment, buy a nice house in OC, and get one heck of a professional kitchen so that I can start my own catering business. Good Luck with your dreams!

lizzyberry · Mar 22, 2007

Hello everyone,
I would LOVE to hear success stories from those of you who went through a NA program with small children! I would love to go to school to become a CRNA, but am scared to death because by the time I start, my children will be approximately 6 & 8.
I would have to move my family far away, since there are no local schools that offer the program. I really worry about the fact that it is strongly discouraged to work during the program. My husband works off commission (car salesman) and I wonder whether we would make it for 28 months with no financial help from me. I also wonder about child care and what my hours will be like away from home.
Am I insane for wanting to do this? This is a dream for me to become a CRNA! I kick myself every day for not doing this before I got married and had kids, and how much easier it would have been!!:smackingf But everything happens for a reason. My kids are my world. Should I give this dream up, or is it doable? Would I be neglecting my kids? YIKES!!

O my gosh its crazy I was trying to set up the same thread. This is exactly this same thing I am thinking. I hope everything goes good for you and your family. Dont give up ur dream I know I wont.