I am a high school senior. Because of AP classes, I have a possibility of gaining sophomore standing to a college if I take five classes before the Fall of 2004.
I plan to take all of these at the local community college:
-General Chemistry 1
-General Chemistry 2
-Intro to Psychology
-Anatomy and Physiology 1
-Anatomy and Physiology 2
Then I will attend a state college Fall 2004 and graduate with a BSN in three years.
How do CRNA schools look upon my plan? Is this bad? If I could do it, and do it well, is it for my advantage?
Also, for all the CRNAs out there-- what courses do you advise that I take during college to help me with a heads up in the CRNA admissions process? Any advice?
For those who tell me not to rush, I am determined to become a CRNA in the shortest time possible. It's an urgent situation.
Since you are so motivated...I would lay off the gas a little, and really concentrate on your classes NOW. When you do graduate, work 40 hrs a week, and get the best experiences you possibley can.
Take a part in your Unit, get certifications, ACLS, PALS, ABLS, TNCC, ENPC, precept if opportunity arises. Maybe then, if you still have time, pick up shifts in another area to broaden your experince. Don't get in such a hurry that you don't take time to understand the how's and why's of what you are doing.
For MOST new nurses, it quite honestly take's atleast a year for them to start really understanding these things. Some it takes longer. It seems those who have an affinity for ICU are also the ones who go on to CRNA school.
You sound motivated, but as others have said, if it is just for the $$, i would take a step back. You should enjoy your life, and whatever profession you choose, it will make you a better person both personally and professionally.
I have known many who wanted to be "a nurse" like on ER. Who just did not have what it takes to work in that area of healthcare. They were not stupid by any means, just didn't have that "thing", whatever it is, that all good ICU Nurses seem to have in common.
I truely wish you luck, just don't hit 30 and wish you had had a life, friends, sign. other :kiss , etc etc etc.
I can appreciate your ambition and your motivation to accomplish your long term goal rapidly, but why don't you try breaking your goals down into chapters or segments, where you can take pride in accomplishments as they occur and then reflect and re-evaluate on your next course of action, while not losing sight of your long-term goals.
This may not make a lot of sense to you now, but trust me, life can throw you some curve balls when you least expect it. Having such a rigid plan may leave you not only burnt out, but you may be setting yourself up for some major disappointment down the road.
Please understand that we are not trying to discourage you from becoming a CRNA, we're simply trying to give you some constructive feedback that may ultimately help you reach your goal, as well as enjoy your youth.
As for the 84 hours a week - forget about it. No manager worth her salt would ever let a new nurse work like that, let alone in a high-acuity critical care setting. You can also pretty much bet that you'll be working nights, which is really hard on your body anyway. You probably wouldn't even be able to work OT until sometime after coming off orientation, most of which are 12-24 weeks in length.
Another bit of advice, try not to cram "I'm only doing this so I can go to anesthesia school" down everyone's throat, particularly in nursing school. I can promise you that it will ultimately put some people off, possibly even some of your nursing instructors. A better approach would be to show enthusiasm for learning difficult subjects, like pathophysiology, and trying to keep a positive, "what can I learn from this experience" attitude in all other areas, even those that do not interest you.
I wish you the best of luck in attaining your goals.
You seem ready to forgo many things that I think you might well regret, but since you have such drive and motivation why not aim at something much higher in medicine like a neuro-surgeon or cardiologist?
MJB wrote: "Hey CRHSM and Yoga. Thanks for your replies. Yoga, I went to nursing because my mom was (and she doesn't really feel much fulfillment from it) and she says I had to (not good, I know). But there's job security from it. So if I had to be nurse, I might as well work extra hard to be a higher-level nurse so I don't have to deal with the same suffering that RNs have-- be a CRNA. Lots of respect and security.
If I had a choice, I would be a writer. Do u think it's a good idea to work for a couple of years, gain some establishment. Then go to graduate school in writing, and then REALLY accomplish my goals? This is one of the main reasons why I want to enter the CRNA program early-- so I have time to really live my life."
This is one of MJB's earlier posts. While I admire your determination, it worries me that you are planning on working yourself to death until you are 24-25 just so you can then be free to work on your "real" goal. Nursing is hard enough even when you really want to be there, it will be hell if it is something you don't even like. I wish you the best of luck in whatever path you take. But remember, nothing in life is guaranteed, and you need to enjoy life and take some time for yourself while you still can.
first of all - it is doubtful you will find an employer who will allow you to work 84 hours/wk - and you will lose your pants to the government in taxes (trust me - i have done it...)
i agree w/ the earlier post that you feel you can get a years worth of experience in 6 mos - ain't happening.....
i appreciate your motivation - i am rather motivated myself - but you should be realistic rather than overzealous - solid nursing experience will benefit both you in school and your patients that you are responsible for -
and although you sound rather determined- it takes alot of stability, confidence, maturity, and survival skills to make it especially in a CRNA program - none of which are available at the age of 22 or 23....
Can someone explain the tax situation? So I won't take home more money if I work 84 hours instead of 40? I don't understand.
Also, my mom is a hardworking nurse and she works 84 hours a week just to keep the family together. She works three hospitals, works holidays and vacations, and we're still desperately struggling.
My situation is very urgent for examples such as above. I grew up very underprivileged, and my drive stems from my hunger to escape it, but especially to help my family. My parents are dying and they have not accomplished their dreams yet. They tell me to become a nurse because of the security and the money. My Mom knows about the abuse, but she's used to taking it (from work and from life), and I'm pretty used to taking abuse also (I've had an unforgivably hard life).
I cannot go to college if I choose another major. I have no choice. So I decide--I'm being forced into this direction, why not make the most out of it? Work hard, become independent, and then afterwards-- I really do have the autonomy to build my life whatever it is.
Other kids are so comfortable. They could go to a good college, choose their major, and choose the path of their life. I don't have that AT ALL. I basically have no choice. Many would tick-tick at this, but they probably don't understand the predicament of so many bright but struggling (and poor) children.
I am wondering who is paying for your college? It sounds like you have very good grades, are you receiving scholarships? I'm curious about your statement that you cannot go to college if you pick another major. Why? Because your parents will only help you if you choose nursing? With all the scholarships and loans available, it would be possible to go to a moderately priced college to pursue another field - to pursue your "real" dream. Just something to think about. Have a good week.
OK, here's a shot at explaining the American tax system for the single taxpayer, with no deductions, i.e. no house nor a child.
For 2003 here's the tax code:
between $0-6000 you pay 10%, $600.
Over 600 but not over 28,400, you pay 600 + 15% for over 6000
Over 28,400 but not over 68,800, you pay 3960 + 27% for over 28,400
Over 68,800 but not over 143,500 you pay 14868 + 30% for amt over 68,800
Over 143,500 but not over 311,950 you pay 37,278 + 35% over 143,500.
Single individuals (I'm making an assumption), enjoy a whopping 4750 standard deduction.
Hypothetical numbers:
$25/h X 40 X 52 weeks = 52,000
- std ded 4750 = 47250
- 28,400 = 18,850
X 0.27 = 5089 to pay in taxes PLUS 3960 on the first 28,400
total tax 9049.50
$25/h X 84h (never mind how unreasonable this is nor adding in time and a half) X 52 weeks
= annual income of 109,200
- std deduction of 4750 = 104,450
- 68,800 = 35650
X 0.30 = 10,695 to pay in taxes PLUS 14,868 for the first 68,800 for a total tax of 25,563
So, for 52,000, you paid 17.4% in taxes, net income 42,951
For 109,200, you paid 23.4% in taxes. net income 83637
So, the reward for busting your butt, working MORE than twice as hard, you get LESS than twice the benefits.
Just for grins, say you gross 150,000
- std deduction of 4750 = 145,250
- 37,278 = 107,972
X 0.35 = 37,790 PLUS the 37,278 on the first 143,500 for a total tax of 75,068.
So, for 150,000 you get to pay 50%, yes, five-zero-percent in taxes! Take home is 75,068.
Keep in mind these are completely and totally hypothetical numbers. I am going by rough numbers and 2003 tax rate schedules. PLEASE consult a knowledgable certified public accountant. Another thing to keep in mind, and I'm not sure how it works for one's OWN education, a 529 is a tax-free place to save cash for future education expenses. I know I can contribute for my kids but I do not know if I can contribute for myself for future use. Perhaps someone knowledgable in this area can address this. I also did not account for tax advantages for retirement. It's NEVER too early to save even $100-$200/month for retirement. And if you are taking in 100,000 or more, any LEGAL tax break should be taken.
If I am off base on these estimations, I welcome others' input!
IMHO it's important to honor your parents, but in the end, you live your life, they don't.
I went to school when I wasn't ready and studied a subject I wasn't really interested in and was bored beyond belief. I ended up dropping out. Now at 26 I am going back to school to get my LPN and persue my dreams of eventually getting into CRNA school. It's a long road ahead, but I have a lot more life experience now than when I was 18, and I know what I want and where I belong.
No offense to you, but I wouldn't want to have a nurse treating me (if I were in the ICU) who didn't really want to be a nurse to begin with. On top of that, unless you are a great actress, they will recognize that when you go to interview for CRNA school.
I know what it feels like to be doing a job that you aren't into, and going to school for a subject you didn't want to study. Both bite the big one, so to speak.
I really hope you make a choice that you will be able to live with, and not just a decision to placate your folks. They love you, and even if they are pushing you into nursing, I am sure they would rather see you do something you enjoy rather than be miserable.
Just wondering if people can share their experiences with fellow SRNA's dropping out once they're admitted into the program. Does it happen often or is it rare that anyone be kicked out whether due to grades or other reasons?
I sent this as a PM, but am also posting it on the board, because I want to be sure you see it.
I understand the urgency a little better now, but am more concerned than ever. Essentially, you are allowing your parents, particularly your mother to choose your life's path. Don't do it. Better now to find your own way to college than to be unhappy for the rest of your life. And as I understand it, your mother is basically saying "I've been unhappy, and if that's good enough for me, then it's good enough for you." Frankly, that's bullsh**.
The life of a nurse, any nurse, is tough. Long hours, underappreciation, and on and on. You can find any number of threads throughout this bulletin board about the drawbacks to being a nurse. The point is that the only way someone can be a nurse, be it staff nurse or CRNA, is to really love what they are doing. Without a love for the work, it is enough that it has made many a man or woman bitter, miserable, and mean. If you don't want to do it, DON'T! There are enough nurses like that running around now. We don't need any more.
There are no shortcuts to becoming a CRNA. You must have a four year degree, preferably in nursing. In order to get into a CRNA program, you must be competitive. You have to do very well in both your prerequisites and in nursing school. Schools take applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or better. But, generally speaking, the GPA's of those accepted are higher than that.
You must do one year in an ICU. No shortcuts there, either. Then you must meet all the application criteria, apply, and be accepted to a CRNA program. Then, you must finish it, and it WILL be the toughest thing you will have ever done. Three to four hours of study time for every hour in class, with clinical rotations on top of it. If you aren't doing it because you really love it and want to do it, you won't make it.
Think long and hard about what you are doing. Don't commit yourself to a path that is going to make you miserable because your mother says you have to. If being a CRNA is what you want because of a love for nursing and anesthesia, then fine. If it what you are settling for because your mom is making you be a nurse, then you won't make it. Worse, you will be miserable, and always wonder what could have been.
I became a CRNA at the age of 22, back when it could be done that way. When I look back on it, I realize how immature I was in so many ways. Of course, I matured, both personally and in the field, but I am not so sure that I would do or recommend that to anyone today.
While I commend your dedication to obtaining your goals, my advise is to slow down, take a deep breathe and take it one step at a time, if I were on an admissions committee, I would question whether your maturity and hyper type A approach to your goals would be consistent with anesthesia practice. While getting into school is important and appears to be the main focus of this forum, anesthesia practice as a CRNA is the ultimate goal. This practice involves many personality traits that make some people better suited for the profession than others. The admission committees look for those traits as well as good grades.
Go take some Yoga classes, relax, and learn to be well balanced.
Please feel free to send me a private message; I would love to know what is so urgent. Maybe I can help.
mommyof2grls
104 Posts
Since you are so motivated...I would lay off the gas a little, and really concentrate on your classes NOW. When you do graduate, work 40 hrs a week, and get the best experiences you possibley can.
Take a part in your Unit, get certifications, ACLS, PALS, ABLS, TNCC, ENPC, precept if opportunity arises. Maybe then, if you still have time, pick up shifts in another area to broaden your experince. Don't get in such a hurry that you don't take time to understand the how's and why's of what you are doing.
For MOST new nurses, it quite honestly take's atleast a year for them to start really understanding these things. Some it takes longer. It seems those who have an affinity for ICU are also the ones who go on to CRNA school.
You sound motivated, but as others have said, if it is just for the $$, i would take a step back. You should enjoy your life, and whatever profession you choose, it will make you a better person both personally and professionally.
I have known many who wanted to be "a nurse" like on ER. Who just did not have what it takes to work in that area of healthcare. They were not stupid by any means, just didn't have that "thing", whatever it is, that all good ICU Nurses seem to have in common.
I truely wish you luck, just don't hit 30 and wish you had had a life, friends, sign. other :kiss , etc etc etc.