Career Change/Age Discrimination?

Jo Dirt · Jun 29, 2006

I thin the average salary for a CRNA is pretty well over 100 grand, wherever you go.

catlady, BSN, RN · Jun 29, 2006

First of all, you can't just walk out of school and become a CRNA. Nursing experience--emergency room or critical care--is required, and then you have to go back to school after you've gone up against very sharp, qualified applicants for CRNA slots, and be prepared to survive without working due to the intensity of the program. There are no direct entry CRNA programs.

Second, if it's all about the money, stay home. It took me the same number of years, working nights and weekends and holidays and twelve months out of the year, to reach the salary that you're at now, and that was in a higher cost area. Finally, salaries are starting to be realistic, after years of serious underpayment. But to start in nursing at your age (and I'm turning 49 this year myself), you'd better be dedicated to the idea of becoming a nurse. Nursing school is very difficult, and nursing is very difficult.

I don't live in Florida, but my understanding is that it is one of the lowest paying states for nurses. That you are supposed to be paid in "sunshine." As if that pays the rent/mortgage.

The degrees you pursue should be relevant to your goals. You shouldn't have trouble getting hired, regardless of path.

I'm not trying to discourage you, but I'd be happy to have what you've got. Wanna trade?

Bala Shark · Jun 29, 2006

If you have a degree already, there are many universities in my area that will accept your non nursing BA and then you will go to graduate school for a Master of Science in Nursing which is 2 years..One of my college instructors majored in English (BA) then went that route to get a MSN Master of Science in Nursing..It takes only two years..I live in California thou, not Florida

dorimar, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2006

However, a MSN is not considered and advanced practice degree. The only Masters for advanced practice are CRNA, NP, CNS & i think midwife. The only reason I know this, is because I have my BS not a BSN, and am currently attempting to pursue an advanced practice masters degree. it's not proving easy.

I also wanted to add, that was a great post form Catlady.

mtngrl, ASN, RN · Jun 30, 2006

Dont do it. Unless you want a ton of stress in your "older" years. It seems like you are just looking for more money, so nursing would be a big shock when you realize what you actually have to DO for the nursing income...which is not much...unless you are a CRNA...but I agree with the previous post about how hard it is to get there.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2006

Part of your difficulty will be where you live.

Florida is well known for being one of the poorest paying states in the nation,,,in nursing and in everything else.

At 53K for 10monthes work, you are doing better than most nurses. Estimates on pay for fulltime nurses statewide is roughly between 38K to 45K, for a hospital nurse receiving benefits. And while the pay rate may be a bit higher in Miami than in say Tampa, or Ocala, it generally is not all that much higher.

You will also have to deal with the seasonal shift. Lots of work in the Winter and occasional low census in the summer.

CRNAs make much more but that is generally a 4 year degree, two years of working in an ICU and then the CRNA program.

NPs may also do better.