reconsidering becoming a nurse but still want to be a CRNA

Specialties CRNA

Published

I was hoping I can get some opinions from you guys here on the CRNA board.

I was really into the idea of becoming a nurse and was even more excited when I found out about the CRNA profession. I knew it was something that would be perfect for me. As I've been doing my pre-reqs for the past year, the more things I hear that discourages me from wanting to actually become a nurse. Truthfully, I'm now scared to death of becoming one. But I still, so badly want to become a CRNA.

Now due to financial problems, I started looking into the shorter healthcare programs at my school. I've considered going the LPN route instead but with the waiting list there are for these programs it would be pointless, also the fact I'm unsure about nursing. So now I'm really considering doing the respiratory care program since it's a year shorter than the nursing program. I think I would rather specialize in one area first instead of being more generalized as in nursing.

So my question is: If I went the RT route, do you think my experience as an RT would be beneficial to becoming a CRNA? Would it look good trying to get into a program? Will the knowledge and experience come in handy in nursing school and anesthesia school? I'm strongly considering becoming an RT and in a few years going back to nursing school.

Cynthiann,

Please allow me to step out of my nurse shoes and into my financial adviser shoes for a moment so that I can offer you some advice. Have you contacted the Consumer Credit Counseling Service yet? If not, please consider it. It is a non-profit community service agency that offers free debt management advice and planning. Look in the phone book under debt or credit. In some instances, they can renegotiate interest rates on money due, so that more of what you pay actually pays off the balance due, not the interest. But beware of imposters. Many private companies have been created with similar-sounding names.

Also, please speak with a neutral third party before you take out a home equity loan, refinance, or do anything that could affect your real property ownership. Given your present circumstances, doing so would be extremely risky.

And, one more thing...Check with your student aid office before you sign on the dotted line of those unsubsidized student loans. Unsubsidized student loans are awarded regardless of family income, which is why they are often the only source of financial aid offered to families with more than nominal income. With unsubsidized student loans, you are borrowing money from the government, just like a subsidized loan, but you are responsible for the interest that accrues from the time the money is disbursed. You are probably getting an alternative loan. If so, please read the fine print very carefully. Their interest rates can be enormous, and because they are given by private companies, may come with fees, penalties, and other hidden charges.

Any financial adviser would likely point out that additional loans, credit cards, or money borrowing may place a patch on your financial situation for a short time. Eventually, though, the dam will burst without a solid plan for reaching a more stable situation.

Getting your finances in order is very scary, but it is also a tremendous relief when you begin to realize that with hard work, time, and a structured plan, it can be accomplished.

Good luck!

Specializes in NICU,ICU,PACU,IV Therapy.

Cynthiann,

I am an RRT and have been for the past 11 years. I too want to take the route of the CRNA. I have just graduated with my BSN and will be applying to a few CRNA programs this fall while I am getting my required year of nursing experience. Being an RRT has been invaluable, however, I would suggest to you that you just go into the nursing profession, maybe first with your ADN and then working while getting your BSN. If your ultimate goal is CRNA this is the best way to go. (in my opinion and one who has gone through it).:)

Specializes in ER.

Not sure I would bother with Consumer Credit Counseling if your income is that low. We tried that, years ago, when we had an income similar to yours, and they basically sent us away. She said they cannot help if you simply don't have enough income to do anything with. ( I wound up sitting there crying in the office, while the nice lady patted my hand....quite embarrassing!! )

We are getting by while I am in school by prioritizing what we can pay and what we can't. The essentials get paid, the rest just has to wait. Speaking from experience, I would NOT reccommend going into further debt. In your stuation, you shouldn't have to. Go for the free money! Look into hospital programs that pay tuition, check out the HRSA scholarship (based on finacial need, pays books, tuition, $1000 a month stipend), ask about community programs, nursing scholarships etc. In our state they have a program that pays, tuition, books, child care, lunch money, gas money, uniforms......It used to be called JTP (Job training Partnership), but I don't remember what it is called now.. I'd have to look it up. Your state may have something similar. The money is out there, you just have to be dilligent in hunting it down! Pester everyone!

Good Luck

HRSA info

http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/nursing/scholarship/default.htm

AHA!!!! Went hunting and found it. The one that used to be JTPA is now Workforce Investment Act. I found the Oklahoma website, and it lists nursing schools as approved places of training. You might want to call somebody and get some info on how it all works. Didn't find a lot of details, but it states the basics, lists approved schools etc. ... here is the link in case you are interested... http://www.oesc.state.ok.us/Emp-Trng/default.htm

(when you get to the approved providers list, you can click the "next set of documents" button to get more..there are more listed that it first appears!)

I'm currently qualifying for grants right now that pays for all my school related expenses, so that's not a problem. I'm getting $2500 grant $380 academic scholarship. The problem is having the extra money to pay the bills which is why I need to take on student loans. I have only two options: (1) quit school and go to work whenever my husband can be home with the kids (2) stay in school and take out all the student loans I can to help pay the bills. To tell you all the truth, I almost never started school in the first place because I originally planned on just waiting until both of my kids are in school full time (which is not until the year 2007). I decided to go to school because I figured that it's worth taking out loans to get my education done and by the time I graduate the youngest will at least be in pre-school. Another reason we are bad off financially is because the IRS is screwing with us and they owe us $5000 while we were depending on that money the entire year, it may take a few more months to get that money back... long story.

Specializes in ER.

That is why I mentioned the HRSA scholarship. Pays $1000 a month spending money if you get it.

Have you ever considered becoming an LPN first? You can still obtain your RN in 2 years. Most LPN programs are 1 yr long and then you can get a good paying job and work part time while attending RN school. A lot of ADN programs will let LPN's accelerate into the 2nd year of the nursing program. You would just have to make sure and take college transferable science classes. LPN's in my area are starting at about $12-14/hr. This was the plan I used and while in RN school I had a weekend opt. position as an LPN. I worked 2 12hr shifts on the weekend and got paid for 40. Hope this helps and good luck to you.

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