Choices (looking for CRNA's advice)

[Powertrip]

I wanted to post this here also in hopes that current CRNA's and others on this site could weigh in. i want to weigh my options, but no matter how much I research, I feel someone that is a current CRNA would be better able to decern what is important in making this choice. I know you may not know much about the schools, but I have done my research and both have great numbers on paper. So it comes down to what I have encountered. So with that, here is my problem:

I have been accepted to 4/5 programs that I applied to, but now have to make the choice of which school I want to go to. Choosing 2 of the CRNA schools for elimination off my list was easy, but I am now stuck with 2 hard choices. The first choice is Union University in Tennessee. If this place was closer or the other choice farther away, this would be my choice hands down. It is a DNP program for the same price as my other choice and is only 2 semesters longer. The professors seem very friendly and easy to reach and the program very well organized. The students here love it and it shows. The campus is also beautiful. These people seem to push you to succeede and are a very friendly lot. The other choice is UAB. This school is very close to my house, within 15 minutes. It only offers a MSN and will only be advancing later to DNP. The program seems somewhat organized, but not nearly as organized as Union's. (I could not get anyone on the phone to verify all my stuff had made it to UAB, I ended up having to call the undergrad nursing school and get them to walk over to the CRNA dept. to get someone on the phone.) The students don't hate the program when I talked to them, they did mention it was hard at times to get people on the phone or a return email. I would, however, have to people I know in the program with me at the same time.

Some things to consider about myself, I am married and my wife would want to go with me and take our 2 dogs if we moved to Union. I am a homeowner and would have to sell/rent. My wife would have to quit work and find a new job in a new area. I am more impressed with Union over UAB in my own terms.

I am asking you to put yourself in my shoes and tell me what your opinion would be and why. I am doing this because you may have some insight that I do not (how important is a DNP in practice, ect....). I would love and value opinions that were Neutral, but would love to hear from graduates also. Thank you in advance.

[Powertrip]

All of these comments all make good arguments for both choices. I cannot thank you all enough for the thoughts. I had not even considered the loss of income. In the end the choice I make will probably be the one that grants me the best education though. Wtbcrna made the point of putting your education over all the other benefits as in the end you are responsible for the person on the table. I will be doing more research, but as of right now I still have not come to a solid decision. I will say though students at union made more of an impression to me of those truly enjoying themselves while learning all it takes to be a CRNA. I will continue to ponder this decision. Thank you again for all the valid points to consider. If you think of any more I do continue to read this thread for points to consider.

[MeTheRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I'm not sure if you've made a decision yet, but I'd like to weigh in. I'm just finishing my anesthesia program, so my perspective might be something you'd like. I personally would chose UAB. I don't know a thing about the school, but I can tell by your writing that you really liked it and were impressed by what you saw. Anesthesia school is already extremely difficult, I wouldn't want it to be any harder than it needed to be by adding disorganization and bad office staff. If you're having issues getting your application material reviewed, just imagine what it'll be like when you need to get credentialing done or you need to correct your case counts.

Unless you want to live where you are currently living after you graduate anesthesia school, don't be afraid to relocate. If, however, you do want to stay and work in the same place you live now, then by all means attend the local program and get your foot in the door. The DNAP would not be my deciding factor. You can get one online in 1-2 years. I'd much rather be working at the same time to minimize the loss of income rather than prolong my entry into the workforce any longer. If UAB has an option to leave after getting the MSN, I'd do that to be completely honest. I'm sure others will argue to just stay the course and power through another two semesters, but that's my personal opinion. I cannot imagine going through another two semesters at this point in the game...good luck on whatever you decide!

[Powertrip]

Well, what makes it an issue it that it is UAB that is the disorganized one. Union is the one I like a lot but is also the DNP and requires moving. I know that the two semester worth of income loss potential is bad and that relocating is not ideal, but I feel that union is going to be the best fit and provide the more solid education. They also practice more independently in clinic at union. I was very impressed with unions ethics and organization in comparison with uab. I do believe after considering all aspects I will be going to union for sure. Again thank you all for weighing in. You will never know how much this helped.

[MeTheRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

My mistake, I meant to write I'd pick Union.

[Goose Xx, MSN, RN, EMT-P, CRNA]

I have found over and over that the little voice in your head should be listened too. If you have reservations about a school now, they probably won't go away. In fact, they may make you hypercritical and unhappy with your choice. Go with what feels right, especially if you feel that is where YOU will get the best education and preparation for practice.