CRNA HELP

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  1. CRNA or MD

9 members have participated

Hello, (just became a member and this is my first post so forgive me if this question has been answered)

I have an issue that has pretty much been rattling my mind for a loooong time. I have set my heart on becoming a CRNA ever since i was 18 and i saw the pre and post op interaction between the CRNA and my mom when she had her mastectomy. It was the most heart-fulfilling experience knowing you gained the patients trust/confidence in you before you put them to sleep and to check on them after they are out of surgery as well as provide pain management.

OK enough of the talk. Here is my problem- I am 24 years old now and I have had a few set-backs in life (no children, though) dealing with my mothers health. Many people tell me to just go ahead and be an MD since "im already too late in the game" but I have a hard time dealing with the fact that I wont be done with school until I'm around 37ish. KEEP IN MIND I DON'T HAVE MY BACHELORS IN ANYTHING YET -NURSING OR ANYTHING-, I ONLY HAVE A FEW NURSING PRE-REQ'S UNDER MY BELT BUT THATS IT.

please keep the harsh comments to yourself, as I have already heard some people tell me forget it and don't even think about med school or even CRNA school. Some people give me a positive outlook and say go for the gold. I have never run into anyone that has been in my circumstance though as far as starting at the age of 24 weather its med school or CRNA route. Its not about the money AT ALL. I just dont want to be one of those people that made the wrong decision and can't "breathe" until im 37 when med school/residency is all over and think I should have went the CRNA route. But then I dont want to regret the fact that I should have just went for the MD route and call it a day. I know i may sound like im confused and all over the place but I really do appreciate some guidance...possibly from someone who was or has been in the same situation and had a "late start" because of life's set-backs and trying to decide between CRNA or MD. None of my family is in medicine and we arent wealthy by a long shot. I just want to do whats practical for my age and time spent in school and also be happy.

Thanks,

James.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

I am not voting on either one. It is a personal choice. My advice would be to volunteer at your local hospital and ask to shadow both a CRNA and an MDA. Then you can make an informed decision.

As far as when it is too late to go back to school, when you are dead or senile then it is too late to go back to school other than that it is never too late to back to school. You need to be internally motivated to succeed in school, if you let other people's suggestions guide you all the time how are you ever going to know what you truly want to do.

Do what you think is right for you.

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I feel the same way, this isn't an appropriate decision to be made with the aid of an online poll.

I wouldn't be so quick to assume that you'll get done with CRNA school a whole lot sooner than you would be done with medical school. By the time you finish your nursing degree, find a job in an ICU, get the experience, and finish CRNA school your time tables won't be far off of each other. The CRNA route does offer an upside as it won't be as big of a commitment as medical school. I'm not saying its easier, I'm just saying if you change your mind midway through medical you don't have anything to fall back on. If you change your mind midway through CRNA school you at least have an RN degree and ICU experience under your belt. One thing you'll learn is the value of experience is much greater than of your degree.

My best advice is to take as much chemistry as you can right now. You'll need these regardless of what you decide. Take biochem, organic, inorganic, and whatever else you can find. This will not only help you with your decision, but will also help you see where you'll stack up when you ultimately apply for schools. Additionally, you may end up liking chemistry and you'll be closer to a bachelors. There is a lot of opportunity for chem grads, so even if it doesn't work out you'll have something of value.

Also if you're not aware many, if not most, medical schools don't care what your bachelors is in as long as you meet their prerequisite requirements and have an acceptable MCAT score.

As for the nay sayers, who cares what they think. No one would ever become anything if they listened to these people in the shadows. You can do whatever you want whenever you want as long as you have the aptitude and put in the time.

I hope this helps!

-Zack

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Listen, 24 is NOT too late. That's not a late start by any means.Many people do not start their journey until their 30s, 40s and 50s.It's never too late.I can't tell you which path to take. That's your decision.The starting point for CRNA is to get your BSN and that means knocking out the prerequisites first.Best of luck whatever you decide.

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I agree that 24 isn't too late! That's crazy talk! I was an LPN at 22, and just started CRNA school at 37! A long road for me, but life happens! Ask yourself, what else are you going to do with the years that pass? Because pass they will, whether you go for MD, CRNA, or something else. It is all about how much you want it, you will push yourself to it.

good luck

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I'm not sure if this puts anything into perspective, but I'm 24 and considered a baby in my crna program...probably one of the youngest they've ever had. The majority is made up of students at least a few years older than me, most coming to the program with 3+ years critical care experience, so don't think the cohorts are mostly made up of students already your age

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Dude, 24 is not old. I know you may feel that way seeing all of your high school peers with bachelors degrees already. I feel you, trust me. However, you are in a unique position where you have maturity and drive on your side. How many people know what they want to be at 18 when they enter college. You know you want to be a high level provider. You know that it will be a long, tough road whichever you decide. I agree that taking several chem classes is a big step in the right direction as long as you're knocking out some other general pre reqs that should apply to any degree (BSN or a premed major). 37 will get here just as fast whether you pursue a graduate medical career or not....

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Hey,

So I realize you posted this almost 2 months ago, but I came across it and figured I could give you some of my thoughts.

Firstly, no one here (or anywhere!) can make this decision for you. You will make your own decision when you're ready, and after much thought. But, maybe I can offer some guidance, because I've had major setbacks in my life, too.

So, I started college when I was 17, and I was enrolled in a Pharmacy program. I was pushed into it because of my parents and I felt uneasy about it a lot of the time. I got a job at a pharmacy and started working while I was in school. I would often come home from work feeling like maybe this wasn't the right choice for me. But, I didn't want to hurt my parents.

I made it through three years (which translates to 2 years of pre-reqs and 1 year of the professional phase) and that's when I got the news. I had Stage III Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I had to take 2 years off of school, and when I decided to go back, I knew I couldn't do pharmacy anymore. So, I left, and this May, I will be graduating with a B.A. in Psychology, holding 2 minors: Biology & Chemistry (I even took a couple of graduate Chem courses!)

I am 24 years old, and am only now embarking on the next chapter of my life. My goal is to get into an ABSN program in NY, finish, work for a year, then go back and do my NP. Personally, I could have probably gotten into Med school had I cared enough to apply, but I couldn't see myself in school for such a long period of time. In a few short years, I will be done, and though I will never call cancer a blessing, I do feel that it has shaped me, and made me a stronger, more optimistic person. I think, if you can translate all you've been through into motivation for the future, everything else will fall into place.

Age is just a number!

Good luck

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I'm 24 and I too have my heart set at becoming a CRNA..I have 2 small children so u have that upper hand..right now I'm going for my bsn plan to work with that about 2 yrs then go for masters and don't care if I'm 40 and just becoming a CRNA...if your heart says yes push!

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You can do it, even if it won't be easy. If you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything :)

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