CRNA school with a baby?

HannitizeYou · Aug 25, 2007

Hi all,
I'm wondering if any CRNAs made it through school with a young child or baby. Is this possible or completely unrealistic? I've heard CRNA programs are very intense and am wondering how this works out for people.
Thanks!

You can do whatever you set your mind to accomplish - Dont let detractors tell you otherwise. What the mind can percieve the body will achieve - just move forward and have faith in yourself, it makes the seemingly impossible not only possible, but probable.

Sean

ALYPA · Aug 31, 2007

I just finished a very tough anesthesia program a couple of weeks ago. When I started 2 years ago, I had a 12 month old. I had 2 people in my class who had 3 kids each (1 was a single parent) and because they had the support of their family and friends throughout the program, we were all able to graduate! So... bottom line is, you CAN do it.. it just makes it a little tougher.

LovePurple · Jan 19, 2008

I really appreciate this post. It helps me out. I just posted a new forum in this section asking questions about this type of stuff. I was also curious to know how the school reacted to being pregnant and delivering during school. I was afraid they may ask you to resign from school to continue at a later time. IF that would happen to me, I would of course continue to be at school as much as possible, except of course while in labor =) but still didn't know how schools would react since it is so demanding. Just something to think about...

RRT2RN2CRNA · Jan 22, 2008

Your husband needs to buck up, quit complaining, and should have never said that the children "need their mommy." No kidding, fool. That is some bull, if you ask me. I am a male, by the way.
from the way it sounds, you will likely resent your husband for this in the future. I know i would if my imaginary wife did this to me. Just my irritated opinion.:trout: I would kinda like to slap him with this fish.

Kristi RN- I am really truly sad for you. What an awful position to be put in... *especially after you had already started*.

I agree with Proclivity- I would have some major resentment going on. The program is 2-3 years for a lifetime of better earnings, flexibility and job satisfaction...

Maybe you can get back into that or another program down the line? Hopefully you left your program on good terms. Maybe when your kids are older you can re-apply.

My condolences go out to you.

Although I see that people can get through OK with kids... I'm not planning to have any until after I graduate.

LovePurple · Jan 22, 2008

I know the school is demanding.. but how consuming is it really!? Our local program is upping to the doctorate in the next year and will be 36 months. That is straight through right? compared to an associate in nursing, how overwhelming has it been for those of you who have gone through the crna program?? (with or without kids)

RRT2RN2CRNA · Jan 22, 2008

I know the school is demanding.. but how consuming is it really!? Our local program is upping to the doctorate in the next year and will be 36 months. That is straight through right? compared to an associate in nursing, how overwhelming has it been for those of you who have gone through the crna program?? (with or without kids)

Let's just say that I worked part time through law school, I worked full time while doing my BSRT in a difficult program, and I'm working four 12s a week now while doing my RN. I'm a nauseating overachiever lunatic with no kids...

and even I would not attempt to work.

CRNA school is a once in a lifetime chance. You blow it, you're done and you won't get another. I plan on playing it safe, saving up some major money, taking loans up to the eyeballs,

and getting married. LOL (that sounds so mean, but it's true)

Trust me, the people on these boards who have been accepted and are going to CRNA school? They are hardcore, no joking around. If they tell you "don't work".... you better believe they're not wussing out.

However, you have to see how your program runs... if the last three semesters are "DNP residency" you might be able to start doing something... maybe work a little perdiem magic in there before you go full time CRNA. But that's a big maybe, and you'll be fried to a crisp anyway so it might not be a good idea to put any pressure on yourself. AND you'll have your boards still lingering probably.

Cheers-

A

RRTNeuroRN · Jan 22, 2008

I have a 17 month old daughter and am going to start CRNA school this August. My husband has been completely supportive during my whole application process and continues to be now as I am preparing to start school. kristi RN, I am truly sorry your husband was not supportive. I agree with the previous post that he should have supported you more!! It would have been soooo worth it in the long run. These 28 months will be tough on my family, but it can be done. Thanks to all the previous posts from students with kids. It makes me feel even more reassured that I will prevail!

DNAPwannabe · Feb 10, 2008

Really, I am PLANNING to have a child between my BSN and my year of ICU experience because I'm dedicated to accomplishing my dream of becoming a CRNA and am unable to wait (due to fertility issues) to have a child. My fiance' and I have discussed this in depth, and so long as there is a sold support team in place- grandparents, aunts, uncles, daycare, etc.- we agree that the baby is less likely to remember mommy being away all the time for class and clinicals, but will definitely remember the future benefits to our family's financial security! (No, its not about the money, but if I can be paid well to do something I LOVE, I'll take the money without complaining :-) )

Whatever you decide, good luck, and enjoy your baby!!!

lovegasRN, BSN, RN · Feb 10, 2008

Kristi RN - I am amazed at the audacity of your husband to pull the mommy card on you!!! He had to of known going into this that it would not be an easy 2 years. I applaud you for not losing it and for putting your family first when you were put in that position but shame on him for putting you in it. :angryfire I am applying this year for 2009 admittance and I have 3 kids who will be 5, 8 and 10. I am so sorry that you had to put your dream aside. I'm sure you already worked extremely hard just to get in. Congrats for at least getting that far. I know that this can be done with kids when you have a great support system as I do (thanks for all of you who had positive posts about finishing school with kids).

in2b8nsed8 · Apr 23, 2008

I've been looking for posts about those with kids in CRNA school. I have my future planned (perhaps a bit too much) by finishing my BSN in time for my youngest to start full time school. It is killing me to think of missing so much time with them for school but I know everyone of us will benefit from my continued education. My kids are mamma's boys and frequently refuse to allow my husband to care for them (wipe butts, assist with dressing, tuck into bed, etc.). Spoiled rotton really. KristyRN, I am so sorry that you had to stop (not quit) school. I can only imagine how hard it was for you to do that. I am praying that my husband can handle me going to CRNA school. He is very supportive but I often misinterpret his communication as negative when it isn't meant to be (you think after 13 years we would know each other better). This man was even a stay at home dad for 6 years until I talked him into nursing school!! I hope that CRNA school doesn't cause a divorce. I'm sure the pressure on a marriage is tough. Kristy RN, I think you made the right choice at the time but I hope that you will be able to return to school when the time is right for you and your family.