CRNA Student and Mom?

[carim]

I am currently waiting to hear about interviews for CRNA school. I think I have a pretty good chance of at least getting an interview. I already have 1 masters degree (in business), had a 4.0 gpa in nursing school, scored above a 1250 on the GRE and have 3+ years of NICU experience. I know some schools are not crazy about NICU, but in talking to the directors of the schools I applied to, they said my experience was fine, since it was a magnet NICU with the sickest of sick babies on vents, drips, etc.

Here is my question. I am also a Mom. I have a 2 yo and a 2 mo. If I were to start school in January, they would be 2.5, and 10 mo. I am worried that in a interview I will be asked about this and it will be looked at negatively.

Also, I am wondering if I am crazy for thinking I can do CRNA school in this situation. I do have a super supportive husband, who is willing to take on more of the "at home workload." He also is able to support us fully financially, so I don't have to work. My mom also has volunteered to Nanny the girls 40 hrs. a week as needed.

I know it is a huge commitment, but it is something I really want. I have loved all the time I have spent with CRNA's. And, I think the hours and pay of a CRNA would long-run be great for my family. I was just wondering if there are any other moms out there that have done. it?

[manusko]

I am currently waiting to hear about interviews for CRNA school. I think I have a pretty good chance of at least getting an interview. I already have 1 masters degree (in business), had a 4.0 gpa in nursing school, scored above a 1250 on the GRE and have 3+ years of NICU experience. I know some schools are not crazy about NICU, but in talking to the directors of the schools I applied to, they said my experience was fine, since it was a magnet NICU with the sickest of sick babies on vents, drips, etc.

Here is my question. I am also a Mom. I have a 2 yo and a 2 mo. If I were to start school in January, they would be 2.5, and 10 mo. I am worried that in a interview I will be asked about this and it will be looked at negatively.

Also, I am wondering if I am crazy for thinking I can do CRNA school in this situation. I do have a super supportive husband, who is willing to take on more of the "at home workload." He also is able to support us fully financially, so I don't have to work. My mom also has volunteered to Nanny the girls 40 hrs. a week as needed.

I know it is a huge commitment, but it is something I really want. I have loved all the time I have spent with CRNA's. And, I think the hours and pay of a CRNA would long-run be great for my family. I was just wondering if there are any other moms out there that have done. it?

Is he willing to take all of the workload? Everyone manages school differently but many of my classmates and myself included had spouses who took over mom and dad roles. I attended birthdays and holidays but was not hands-on for any of the planning. It was a long 28 months and my 6 month old grew up quickly. I graduated in May and passed boards in June. I the several months were very hard. I worked clinicals all day and studied all night and weekends. I annoyed my family. I know I looked like hell and acted like an angry/depressed individual. I wouldn't change it. I love anesthesia. I am also not trying to discourage. I made an agreement with my wife and she took over as a single parent.

Also, I do not believe they can ask you about having children or even a husband. They may ask about your support system, experience, why you want to be a CRNA but I'm pretty sure they are limited on asking about your personal and home life.

[PassingGas]

Do not say anything about your situation in an interview. They may ask you what kind of support system you have at home. Just talk about your supportive husband and do not, under any circumstances, mention your newborn. You are selling them on why you are going to excel in their program. Don't give them any reason to doubt you. I waited until after I was excepted to tell my program director that my wife and I had a baby on the way and I was glad I did because he turned white, literally.

I am currently in a DNP CRNA program now with a two-month-old and it is hell, but it can be done. The most important thing is that you and your family know what to expect. Make sure your husband understands the gravity of your upcoming time commitment. It's like a full-time job, doubled. In addition to your general unavailability, you will be tired and stressed, so communicate, communicate, communicate with each other.

Don't be discourage though, this is supposed to be the hardest thing you will ever do, and that's one of the things that makes it so great. If you're entering anesthesia for the right reasons, you will make it through the program just fine and love your job afterward.

Good luck!