Feeling Depressed/confused

smiling_ru · Oct 23, 2002

You have quite a ways to go before you start CRNA school. During that time things may change in your life, it may not look like a sacrafice by then etc. In the mean time, just do what you need to do now, have fun, DO NOT stress yourself out over something that is several years away. Make that decision when you get there and all the facts are pertinent to that time.

renerian, BSN, RN · Oct 23, 2002

You probably feel like your being pulled ten different ways at once. What I did when I started school was have my kids first but you can certainly have another. Maybe if you broke it down into smaller bites, as in get one degree, then work for awhile. Have a baby then go back in a year or so. I was overwhelmed in my BS/MS program. I have five kids. I went back to school after being an ADN RN for 14f years. Not to say you should wait that long but I found if I just concentrated on the BS degree and not say OMG I have almost 40 classes to take!!!!!!! I broke it down in my mind and then I felt better. Does that make sense? Worked for me.....and I am knee deep and only have 4 classes left in my MS program.

Tough call isn't it?

renerian

u-r-sleeepy · Oct 23, 2002

I was going to go to Med-School, but I'm not 22 anymore either.... I am grateful to be in a CRNA program. I can tell you there a more than a few people in my class in that 38-42 year age bracket so, you are not out of contention to do this. As you state though, only you can deside if you should be going after this.

I look at it as being "very busy and sometimes absent" from my family during my time in school. I have a very supportive, loving family and that helps. Part of it too is that I couldn't see staying in nursing another ??? years until I retired. I guess I was at a stage I think I would have gone into "sales" or something just to get out of nursing.

I believe you can do it if you set your mind to it and your heart is in it! :)

renerian, BSN, RN · Oct 23, 2002

Sleepy that is what I am doing, shifting to sales. I am excited about the change in venue......

renerian

kmchugh · Oct 23, 2002

Valencia

First, you need ONE year of critical care experience before applying to CRNA school. Not more (at least that is the AANA standard). So, if people tell you you need more than a year, they don't know what they are talking about. Second, you can get an ICU job fresh out of ADN school. You can be getting you ICU experience at the same time you are working on your BSN. So, it may not take as long as you suspect to get your CRNA.

Finally, I started nursing school at 33, and CRNA school at 39, graduating at 41 years old. So, from what you say when you start your CRNA program you will be 39, and 41 or 42 when you finish, seven years from now. How old will you be in seven years if you don't work on your CRNA? You just need goals.

Kevin McHugh, CRNA

fence · Oct 23, 2002

Valencia--

I know it seems like a lifetime to get through all this school. I graduated RN school at the age of 35 I am applying for CRNA school for next fall. If I am accepted I will be 42-43 y/o depending on which school I get into. I already miss plenty of time with my family working 7p-7a in ICU. If your like most of us and do not have a trust fund to let you retire at 40...your going to be working for a long time. Might as well get into some real money and prepare for a GREAT retirement. There are jobs out there that will give you great money and great time off with the family. Good luck and hang in there.

Jimmy

MK2002 · Oct 24, 2002

Valencia,

Do what you want the most first. If that means putting your effort into your family, then do it. You can always go to school at a later time, but you cannot wait forever to have another child.

The big secret is out regarding CRNA earnings. And the temporary shortage is not going to last forever. It seems like everyone is talking about becoming a CRNA these days, from high school seniors to established nurses. I attended nursing career fairs and nursing school orientation sessions during the past few months. The instructors, school staff, career fair staff, and potential students are all talking about this nursing specialization MORE THAN ANY OTHER.

When there is this much interest in an occupation you can be sure the good times will not last forever. But try to tell that to people now--especially those too young to have lived through a temporary labor shortage--and they will not listen. They are too focused on the present to look at the future and the fact it takes years to get to the goal. They fail to recognize that labor shortages are ALWAYS temporary and that there is a limited window of opportunity.

I am 45 years old, and there has never been any occupation in my lifetime that had an employee shortage for more than a few years. News about the shortage eventually becomes widely circulated--as is happening now with the CRNA. Then the applicants arrive in droves wondering what happened and why they cannot get a job.

Come back and re-read this post in 5 years--approximately the timeframe you mentioned. I won't ever forget that I wrote it. Yet, I would be willing to bet there are dozens of others reading it that will claim 5 years from now no one ever said the shortage was temporary!

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Oct 24, 2002

Just one thought: You'll be 38 years old in 4 yrs. anyway even if you DON'T go to CRNA school. It's OK---I was 38 when I graduated from nursing school, so you're ahead of me!!

RNConnieF · Oct 24, 2002

I didn't even start nursing school until 40 and if I REALLY lucky I'll have my BSN by 50. Have to hurry though, my birthday is Friday and I'll be 48 (yuck!) Let your heart lead you.

alansmith52 · Oct 24, 2002

Today I recieved in the mail my acceptance letter to the Pennsylvania hopsital school of nursing anesthesia. to start fall 2003.

I will give you my specs as I remeber being intersted in what kind of people where being accepted a year ago.

GPA 3.6 (upper divsion) less with all classes.

GRE 1510 on a second take. 1320 the first time.

one year expeince in a truama one Icu

I graduate with my BSN in Dec.

matt

braden74 · Oct 24, 2002

Thanks Matt. I have been freaking out myself because my overall GPA is only 3.4 with 3.6 upper division. It's nice to know my dreams are attainable.