financial advice before attending CRNA school???

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So I applied to a program waiting to see if I'll get called for an interview and get accepted. My GPA is good (Im an alumni at the school I'm applying to which we get preference) my test scores were okay, my experience is good too. My only concern is financial issues. I am debating if I do get accepted for 2018 should I start the program or should I continue doing travel nursing (currently in California) for another year to save up more money? I don't really have any bills my only burden is my car note which if worse comes to worse my family will help. Which I really honestly don't want to have to rely on. But I have heard grad students say they wish they saved up more money because they ended up screwing their selves over in the long run. I'm also 24 and have been a nurse for 2 years straight into icu. Being that I'm still young I'm not sure if I should rush to school or if a year will make a difference. What do you guys think?

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

Save more money, get more experience. Pay off your car note.

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Hey NJRN,

I usually don't reply to these threads but I really want to give my input here. I'm in the same situation as you. I graduated from a university, worked in the ICU for 2 years and now I'm going to CRNA school in the fall at the same university I did my undergrad. And paying off a car I bought brand new after I graduated :p When I was originally applying for grad school I wasn't really thinking about finances but now that I'm in and now have to move somewhere more expensive with literally no income, I'm also feeling the stress of finances. Every situation is different but I think you need to do what's right for you. You'll get enough loans to cover grad school and granted you don't go crazy (and aren't burdened with too much undergrad debt) you'll make enough to be able to pay it back as a nurse anesthetist. When it comes to paying loans back you should be fine.

On the other hand it's great to graduate with no debt so I can see why you want to save up as much as possible. If you get in this year would you be able to defer your admission for one more year? Do you love bedside nursing - is it worth it to stay? Will there ever be an "ideal" time to go back to school? Probably not. I say go for it while you're still young, still somewhat familiar with studying and not burdened down with all the responsibilities life has to offer as you get older

So that's my opinion. If you want it badly enough just go for it and things will fall into place. If you want to play it safe then sure, save up and go to school later. But unless you're in some crazy financial situation where your post grad debt would be way too much to handle, I say that money shouldn't be the only reason you don't go. Just go somewhere with reasonable tuition and get a roommate :) it's not just you... I imagine everyone is broke in CRNA school. good luck!!

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Please ignore the first comment. Things will work out, swallow your pride and actual worse case scenario would be giving up that car by selling it and getting a cheaper used one if need be. I have two cars both under 10k and both used and both running for that just in case when I do get accepted. The reason I think most people wait is based on a fear of feeling they are not ready. I say go for it and dont look back. Again ignore the first comment. I am a realist, but that is not even a realistic thing. Something else may happen that you are not able to account for. So like Nike just do it.

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Hey NJRN,

I usually don't reply to these threads but I really want to give my input here. I'm in the same situation as you. I graduated from a university, worked in the ICU for 2 years and now I'm going to CRNA school in the fall at the same university I did my undergrad. And paying off a car I bought brand new after I graduated :p When I was originally applying for grad school I wasn't really thinking about finances but now that I'm in and now have to move somewhere more expensive with literally no income, I'm also feeling the stress of finances. Every situation is different but I think you need to do what's right for you. You'll get enough loans to cover grad school and granted you don't go crazy (and aren't burdened with too much undergrad debt) you'll make enough to be able to pay it back as a nurse anesthetist. When it comes to paying loans back you should be fine.

On the other hand it's great to graduate with no debt so I can see why you want to save up as much as possible. If you get in this year would you be able to defer your admission for one more year? Do you love bedside nursing - is it worth it to stay? Will there ever be an "ideal" time to go back to school? Probably not. I say go for it while you're still young, still somewhat familiar with studying and not burdened down with all the responsibilities life has to offer as you get older

So that's my opinion. If you want it badly enough just go for it and things will fall into place. If you want to play it safe then sure, save up and go to school later. But unless you're in some crazy financial situation where your post grad debt would be way too much to handle, I say that money shouldn't be the only reason you don't go. Just go somewhere with reasonable tuition and get a roommate :) it's not just you... I imagine everyone is broke in CRNA school. good luck!!

Yeah, we're definitely in the same boat. What are you going to do regarding your car payments? And luckily I'll just be going back home where rent is free.

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Please ignore the first comment. Things will work out, swallow your pride and actual worse case scenario would be giving up that car by selling it and getting a cheaper used one if need be. I have two cars both under 10k and both used and both running for that just in case when I do get accepted. The reason I think most people wait is based on a fear of feeling they are not ready. I say go for it and dont look back. Again ignore the first comment. I am a realist, but that is not even a realistic thing. Something else may happen that you are not able to account for. So like Nike just do it.

Yeah so true! Hopefully I'll get accepted and I'll go. Definitely not passing this opportunity up. Thank you for your feedback!

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Actually, it was very good advice that was given. School is stressful enough without having the non-stop and unending worries about money. No one ever regretted saving more. Never. No one ever regretted having more meaningful work experience as they transition to their new role. And lastly, depending on what school they attend, no one ever regretted having a safe and reliable, newish car, in good working order. Some students put over 50K miles on their cars during a CRNA program. Car worries, repairs, and poor attendance because of transportation problems do not serve any SRNA very well. Good preparation and acknowledging cold, hard reality, will be far more helpful to a successful SRNA, than just not asking tough questions and living in the state of denial. "Just do it" won't pay the bills, and certainly won't pass the tests.

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Specializes in ICU.

If you have free rent you'll be more than fine...I know classmates spending well over $1k on rent every month.

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If you have free rent you'll be more than fine...I know classmates spending well over $1k on rent every month.

Omg that's insane. yeah, I'll be rent free

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