Funding the CRNA expenses

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Graduation is right around the corner!! I graduate in May with my BSN and I've spent countless hours trying to figure out I will paying for CRNA school and living expenses since I have 3 children and my wife is home with the kids. I know I am just starting my career out, but I've always known that I wanted to be a CRNA. Since you typically can't work while in the program, I would have no income coming in while in school. Has anyone experienced a similar situation, and if so, what did you do to overcome this financial burden? How long did you save for before starting the program?

Specializes in SICU / Transport / Hyperbaric.

Starting wage seems to be regionally based. I friends that just graduated in the last class and started in the 160's with excellent benefits. I have classmates who have received offers in the 170's that don't take boards until May. We got job offers from sites we did clinical rotations through. Every clinical rotation should be considered a job interview. Stay late, work your ass off, be prepared, volunteer for cases (even the not so glamorous- as a student, you can learn from EVERY case). Your hard work and preparedness will be noticed and talked about.

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.
Difference is when you sign with a employer you know where you will be working. The military can send you anywhere their needs are. I also work with three people that did their service trough the army reserve and it took them 2-3 yrs after their service payback agreement to actually be released.

Not a bad way to pay for college but there is a reason they give a bunch of money. You Will earn it.

Of course, it's just like anything else. There are pro's and con's to both and it's not for everyone.

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Specializes in critcal care, CRNA.

A new grad CRNA making half of 135k? That's what a staff nurse makes in most parts of the country. Wouldn't make much sense financially to do CRNA if that was the case

I believe that was the military pay being discussed.

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Some good info here, thanks!

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A new grad CRNA making half of 135k? That's what a staff nurse makes in most parts of the country. Wouldn't make much sense financially to do CRNA if that was the case

as active duty military? yes that is what I have read people saying and looked at the pay charts. not in the private sector

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.

as active duty military? yes that is what I have read people saying and looked at the pay charts. not in the private sector

Depends if you go in as a CRNA or not because there is special pay for certain specialties, including CRNA, which bumps up your pay.

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.

There are also other benefits like free health and dental and no .

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Do you know if my spouse would be covered?

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.
Do you know if my spouse would be covered?

Not while you are in school, but once you are done and on active duty they would be.

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Specializes in open hearts post op.

I'm a VA employee SICU RN. I was fortunate enough to get into the USAGPAN. Not only is my school payed for but I will also be pulling a nice salary while in school. When I'm done I owe the VA 3 years at a very competitive CRNA starting salary. So in the end I think its a pretty good deal. Free CRNA school + current nursing salary while in school + Job waiting for me when I'm done.

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Specializes in CRNA.

I have a few friends that got stipends for $30,000 Each from a local CRNA practice.

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