Husband & wife both in CRNA school....

FLAreN · Jul 31, 2007

I am not in that situation but I know of a couple who did just that...they are both SRNAs and will be graduating next year. I think they did work per diem for a bit, but unfortunately I don't know the details. They have 2 teenage kids who were used to a certain lifestyle so if they can do it, you guys can too!

Sorry can't be of more help though...but just wanted to let you know it can be done. Good luck!

coopsc1 · Jul 31, 2007

My fiance and I both went through pharmacy together and it was fine. We never really studied together or discussed grades though. I think your biggest hurdle would be the $$ and kids. But if you have the support of in-laws and financial aid, it should be alright. Did you both get accepted at the same school yet?

SC

shandsburnRN-CRNA · Jul 31, 2007

If your support structure is that strong and both your kids and family understand exactly how time consuming CRNA school is and you can afford for both of you to not have any income for the duration, I would say go for it, get it done, afterall 28 months is better 56 months and you have a live-in study partner....how sweet is that!!!

aquarius4u · Jul 31, 2007

with 2 kids (9y/0 & 5y/0)...and parents/in-laws helping with the kids. Anybody did this? My hubby and I are thinking to just do it, finish it, and be done with it! Your inputs are welcome.

congratulations on getting accepted ! go for it!!you won't really know that you will make it unless you try... if it doesn't work then you can always go back to nursing.

ready4crna? · Aug 1, 2007

Ethel- I personally would advise against this. If you have both been accepted to the same program, for the same class, it MIGHT be doable, but I cannot tell from your post if this is a scenario you guys are looking at. I would think it also depends on the program. Some are not as time consuming as others during the didactic (part time didactic) ALL are time consuming during practical. I have a classmate who has three children, he barely gets time with his wife. I tend to see my wife and daughter just before bed. (currently taking 5 minutes away at library).

Either way, you guys have to have an incredibly strong marriage and an established understanding that your children will have to do without you for at least a year (Practical varies from 12-24 months). If you think your marriage and kids can hack it- go for it! Otherwise, alternating attendance might be a better option.

CRNAGAL · Aug 1, 2007

I guess anything is possible, but as a mom I would say that 2 to 3 years of both mom and dad not being around much, not being able to attend softball games, ballet recitals, swimming lessons, etc, and dumping that all off on the folks is just not fair to all involved. I totally see the point in getting things done as quickly as possible, but my opinion would be to have at least one parent home with the children.

Biotechnology · Aug 1, 2007

I agree with Ready4CRNA?. Maybe you can try to alternate start times of the programs. One of you should finish the program then the other start. I am saying this from experience from an even harder front. I am a single mother of a 9 year old. I have 3 degrees all from the help of my mother watching her while I go to school. It was hard because my mother worked, so we had to figure out between the 2 of us who could pick up my daughter from daycare and how quick I would be able to get to class, etc,etc. there were the never ending questions of "Hey Mom, can you watch Kaylin so I can study for an exam?"( Thats in addition to her watching her for classes and clinicals) The guilt of abandonment never ceases;especially if you are close with your children. I would have you know that I do everything for my daughter so that I may take care of her the best way that I know how. That is why I have 3 degrees. I am the only income in my household.... I think you get my drift. Your situation isn't as colorful as mine, but the need for a parent there is important. This is what the situation will be if both of you go at the same time...... just like being a single parent that is in school. you wont be able to spend as much time, you will be short fused when you DO see them, and the entire time, you will be wondering if you are doing the right thing. I understand, COMPLETELY, the need to get it done and over with, but make it easly on them and you.....go back to school at different times.

zrmorgan · Aug 1, 2007

with 2 kids (9y/0 & 5y/0)...and parents/in-laws helping with the kids. Anybody did this? My hubby and I are thinking to just do it, finish it, and be done with it! Your inputs are welcome.

I say alternate....

you can get advice from your spouse who has been through the program, and will get to know the demands and sacrifices required (which by the way will be half as bad)

you can take turns playing the role of superdad/mom and superstudent.

one of you should be with the kids at all times during very impressionable years, your children are far more important than any career. there is no substitute for your relationship with your children...I think it would be best to compensate with one of you during the hard times instead of with a grandparent.

it is awsome that your parents/in-laws have decided to help. pull them in either way you go. whether you decide to go two at a time or one by one, you and your children will rely upon them heavily.

i got through school with a very supportive wife who stayed at home with our kids. i am somewhat envious that she had two years bonding with our daughter while i was in school. i am so glad we did it though.

most importantly, this is my opinion. you know your family better than anyone. plan for both the worst case scenario and best case scenario.

congratulations and good luck to both of you. too bad you couldnt put your children on a fast track and you could all enter the program together