Impossible vs. Possible

[rn2bn07]

Has anyone ever felt like becoming a CRNA is impossible? Even when this is all you have ever wanted to do after becoming a nurse. I feel like this. I never thought of becoming a NP or midwife, it was always CRNA. I love the OR, and the thought of making someone comfortable before and after a major surgery or procedure. The science of medicine is like a fascination to me. I just think its almost impossible for me and I feel discouraged. My goal is to receive my masters degree but I feeling I may have to chose the NP route due to the fact that I need to work. I am a single mother with an almost teenager and I have bills and I can't even begin with how hard it is to save a buck every paycheck without the thought of dipping into my savings account for something that I need not want. I want this so bad.

Has anyone ever had to deal with this, but overcame this and succeeded as a SRNA and doing well in the program? If so, please give me some encouragement or advice. Thank you

[CCRN-CMC-CSC]

Wow - I know exactly where you are coming from. I would advise you to get your financial life in order before you even think of applying to school. School is a huge undertaking and you don't want financial stresses hanging over your head.... that will SINK you in school (and the schools know it --- some of them ask if you are financially prepared to start school).

You wouln't believe me if I told you how much debt I have paid off in the last 24 months (it is well over 6 figures in the last 4 years). We are debt free except our house and I will have cash saved up to pay for school by August. You CAN do it, but you will have to be disciplined.

You have to make a budget and then LIVE off that budget. Use cash envelopes in the areas you are weak in --> those areas where you tend to overspend. Stop eating out. Stop impulse spending. No vacations. No $4,000 for Christmas. If you really want to do school, then downsize your car (and pay it off in 6 months). Work A LOT OF EXTRAS (overtime and/or agency). Buy and use Quicken --- it will help you a lot. ASK FOR HELP from someone who has done what you are trying to do and WON. I am not talking about some financial advisor where you serve to meet his quotas, but find someone to be accountable to, possibly someone in your church.

If you become willing to "live like no one else" now, you will really be able to "live like no one else" in the future (and for the rest of your life).

Don't let debt and overspending steal your dream or your life. Children do what feels right, adults devise a plan and follow it. Grow up, be disciplined, fight for what you want, and make it happen. You CAN do it, if you WANT it bad enough.

PM me if you want more details,

LifeLONGstudent

A big AMEN to the above post!!!!! I worked my hind end off to pay off cars, credit cards, loans. The only bill I have now is my house payment. Definately get on a tight budget and get going now. You can do it!

[srnamom]

Sorry if you took it in a different way than I meant it, I just wanted to give you a head-up that things can come across in a way that hurts your interests. Many of the people who read posts here have only a few minutes to take a quick look, or don't necessarily have an answer to your question.