Insight from SRNAs and CRNAs

[atrevinoRN]

I’ve been an ICU nurse for 4 years (medical ICU, CVICU, CCU). I’ve been thinking A LOT about going to CRNA school because I love taking care of challenging patients, but I kind of want to get away from the bedside. I’m married with a 2.5 year old, we live in Houston (and don’t plan on moving anywhere else), so I would really love to get some insight from those in a similar situation. My husband is in the Air National Guard, has a comfortable income and will also be transferring me his GI bill to pay for MOST of the program. The financial aspect of it isn’t what I’m worried about...I just want to hear from people who have young families. How did CRNA school go for you and your family? What sacrifices had to be made? Do you have regrets? If you’ve graduated and are working now, was it all worth it?? Any advice or insight is helpful.

 Thanks!!

[i.in2b8.u]

My situation is a bit different. I am married, but with no kid. However, I can tell you that going through CRNA school took a toll on my marriage. We survived it, but it got rocky at times. There were times that I literally did not have time for my spouse. Either it was because I was spending long hours in clinicals, then be back in the hospital early again the day after, having 24-hour call shifts, or I was too busy studying. It was a loooong 2-3 years. Even when I had free time (for what little of it was) I was just so tired that I did not want to do anything. I'm thankful that my spouse was patient and understanding. Otherwise, we would not have made it through. However, looking back now that I made it through. Yes. It was absolutely worth it.

For your situation, my advice is to ask yourself if becoming a CRNA is really what you want to do. Have you shadowed a CRNA yet and see what the job really is like? You mentioned that you love taking care of challenging patients. Anesthesia is not always like that. You'll have days where its all vanilla and you're doing lap choles and hernias all day. So make sure that you have the right reasons and motivation in deciding to become a CRNA. Ensure that your husband understands what going to school means for your family and marriage. He may have to take more share of taking care of your kid along with taking care of the finances, and understand that you may not be as available in the years that you are in school. Make sure you ask all these questions, and you are ready for a massive change in your life before you go into it.

[CRNAdegSeeker]

snratips.blog , girl was a nurse now in CRNA school