need avice...considering RN/BSN and possibly CRNA

[srleslie]

Well, I'm at a crossroads in my life, I suppose. 3 semesters ago I came back to college from being out for a long time and I'll be finishing my BS in Biology in May. I still can't decide which way I want to go yet. For a long time, I had thought about medical school, but my GPA is too low to be competable for that. I'm almost 26, and I could spend a couple of years redoing some coursework to get my GPA up, but that would put me finishing a residency in my late 30's. I don't think I want to make that kind of commitment. I want to enjoy my 30's. I have thought about Pharmacy school as well and that is still an interest. Still, I'd have to get my GPA up. Dentistry never interested me. I'm also considering a 12 month nuclear medicine technology program, but the job market for that is very saturated at the moment.

So to nursing. It interests me because there are so many different areas you can practice in, and the thought of doing to CRNA school in the future is tempting. Had I gone to medical school, I anesthesia is something I might have pursued. I've always been interested in it, and this would allow me the opportunity to do so. I could get into an ADN or maybe a BSN program in my state, and eventually bring up overall GPA above a 3.0. I've been a very good student since I returned to college.

So I'm wanting to hear why you chose nursing, and specifically why you became CRNA's. What do you like about your job? What don't you like? Does being a CRNA give you a good lifestyle? It is very tempting to look at the job listings for CRNA's and see that some pay 180K to 250K, for new grads! Do these jobs really pay that well? Do you think the pay might go down in the future as some say it may?

Do any of you have any regrets for pursuing this path? I think it could come down to choosing between pharmacy or nursing. Two different areas I know, but I'm interested in both. Any advice or insight you can give will be greatly appreciated!

[loveanesthesia]

For a long time, I had thought about medical school, but my GPA is too low to be competable for that....

So to nursing. It interests me because there are so many different areas you can practice in, and the thought of doing to CRNA school in the future is tempting. Had I gone to medical school, I anesthesia is something I might have pursued.

If you want to be a physician then you should go to medical school, nursing isn't going to work for you if your interest is in being a MD. Being a nurse is not about being a mini doctor, the focus is different. When I was younger, I got the opposite push, 'you should go to med school, you're smart', but I didn't want to be a MD, I wanted to be a nurse and I've never regretted that decision for a minute. I think you will never be happy in nursing if it is second best to what you really want to do.