Need some guideance..

[Btr1208]

So I have always been set on dental school. I have the stats but going into that much debt (~350-400k) is ridiculous to me.

I want a career that allows me to spend time with my family, make a decent living and help people all at the same time. Dentistry allowed that but now I am looking into nursing and it seems to have everything I want, minus the "Dr." part.

So if I do nursing I am going to really push to try to become a CRNA in the future. First thing first is I would get my BSN. Looking at UTH's pacesetter program. 4 semesters and I would have my BSN. From there work for a couple years. And then get my CRNA.

I know I could be working 3-4 years before I have the 1-2 ICU experience needed for CRNA programs so I guess my question is will I have a decent lifestyle during those few years? That is likely the time I would start a family, etc.

I am a very hard worker and just want to provide a good life for my family and be happy going to work everyday.

Utimately if I go this route the end goal is CRNA and I will not let anything stop me. I am just worried about being able to live comfortably those few years between only making 50k or so with my BSN.

Thanks so much!

[Seaofclouds, BSN, RN]

I can't speak much to the CRNA aspect of things, but as for what life will be like as a RN until then, that really depends on the job you get after nursing school. Since you want to be a CRNA, you will need to get into an ICU. That may mean starting out on another unit in the hospital for a while. Every hospital is different. Some have their nurses work 8 hour shifts, others 12 hour shifts. Most hospital jobs require every other weekend and every other holiday.

I've worked days and nights as a nurse, usually 12 hour shifts. I was able to still have a good work/life balance on both shifts. It just takes flexibility and realizing that there may be things you aren't able to do. Yeah, I've missed some family meals, but I've also had opportunities to set up my own special meals. Holidays can be celebrated on other days. Flexibility is key for those types of things. With working 12 hours shifts, I only work 3 hours a day. That leaves 4 days a week to enjoy family time.

[Btr1208]

That sounds great. I would bust my butt in my BSN program, get my 4.0. Then work as long as I need to before entering a CRNA program. I think nursing sounds like a very smart choice and can offer me everything I want.

realistically what kind of salary can a BSN graduate expect? Would be working in TX. Is 50k a year realistic before entering a CRNA program?

[Seaofclouds, BSN, RN]

It really depends on where you work. I worked for a little bit in Texas (lived there for about 6 months). I forget the exact amount, but I think I was around the $50K range. At that time, I had 3 years of experience. It was 6 years ago though, so I'm sure the rates have changed since then.