silver0980

I wouldnt be concerned about the CRNA market. We offer a valuable service, and are cheap in comparison to MDA's. AA's are a nice idea in theory: but the oversight is so high (1 MDA to 2 AAs) which makes them not so helpful when playing the #'s game. So if you want to be a CRNA, that shouldnt stop you. However, I am mostly concerned by your genetic link to MH. The majority of anesthetics given are through gases that can trigger MH. If you knowingly have it: id be concerned for you. These gases leak out of our circuits, and consistently leak while doing mask inductions. I'd hate for you to have a fatal reaction. This is something to discuss with a doctor, and you can get muscle testing to see if you have the suseptibility. However I would strongly caution you: i breathe these gases all the time... I personally wouldn't risk it.

I agree with post #1...... If I could go back: I would take a vacation: a good one. Get drunk, laugh, take pictures, be carefree.....focus later. I know that feeling of wanting to try to read something/ try to prepare, but really: its not going to make a difference. I haven't been on a vacation since way before school started... I sure wish I did it before I had all these thoughts in my head :) Have fun!

I have been there...its a tough decision: I am now 27, been an icu nurse for 5 years... and have just finished my 1st year of CRNA school. I graduated with my BSN and knew I wanted to become a CRNA the moment I heard of the profession. I went into a Cardiac Surgery icu within 6 months of becoming a new RN. Upon entering the ICU, i felt this deep desire to go to medical school..i wanted to know everything.. Nursing: is incredibly challenging, contrary to public knowledge (men my age would always ask me if i gave bed baths for a living - jerks) . We are the true advocates for our patients, and that means always looking and thinking for what could be better. Nurses are great problem solvers. We influence every dose change, new medication, and the needs of the patient and family. I have recieved thank you notes and cards from past patients which I kept throughout the years, which looking back: makes all the tough times worth it. My assessments and actions have saved lives through the years and I am proud of the work I did as an ICU nurse. I decided to embark on Medical school....taking chemistry and physics classes at night school (while working 40 hours as a new icu rn). EVERY SINGLE RESIDENT in my unit shook their heads. Telling me not to do it. They were 26-28 years old, in their second year of residency, and spent 110 hours per week in the hospital. My first year of nursing, i made 55K. The fellow i worked with: at 33 years old: made 53 that year: working twice the hours I did. Money is not everything..but it made me realize how tough residency is. I had to weigh Lifestyle vs. Career. I knew I wanted a family, and so the thought of going through that for the next 10 years: I couldnt see the reason. I wanted more independence, and i knew that becoming a CRNA would satisfy that want. So...i dropped out of chemistry (my 68 average helped that decision - i never had time to study). And i focused on my nursing. I traveled to cali, lived my 20's to the fullest, and eventually made the decision to go for CRNA school. I sometimes wish I had the MD next to my name...maybe its just pride, maybe I want the respect and for people to take me seriously. People still think I give bed baths for a living. After 1 year of CRNA school: I am glad for my decision. This is the hardest thing I have ever done, but I dont regret it for a minute. I know I am going to love being a CRNA - its one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I spoke to one of my old-residents the other day: he's still a resident. We graduate the same year: He starts his fellowship in 2009. I dont know how he does it - i give him so much credit. but I am very grateful for where I am now. I hope that gives a little insight: good luck -L

My mother encouraged me to go into Nursing. I was originally an OT major. Looking back, i think the switch was a positive one. Do I regret it? No, i dont. But being a nurse is not without Sacrifice....and theres a lot of it. My mother recently tried to convince my sister to become an RN. She is a massage therapist at the moment. I had to intervene, and told my sister absolutely not. ....the profession has become too brutal. I'm tired....and its only been 5 years. I'm tired of working christmas, im tired of never being able to have a life because my hours are always changing. I'm tired of stuck up md's yelling at me for stupid things because they're on a power trip. I'm tired of all the back-stabbing crabby women I work with. I have been Hit, bitten, bruised. My neck hurts because my pts in the icu are bedbound and 300 pounds. Proper body mechanics.....thanks. I wrestle these patients to stay in bed. I talk to the billion family members that walk in the door. I make sure the dr's are doing their jobs and treating what needs to be treated. And I am just exhausted by all of it. As far as respect...i dont feel nurses have enough. We have loads of responsibility, and the overwhelming paperwork to back up every minute of it. Most doctor's do appreciate us, and most patients and their families too, but its the few that do not, that makes it twice as hard. I recently had a patient who mouthed to me over her trach..."You dont care about me, you're just in this for the money." I looked at her and said , "i do care, and If all I wanted was money, i could certainly do a lot better than this." Can i recommend it to others? depends on what they're looking for, but it takes immense strength of character. There is a reason there is a shortage. its going to take some changes to change that around, because i cant in good conscience encourage anyone to go into it.

This is coming from an ICU nurse, who truely hates L&D. I think being a Nurse is very hard...for a multitude of reasons. To make it harder on yourself and do something you are not completely passionate about....it just isnt worth it. Yes, med-surg experience is very valuable, but your nursing degree covers all of it for a reason. If you ever wanted med surg that badly in a few years....of course you could go back, it might be a bit difficult but you could do it. Bottom line....do what makes you happy. Dont listen to everyone else....go with your gut. As far as being limited as an OB nurse: my friend works in high risk L&D. They swan/insert invasive lines, their patients, are 1:1, and is considered ICU. They go to the same icu consortium the rest of the icu nurses do. So dont sweat it, theres always more to learn. good luck