wvccrn

I obtained my ADN at the age of 35, BSN at 40, and now I just started anesthesia school at the ripe old age of 48. You are never too old. I am the oldest in my class and some are young enough to be my kids. I just laugh it off. What I lack in youth I make up for in life and clinical experience. Go for it and don't let anyone tell you that you can't. My husband is also a nurse and is 100% behind me. I do suggest at least 2 years of ICU. Absorb all you can and never stop learning. As for the money to pay for it, just talk to your schools financial aid office. There are many options out there. Hang in there wvccrn CAMC class of 2008

I worked for CAMC before going to anesthesia school. I think the starting wage for new grads is somewhere between $17-$18 hr. with shift diff. They have a weekender contract that is offered. You work 2 twelve hours shifts once or twice a month. The pay is $32hr for 7AM to 7PM or $36hr for 7PM to 7AM , you are not eligable for benefits with this. If you want to work extra I am sure you can but it will be for the per diem rate of $27 hr (i think its still that). You need to check with the HR Dept. I don't think the weekend jobs are offered to new grads. Most depts will hire new grads, even the ICU that I worked in. They just hired 14 new grads this summer, several had worked as externs for 1 or 2 years. I know some RNs that worked out west where there is a real shortage and they did get almost 30 hr. but the average nurse in California is making around $100 grand year. This is because of the shortage, and cost of living. This came from nurses that worked there the last 2 years. When I started there 11 years ago the starting pay for new grads was $12.50hr. Good Luck

I am an ADN to BSN now in an anesthesia program. I do not like your tone young man.(Mike) You have insulted my education, my nursing school and a whole lot of very good nurses. I worked for 11 years in a level 1 Trauma MSICU, five with JUST my ADN. I obtained my BSN later and my CCRN. I worked with several ADNs and I would put them and myself up against any other ICU nurse anywhere. You may have had more clinical time in school but we all know it is once you get into the units that you learn how to become a real nurse. So Mike I consider myself more than a plumber. So get off your high horse and back down to earth where the "real nurses" live.

My school will only let you work one 8 hour shift per week. Only one person in my class is doing that, for the summer anyway. I started my masters classes this May. We have 2 classes per five weeks from 8 until 1 in the afternoon. Lots of reading and prep work for presentations. It is required in my program to have ethics and presentations with each class. This is Monday - Thursday with three shadow days before you start clinicals in August. Then it is five days per week with 2 or 3 classes per day. Once clinicals start it is 2 clinicals and 3 class days. Working is not encouraged. You will have so much reading to do and paper work you wont be able to keep up. If money is an issue look into loans or financial aid. There is something out there for everyone. It is intense but worth it. Good luck.

I started school this May 8th. Cell phys and A&P. nuff said. All the other stuff you will get in clinical.

Heck no!!! I started nursing school at 33. I was a stay at home mom with 4 kids. My husband was and is very supportive and encouraging. My intent all along was to be a CRNA. I went to work in a Trauma MSICU right out of school and worked on getting my BSN. But it took me 5 more years to get it. My kids did not suffer at all. They played all the sports and I went with them ,along with my homework. After putting in 10 years I applied to Anesthesia school and got in. My classes started this May 8th, on the 9th I celebrated my 48th birthday:biggringi :balloons: . I am the oldest in my class but so what. I am living my dream. My kids who are now in their mid-20s are very happy for me, and my husband can't wait until I am out so he can retire. He is an RN also. So Go for it and don't let anyone tell you that you are too old.

My advice is to come to the Mountain State and look around. I live in Jackson Co. It is on the Ohio River with about 25,000 people. We have one small hospital and a couple of nursing homes. We are equal distance from Parkersburg and Charleston. I worked in Charleston for 11 years in a level 1 trauma center. In the ICU. Now I am going to CRNA school this May. Evey place has its good and bad points. You need to see for your self. Ask your self what you want out of a community and what you want to give back. Each area of the state has something to offer. Come for a week and drive around. :welcome:

ADN from WVU-P 1995, BSN from WVU 2000, Worked in MSICU CAMC 1995 until now. Applied to CAMC school of Nurse Anesthesia Feb 2005 offered alternate position for that year with a seat in the class starting May 2006. So I am back to school full time in one week. Anyone else out there going with me? My masters will be from Marshall. So I will have to wear blue , gold and green.

:balloons: Applied to CAMC School of Nurse Anesthesia in Charleston West Virginia Feb 2005. Made alternate for that year and given a seat in the May 2006 class. Only school I applied to , has good rep. I worked for CAMC as a nurse for 11 years. All clinicals will be within the medical centers three divisions. Anyone else going here?

It's not you. I feel the same. I started my educational leave 3 weeks ago and have already entered a state of mind that is not the same as before. I went to my old unit for a visit and felt out of place. My class starts May 8th. WVCCRN

Hello all. I am new to the site. Some good advice to be had here. I was accepted to CAMCs school for the class this May. I worked for 11 years in MSICU trauma. I am very anxious and excited at the same time. It has been a while since attending school. Anyone out there going also? What do you think of the "LOAN" they are offering this year. It will be impossible for some to get it. Not only do you sign a 5 year contract to work for them, with no gaurantee of a job, but you must have collateral above the amount you obtain. The cost of tuition has gone up to $50,000 for the 27 months. How does this compare to other schools out there and what are other hospitals offering? Thanks WVCCRN