wspfan

Honestly if I were younger yes. No limitations in practice, respect from other ollies. As far as being my age and going- would not re-do. Life is too short to be stressed out about debt and miss time from family. Plus at the end of my career I'll only have profited about $50k from going .

I went to school at 40 after working as nurse almost 20 years. Been out now 3 years.... Wish I wouldn't have done it. CRNAs are basically becoming wal mart workers and these big companies are driving benefits, salaries and quality of life down. This was my dream for 10 years - the student loan debt, time away from your family- just not worth it in long run. Hours are long- call, weekends, holidays.... Might as well stay working Icu with other nurses that respect your skill and knowledge.

Be very careful about signing up for Army Reserve unless you are willing to deploy at any given moment. Also, if you do not get to deploy while you are in school, you will most likely deploy as a CRNA for around 12 months. I am not Army, but have many friends who are and who encouraged me to join the Air Force Reserve, which I did. I plan on deploying immediatlely after I finish CRNA school, as I can not think of a more useful thing I can do in the military than to go there and be the guardian over the men and women in theater. It is an honor to be in theater with them and protect them as they protect us.

It sounds like you will be fine for Webster. They look at GPA and the whole person. I really liked that school as I am originally from that area. Their program is EXCELLENT, but it is longer (33 months) and it was the most expensive school I applied to. They called 3 people from the alternate list this year, and I heard that they didn't fill all of their seats the year before. It probably just comes down to the economy, because their program is wicked good. The interview is not bad, a few clinical questions in front of a panel and a 1:1 meeting with a dean of the program. While you are waiting for you panel interviews/dean meeting, you get to talk to 5-7 students to ask any question you want about the program. Really a great experience. Such a nice program, too bad it was so expensive and so long... :) Good luck.

I did get a Master's of Science in Nursing-Leadership (but only to help improve my cum GPA and buffer my GRE score). I re-took science classes and got A's in them, certified in Critical Care, Emergency Nursing, Trauma and Peds. What did I do differently, persevere. I knew in my heart that this was my passion and I wasn't going to stop trying until someone let me in. I ended up getting into Webster University in St Louis and Wolford College in Florida. Florida worked out better for me and my family. Good luck.

I have had the "experience" of having to apply more than once before I got into a CRNA program. What I can tell you is this: 1. Do your homework. Write the director of the program you are most interested in and inquire what you can do to make yourself a stronger candidate. 2. Re-take any science class you did not get an A in. 3. Consider out of state schools-the more schools you apply to, the bett er chance of getting in. I realize that it becomes expensive, but the payoff in the end will far be greater than the short term expense now. 4. Prepare heavily for the GRE. Perseverance is key with getting in. Keep your head high, and if it's your desire to become a CRNA, don't give up. Good luck.

Not sure what state you are in, but I was in a similar area as you. I had grades from 20 years ago that were pulling my cum down. I did a MSN(Leadership, and it was actually interesting even though I didn't think it would be) and re-took any science class I received a C in (there were 2). I also took an organic chemistry class and got an A and ended up being accepted into two diffierent out of state schools. I applied to 5 schools and was offered interviews at all, alternate at two and accepted to two. Perseverance and showing current science grades is what got me in. I had to prove that I wasn't the same student that I was 20 years ago, but in 28 months, it will be all worth it. Good luck and keep trying...you will get in.

Claymor, I was also in a similar situation when I started this process three years ago. Since that time, I have completed a MS-N (with a 3.97) and retaken a science class (got an A) that I previously had obtained a C in, and taken O Chem (and got an A!) and believe me I'm not a science star. There are schools that look at the whole person and experiences they have encountered, but I believe you will need to show them your effort. Can it be done, ABSOLUTELY. It took me two times trying and lots of money sent out in applications, but I am glad to say this year I finally did it. Don't give up whatever you do. I turn 40 a week before I start school. I just keep telling myself it's not a race! Good luck.

RNmama3, Have you considered applying to out of state schools? I have heard that Wolford College in Naples, Florida looks at the whole person and recent work. I actually interviewed there and was offered a spot, I really liked the directors. I interviewed at some other schools too, but Wolford was a good fit for me. Starting in Fall 2010.

Kate, I think it would behoove you to contact the schools you are interested in and find out what they want! Each school looks at things differently. Good luck, and do not give up if this is really what you want.

Tela, Speaking as a former LPN (7 years), do not go to LPN school if your end result is CRNA. I agree with the accelerated BSN track to get you where you want faster. There's also the military to help with tuition sometimes, so you might want to talk to a recruiter. Good luck.

Very heavily clinically based! Know your pharmacology, especially Alpha Adrenergic blockers, beta Blockers, Ca Channel, Inotropes, sedatives, that sort of thing. One questions they asked me, "what effect does epinephrine have on the mast cells". I went very unprepared for this interview and regretted it! Good luck!

Masjoy, I know that officially they say that age is not a factor in selection, but I can tell you that it took multiple applications to find a school that wanted a "seasoned" nurse (like myself). I was told by a friend of mine who is a CRNA and used to sit on boards, that they like the younger ones, because they are less set in their ways and can be "molded". She even told me that if I were five years older (mid 40's) that she would tell me to look elsewhere for career paths. Another friend of mine suggested Wolford College in Naples,FL. I did and I start in October 2010! Look at different programs and decide if they are a good fit for you and your personality. I couldn't be happier with going to Wolford! They look at the whole student, not just numbers. Originally I didn't want to have to move, but in the long run, I am fulfilling my dream-so who cares! Good luck!

KateBSNRN, You need to talk to the directors of some of the schools you are interested in. Each school has their own philosphy as to how much weight a class carries from a community college or university. The school I just interviewed in last week said they don't care which type of institution the courses are from where as the one I interviewed in this summer preferred university classes. If you write the directors of the programs, I have found they are very honest in what their expectations are and will help guide you. As far as the GRE, I wished I would have spent the money and done a Kaplan course. That just boils down to what kind of learner I am. I did not like trying to study from the book and wanted an explanation from a person, not a book. I have some friends, who said the book was fine for them. Hope this helps. No matter what naysayers offer, do not give up. If this is your dream, be prepared to show how you have changed as a student and keep at it. Good luck.

I too, had a "past" with my academic attempts. My GPA started out low after my initial attempts (20 years ago). I had a 3.75 GPA from my BSN (2003), and a 2.75 (1999) from my associate and a Really low from my previous college. 3 years ago I applied to five schools and got flat out rejected. Only one (horrible) interview and a rejection from that school. That was with 4 years ICU experience and 3 year ED. I had great references and an incredible work history. What I found out is that schools wanted recent grades. The second time I applied was last year and I only applied to one school. They interviewed me, but told me to take more science courses and repeat the ones I had received a C in-and they rejected me. This year, I applied to that same school after retaking the A & P II over, Organic Chemistry (getting A's in both) and completing 1 1/2 year of graduate school for my MS-N and was placed on alternate list. I then applied to five other schools, have been accepted at one (FINALLY), and am interviewing at one this week, one in December and one in January. I would recommend taking a specialty certification. CCRN is highly encouraged, but also study for the GRE! That was a truly big obstacle for me, as I found that test not relevant to nursing or anesthesia in any way! Moral of the story: Do not give up. If this is your passion, follow through. These programs like persistance. I have been very honest with them in my interviews and focused on what I can do now, versus what I have done. It is frustrating, I'll be honest. Keep trying! You can do it!