radrn2001

putmetosleep...... First, you are not alone. I start in August too and I am on the upswing of what you are going through. I began to doubt myself, my abilities, started thinking "I am crazy for doing this." I almost wanted something to happen to prevent me from going... an excuse. I certainly don't LIKE being a student, but this type of learning is different than the English Literature class you had to take for your BSN. You will be among others like you. When I was really struggling with the "what have I done?" moment, I made a list of pros and cons and let me tell you, the pros won. I know that if I didn't do this, I would always wonder what could have been, and I think that feeling would be worse than the misery of school. I called a CRNA friend about my doubts and she said that was totally normal and expect to feel that way the first few months; it will get better. I know I can't retire working at the bedside, it will make me old way before my time..... that's another motivator. No all of us are adrenalin junkies, but that brief rush of panic is normal...... your sympathetic response.... normal. I don't try and match wits with "nasty" doctors, honestly, I would lose most of the time, but I can handle myself in a professional way and while advocating for my patients. Good luck and let us know what you decide to do.

:deadhorse That's just crazy! Who would do the anesthesia? MDA's? Not cost effective and not enough of 'em. AA's? Doubt that too.

I have saved up enough money to pay for school but I will accept the Stafford loans just incase I need the money. I could probably get by without loans and just live off my husbands income but it would be a struggle and I just don't want to have that hanging over my head while I'm in school.... there will be enough stress. Right now you can get $20,500 in Stafford loans (6.8% interest), per year, and don't have to start paying until 6 months post graduation. You can also get $17,735 in Grad PLUS loans (8.5% interest) for a total of $38,235 (at least at my school). If you need more that this, you will have to search for private loans.... harder to come by these days. Good luck!

I start in August...... I'm 41.

Hi, I haven't even applied yet but saw that no one answered your post so here it goes: Its impossible to predict how well you will do in CRNA school without knowing what kind of student you are. I don't think your age will prevent you from getting into CRNA school. I've heard of plenty of 50+ year olds in programs. If you preform very well in BSN program, have good science GPA, and do well on the GRE, you should be competitive. I also think you should retake the CCRN, that would show dedication. I know that sounds like a lot to take on but if its what you really want to do, it can be done. Just my Good luck on your adventure.

Monroe.... woo hoo!

Sorry to "high jack" the thread! Ok,....just wondered what your interview experience was like. BTW, PM is a private message. You have to have contact information, and can do that in your profile if you like. Thanks!

Great, can you give me any insight on your interview/observations about your experience with OLOTL?

SCRNA 3851, I wanted to ask you a couple of things about OLOTL. You don't have contact info; would you mind sending me a PM? Thanks!

$12,000? What school are you going to Divergirl?

...that is completing their RN-BSN? I've read several places that it doesn't hurt to apply before you are finished. Some have said in the interview they were asked if their BSN would be completed before the CRNA program starts but I haven't heard if anyone has actually been accepted pending BSN completion. Input anyone? Please? radrn

Didn't think they were ungrateful and that was not my intent at all. BB, if you haven't already, look at this recent thread. It might give you some tips. https://allnurses.com/forums/f227/how-survive-anesthesia-school-220608.html rad

BB, I'm not a CRNA so I can't help with success tips but I found your post interesting. A low B is still a B and I don't consider that squeeking by in CRNA school. I'm sure it is hard and even very frustrating at times but it really sounds like you're doing it. I've never been a naturally strong student. When I was younger, and preoccupied with outside stuff, I didn't care very much; a C was still passing. Now that I am older only A's are acceptable but I have to work at it. I'm an ADN of 18 years and finishing up my BSN, I'm sure if I were in CRNA school, a B would make me just as happy. Just keep up the hard work and one day it will be worth all you have struggled with. How far into the program are you? Are there other older students in your class? rad

I'm sooo new here but from what I have read, the ones that take the last 60 hours also take into consideration the nursing GPA and science GPA. So the "Basketweaving 101's" probably won't hold much water (no pun intended:). That's just my take from scanning the posts. I was wondering what area you're from, NE, SW......? radrn

That sounds great! Thank you so much.