emtmoon1

Go for it! I'm 45 and a year into my CRNA program. We have 3 other classmates 2-3 years older than I am. There is nothing wrong with wanting to advance your career regardless of your age. Good Luck!

During the last semester of my BSN program we were required to complete a "Capstone" where we shadowed an advance practice nurse in the field of choice for 120 hours. Shadowing a CRNA for 120 hours was a great experience and was the final factor in my decision to pursue a career as a CRNA. Any time spent in the OR with a CRNA will give you a taste of what their responsibilities and skills really are. I strongly recommend this and it also goes a long way with the application process for CRNA school.

I will turn 45 next month and currently in a CRNA program with 3 others who are over the age 40, the oldest being 48. So far there have been no problems with our age nor do I anticipate any. We are all doing well in the program and I look forward to my new career in anesthesia. If you have the drive and determination for something new (not easy) go for it.

Experience!

I know several people who did not pass on their first try; one of which had to retake the test 4 times before passing. She is an excellent nurse - not very good at taking exams. As mentioned in the previous posts, pick yourself up and dust yourself off. Complete as many practice test questions as possible via the review books/CD's to become comfortable with the structure of the questions. Most of all, don't let your attitude/fear of the exam or your self confidence hinder your abilities and knowledge, and ultimately your success in passing the boards. You CAN do it! Good Luck

I applied to: 1) St Raphaels School of Nurse Anesthesia: Interviewed, selected and accepted. 2) New Britain School of Nurse Anesthesia: Interviewed, selected and declined. 3) Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island: Interviewed, selected and declined. I will start the program in May of this year. Location, director and clinical sites all were factors in my decision. Congrats and good luck to all!

Agreed, most hospitals don't do open hearts, but that doesn't mean they don't have balloon pumps. We use pumps on occasion to help stabilize a patient enough for transport so they can make it to open heart surgery. Also, two of the three CRNA schools I interviewed at included questions on balloon pumps. As stated earlier, education and knowledge is a good thing, you never know where or when you may need it. Personally, I take advantage of the education offered.

I too felt that I was over the hill with regards to starting again. I'm 44, male, and 3 years into a new career - nursing. I've just been accepted into anesthesia school starting in May. In my opinion you are never too old to pursue something that will make you happy. You have far more to gain than you have to lose. GO FOR IT!

Dress for Success!

Targa, I am a 44 year old male who also changed my career to nursing. I've finished my BSN and have just recently been accepted into a CRNA program that starts in May. I also had many concerns about the time invested in anesthesia, but the time will pass whether your in school or not and look at the return on your investment. Trauma Tom mentions a thread some time ago. I suggest you read it, he does an excellent job of putting your fears and concerns to rest. I say go for it!

My GPA was 3.94 and I've had 2 1/2 years experience in the ICU, CCRN for 1 year. I've also had 2 years ER experience and currently serving as the Ambulance Captain for the city EMS Department. The programs I applied to did not require the GRE so I haven't taken it. I know individuals with 3.0-3.5 GPA's with similar ICU experience who have also been accepted this year. I believe they look at who you are as a person in addition to the areas mentioned. All three programs I applied to stated during the interview that GPA was the first criteria they look at. I also believe you can be a little weak in this area and can make up for it in others.

I've decided to accept the offer from Saint Raphaels. I'm excited and ready to get started!

There are actually about ten programs that do not require the GRE. Kaiser, New Britain, Memorial Rhode Island, Saint Raphaels, St Mary's, BryanLGH, Midwestern, Minnesota, and Bridgeport. I can't remember the other.

I've just received acceptance letters from St Raphaels and New Britain! Anyone else have good news?

Thanks to all for your encouragement! I will keep you all informed regarding my interviews and the outcome.

Trauma Tom, that is just what I needed. Looking at the return on investment though, the younger student would be the better choice, although we older folks have something to offer as well - and it only comes with age; lifes experiences and wisdom. I will continue with my desire to become a CRNA, we'll see how things workout. Having been in the position of interviewer, I would never mention my doubts of age and cold feet during the interview process, (good point). Congrats with becoming a grandfather! Thanks to all for the advice.

Ether, that was a great thread. Thanks!

I'm pursuing the CRNA path and have interviews scheduled. I'm getting cold feet and wondering if the aditional years of schooling is worth the time and money. I'm 43 and three years into a new career in nursing and just not quite sure if I'm ready for the next phase which is the CRNA. Could anyone bring some insight to confirm my direction. Thanks!

This is a second career for me. I have 2 years experience as an RN. I have the CCRN, ACLS, PALS, TNCC certifications and I have approx 10 years experience in pre-hospital emergeny care. I'm also the Captain of the local ambulance department. The interviews are scheduled the first week of October - will keep you posted.

I've just been invited to interview at New Britain, St Raphael and Memorial. Does anyone have any tips or experience with any of these schools? HELP!