legaleagle30

I would only do the 1 year ABSN. I've got all the prereqs already. My main motivation for nursing was the CRNA track. I was told (by a director of a CRNA program) that it wasn't too difficult to get a job in the ICU for 1 year and go into the CRNA program, although that was 1 year ago when he said that. My motivation for CRNA was primarily that I enjoy science and regret not having gone to medical school. But, with all your advice and numerous others, I'm reconsidering my position! I am in a unique situation because my husband is also a lawyer so I could work part-time through his office. I wasn't sure about working together, but when I think of all you guys have said and everyone else I have asked, it sounds like working with him wouldn't be as challenging and afford much more flexibility then nursing. Our hospital has also started cutting costs and positions, and it has become much more difficult to go into ICU. After a rigorous year in the ABSN + 1 to 3 years trying to get the ICU experience, then 2+ years CRNA, then possibly 2+ more years till I could work "part time", it just doesn't sound as appealing, not to mention my kids will be all grown up!

I REALLY appreciate all your insight!! It is a difficult decision but I do think that in these economic times, it is easy to think of the other career options as the grass is greener over there. Please keep the info coming! it is so valuable to making this big decision!

thanks so far for the comments. Please keep them coming!! I really appreciate your honesty and insight & am in a position to have to make a decision on this asap.

hello, I just wanted to get some thoughts from RNs and CRNAs. I am a lawyer now working part time. I have small kids. I could either work part time with a family member as a lawyer and try to build up my own area of practice or go get an ABSN degree and then try for CRNA school. I'm trying to decide if it is worth it. My goal is to work part time so i can be with my kids as much as possible, but also make a good living so i can support them financially. If I stuck with the lawyer route, i've got a lot of autonomy and control over my schedule. I have read that nurses can do flexible work arrangements but difficult to get those jobs. I'm concerned about the sacrifice i would be making for almost 4 more years of schooling if i go the CRNA route and the possibility of then being in a position of making good money but not being able to work part time for a number of years as a new grad. I could probably make about the same as an RN doing law, but definitely not as much as CRNA. Just wondering what those of you who do RN and CRNA think about working hours, conditions, quality of life issues.