jayp213

I've read that there is going to be a requirement by 2015 by many universities to switch the CRNA to a doctorate program. With that being said, i have calculated my personal timeline for completion of this route. I am 25 years old with not many college credits (please no negativity or parental input as to why i have waited so long) so i would basically be going to university for BSN with a fresh start, so to speak. by the time im finished with the icu experience and doctorate program, im looking at ~8-9 years to be a CRNA. I'm also looking at the MDA option only because with just a few more years i would be done with med school, residency, etc. I guess I'm asking is it worth it? the extra "stress" of med school? i.e. no sleep by any means and no personal time for my husband and i (potential relationship failure) and not being able to stand alone as an MD until ~age 40? i would really appreciate personal experiences, thoughts on this matter. Also if any of you know or work with any MDA's or CRNA's that felt they chose their profession for a certain reason. Thank You

Hello, (just became a member and this is my first post so forgive me if this question has been answered) I have an issue that has pretty much been rattling my mind for a loooong time. I have set my heart on becoming a CRNA ever since i was 18 and i saw the pre and post op interaction between the CRNA and my mom when she had her mastectomy. It was the most heart-fulfilling experience knowing you gained the patients trust/confidence in you before you put them to sleep and to check on them after they are out of surgery as well as provide pain management. OK enough of the talk. Here is my problem- I am 24 years old now and I have had a few set-backs in life (no children, though) dealing with my mothers health. Many people tell me to just go ahead and be an MD since "im already too late in the game" but I have a hard time dealing with the fact that I wont be done with school until I'm around 37ish. KEEP IN MIND I DON'T HAVE MY BACHELORS IN ANYTHING YET -NURSING OR ANYTHING-, I ONLY HAVE A FEW NURSING PRE-REQ'S UNDER MY BELT BUT THATS IT. please keep the harsh comments to yourself, as I have already heard some people tell me forget it and don't even think about med school or even CRNA school. Some people give me a positive outlook and say go for the gold. I have never run into anyone that has been in my circumstance though as far as starting at the age of 24 weather its med school or CRNA route. Its not about the money AT ALL. I just dont want to be one of those people that made the wrong decision and can't "breathe" until im 37 when med school/residency is all over and think I should have went the CRNA route. But then I dont want to regret the fact that I should have just went for the MD route and call it a day. I know i may sound like im confused and all over the place but I really do appreciate some guidance...possibly from someone who was or has been in the same situation and had a "late start" because of life's set-backs and trying to decide between CRNA or MD. None of my family is in medicine and we arent wealthy by a long shot. I just want to do whats practical for my age and time spent in school and also be happy. Thanks, James.