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@Leo135: I'm not anything yet, but I am interested in the CRNA route at some point. One of my good friends is the head of an anesthesiology group in my city (in TX), and she and I have talked about your tuition question. I can obviously only speak for her group. They have never agreed to pay anyone's tuition, but they do offer a fairly large bonus when you sign on. In their minds, that is to help compensate for some of the cost of CRNA school. I'm not sure how much variation there is on that issue, but I thought I'd share that info since I happen to know with certainty how at least one group handles it.

If it's a larger jail, I wouldn't worry about it; they'll have medical staff on site to appropriately assess and treat, if needed. The only situation in which I would worry is if it's a smaller jail (and I mean really small--like unpopulated counties with no medical staff at all associated with the jail). I say this not with a medical background but instead with legal experience dealing with some cases regarding claims of civil rights violations for failure to provide adequate medical care. The vast majority of the time, everything is handled appropriately, though that may not be the story you get from your sister. As for not being able to do anything about it, that's not exactly true. You can inform the jail of her issues with addiction and your concern that she is likely suffering from withdrawals. If you're truly concerned about her safety, make a phone call, go up there, do whatever to make sure your concern is appropriately acknowledged. Chances are they're very much on top of it already, though. ETA: And really, I would be most concerned if it was alcohol withdrawals; that seems to be what I've seen cause the most issues, but as a nurse, you know more about the specifics of withdrawals of different substances than I do!

I'm in a very similar situation. I'm 33 and just started taking prereqs to do an accelerated 2nd Degree BSN program. I would look at all the programs in your area and find the fastest way to end up being an RN. I looked at a local program to for an Associate's degree and it was going to take basically as long as to finish that as to the accelerated BSN program through Texas Tech. My bachelor's degree didn't involve anything other than basic biologies, so I have a bunch of science classes to take first. If you're interested in getting some kind of advanced practice degree at some point, it seems smarter to just go for your BSN. The math for time and money just adds up too way more if you keep going back for more and more. At least, that's what my math on all the programs around here indicated. As for us being "old" going back, I was whining to my husband about how I wouldn't be finished with all the schooling I want to do until I'm 40 . . . and he sweetly pointed out, that I'm free to work for another 25 or 30 years after the age of 40! Point being, we have plenty of time to start over and have a long, fulfilling career! I say go for it! :)

Thanks for the reply; that's good feedback The accelerated BSN is specifically a second degree program, so it cuts out all the first couple years of a bachelor's and you have to take all your science courses, including things like patho, micro, nutrition, etc. prior to admission. Then they reeeeaaaallly throw you into the middle of it for 12 months of nursing classes (all online) and clinicals. I think it will be an intense year to say the least, but at least it will get me into actual nursing sooner and the program is really respected here with hiring virtually guaranteed as long as you don't screw school up and want to stay in the area. At least that's what some former and current students have told me. Fingers crossed, I get it and can roll with the punches for a year. You're the second person that has told me to try to make a beeline to the ICU; I'm definitely keeping that in mind. I know people have varying opinions on this, but what are your thoughts on whether you should work in another area before ICU or go straight there (assuming I could get hired as a new grad)?

Ah, I see. Thanks for explaining.

Why is that? I know that's a total rookie question, but I'm just learning about the world of anesthesia.

That's really interesting. Thanks for the detailed reply. It makes sense that the surgeon your working with is vital to enjoying the case or not. A friend that is an anesthesiologist told me she has a very short list of surgeons she would want to operate on her and that it didn't take too long to figure out who made that list.

CRNAs, what kinds of surgeries (or other anesthesia-related procedures) are your favorite to do? What are your least favorite? Why?

I would love some advice or suggestions from those of you who know far more than I do about the medical field! I'm currently an attorney, but working on prerequisites to go to nursing school. A friend arranged for me to observe several surgeries recently. Other than the birth of my kids, it was the coolest thing I've ever seen. I love the whole experience: seeing everyone work as a well-oiled team even when complications arose, watching the CRNA or anesthesiologist (I was with both at different times) monitor everything, give meds, and handle ventilation, watching the detailed work of the surgeon and assistant, seeing the actual procedure and anatomy (I could not take my eyes away--so fascinating!). I was there for about 1/2 a day and for the rest of the day, I was on such a high. I know it's cheesy to say, but I just felt like I found my place in the world. I can't stop thinking about the next time I can be in the OR and I've never been this excited about any career prospect. With that in mind, I'm struggling with what the best way is to get there and the best job within that world for me. Since I decided to pursue a career in medicine, my plan has been to finish the science prereqs I need, do an accelerated BSN program (1 year), work for a couple years and then start some kind of advanced practice program, probably FNP or CRNA. It will take me about 8 years from now to finish a CRNA program (and about a year less for FNP). The closest PA program is a few hours away and it's my understanding that in our area it's a little harder to find PA jobs (not 100% sure about that in the hospitals here, but I've heard from a PA friend here that in the clinical setting that NPs are far more sought after). If I were younger (almost 34 now), I would consider med school, but that's a solid 8 years after prereqs before I could be practicing and I think it would be too hard on my family and cost too much money. So, what are some of the best options for someone who fell in love with the OR and the quickest paths to get there?

I have three young kids (3 year old twins and a 1 year old) and I am thinking about going back to school to become a BSN, RN with the hope of becoming a nurse practitioner eventually. I have a very supportive husband who knows it will be pretty awful while I'm in nursing school but will help however he can (he works a 8-5 type job). I'm seeking feedback about which type of program will be the least difficult overall for my family. I have a bachelor's degree and a law degree. I know how to study hard for long periods of time, but I was single with no kids when I was in law school, so doing this at this stage of my life is a whole new ball game. I have some prerequisites to get, so in the traditional program (I would have two years of nursing classes), I would start in Fall 2017 (kids would be 4 and 2) or the accelerated program (1 year of classes after prereqs) would start Spring 2018 (kids would be almost 5 and 3). I get that the accelerated program will be more intense and a lot more hours, but it will also be a year less total time in nursing school and I get the impression that nursing school is going to be really challenging and stressful regardless of which program I do. I'm thinking maybe it's better to do the accelerated program and "get it over with" quickly, so to speak. I would really appreciate any words of wisdom regarding the feasibility of an accelerated program with young children or experiences that might help me evaluate what is best for our family. Thank you!