Question about becoming nurse

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First I would like to say that this site is very informative and will be very helpful in the years to come. I am 43, a male and have decided after 20 yrs of a career just to pay the bills, it was time to do something I have always wanted to do. I have mentioned this to a few people and they are saying that I am too old to get a CRNA certificate, the costs will be too high to recover. I was going to get a Doctrine in the field; however, the CRNA position is a lot more appealing to me. The interaction and direct care with patients has lead me to this conclusion. The Dean of one of the medical schools I talked to said that it was not too late to start, and that it would not be taken into consideration in the selection process. He also stated that I probally would not be the oldest student in the program.

I have taken classes at the local CC to get back into the swing of things and have a 4.0 GPA. I talked to UVA and they said that it is very competitive to transfer into the program (only seven transfer a year) and from talking to other RN's they agree it is the same everywhere. At this point, I am more competitive to transfer over to VT or UVA as a Pre Med student than as a transfer into the BSN program. I really don't want to get a 4 year degree and than spend another 2.5 years getting my BSN, when I have to have a BSN to get the CRNA. A friend of mine suggested getting my RN from the CC, and than work on completing my BSN while working as an RN ( income and a continuing education).

Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks and once again great site.

Specializes in Acute Mental Health.

There is at least one school here in WI that will take you if you have a 4yr in a health care related field. They are a fast tract Masters program. Once you have a ADN, you are able to fast tract in some schools but I hear it's pretty intense. I graduated with my ADN when I was 39 and am almost finished with a BA in health care admin and BSN completion. In 2015, you will need your doctorate for any nurse practioner. Not sure what else will be changing.

Word of caution, nursing school isn't like any other degree. A 4.0 going in is great, but it's not nursing. The nursing program is a whole different world. I'd still say "Go for it!!!" Good luck and keep us all posted! :yeah:

Really research the CRNA if that is the only aspect of nursing you're interested in, because you'll need at least a year of ICU experience to get accepted into a program (which is another 3 years of f/t school on top of the BSN). New nursing grads are having a hard time finding jobs anywhere, many are taking years to work their way up to ICU.

Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

As has been mentioned, years of specific experience will be required for application to a CRNA program. Do not underestimate that requirement in your plans.

Specializes in Addiction / Pain Management.

I'm 41 and followed a similar path.

I'm going to public vo-tech school for my LPN; then I'll transfer to CC for my RN. After that it's either BSN, Informatics, or maybe even PA school.

Some CC's in some state allow you to challenge for your LPN after the first year. (read $$$)

Go for it!

You say that you are attracted to CRNA because of patient interaction and direct patient care?

I think you need to re-evaluate. CRNA pays well but it is the most boring job ever. Have you spoken with many CRNA? YZour patient is asleep 99 percent of the time man.... ;)

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