Should I become a CRNA or not?

Kiwi, BSN, RN · Sep 10, 2004

Hi, welcome to the forum!!! I've attatched my favorite thread, ever. In this thread, TraumaTom celebrates getting accepted as well as becoming a Grandpa!!!

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63060&highlight=grandpa

emtmoon1 · Sep 10, 2004

Ether, that was a great thread. Thanks!

srnaKate · Sep 10, 2004

The years are going to pass and you're going to be 46 anyway, whether you become a CRNA or not, right? As for the $$, if you're not sure if it's worth the investment, visit www.gaswork.com. It will give you an idea of what you have to gain. Best of Luck!

Kiwi, BSN, RN · Sep 10, 2004

Ether, that was a great thread. Thanks!

You are most welcome! Good luck to you.

Trauma Tom · Sep 10, 2004

Entmoon1,

Congratulations on your upcoming interviews. You obviously have worked very hard or you would not have been granted an interview. I can understand you getting cold feet. The decision to pursue CRNA school is not to be taken lightly. After each successful step along the way there are seemingly endless more hurdles to overcome. It is only natural to have some second thoughts. If however, your doubts are due to your age; fear not. I just celebrated my 50th birthday on September the 6th and I am in my first year of CRNA school. I love what I am doing and my age has not been a disadvantage. I have kids who are older than more than half of my classmates. My classmates make me feel young and they keep me on my toes. I too started my nursing career late in life at 46. I would however, recommend you keep your second thoughts to yourself during CRNA school interviews. Due to limited class space, CRNA schools must insure they accept applicants that are committed to finish. They want students who are committed to the task, not those who are indecisive. Your second thoughts could be interpreted as indecision and could work against you. Best of luck to you in whatever you decide. Hope all goes well with you and let us know how your interviews go. And yes I will be a grandfather in December of this year while in CRNA school! Life is good!

Although

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!

emtmoon1 · Sep 10, 2004

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.

Pete495 · Sep 12, 2004

Congrats on making your decision. I agree with you that schools are looking more for younger students with all the degrees, and all that crap that goes with it. As a 27 year old, I have two degrees, and some credentials, and I can honestly say, it is probably my academic background which has gotten me into CRNA school. However, I trully believe it is my clinical and experiential background that will make me an excellent CRNA, assuming I complete the path.

Hesitation at your age is understandable. I think it is a huge decision at my age. I couldn't imagine having kids, mortgages, and all the responsibilities that you have. I give you credit for going as far as you have already. I'll give you a lot more credit if you go through with your goal. It takes a lot for a person to go back to school like you have done. Do yourself a favor in the end, and make it good. Congrats. again. You can read my interview by searching for a thread called nazareth hospital. This board is a good resource for srna's and pre-srna's as well as crna's.

futuregasman · Sep 14, 2004

I feel that it comes down to what you really want Emtmoon. I have waited till the right time in my life and it happens to be I am 32. How will you feel 5 years from now if you never tried. If your shrugging your shoulders then you should have cold feet. Accomplishing something so incredible as becoming a CRNA should give you a good feeling about goal attainment. And my quote from JRR Tolkien is my inspiration!

emtmoon1 · Sep 14, 2004

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

gravitycure · Sep 15, 2004

hi. it's great that you are looking inward to see if this is the path for you. i am in the middle of my 3rd week, first semester and have not come up for air yet!

the schooling is tough and non stop. just when you finish a pile of reading for one class, the next one is upon you. the job - seems to me to be the best job a person could have (except - nothing could beat being a rock star!)

shadow, read, relearn all the patho, 12 leads, ANYTHING!

then decide if you want to give up your life for 2.5 years (small sacrifice).

good luck.

gc.

apaisRN, RN, CRNA · Sep 15, 2004

I said to my husband that I wasn't sure I could handle the load of school and therefore maybe didn't want to be a CRNA. He said something that struck me: "Don't not be a CRNA because of school. If you want it, don't let school stop you." And the fact is, I want to be one. I'm just scared sh--less of the heavy load in school. I've never worked hard in school before and while I'm willing and ready, I know I'll need to improve study skills fast.

Tomorrow I shadow a CRNA. I spent a long time talking to one when I was watching the OR once, but this will be the first time I'll be focused entirely on the anesthetist's role and job. I'm excited.

So my advice to the original poster is, don't let the time and money deter you. You have many working years left and you'll more than make up the money. Ask yourself if it's really what you want to do.