Single-parent applying to CRNA program

Published

Specializes in Critical Care.

Is anyone here a current single parent already enrolled in a CRNA program? I am a single parent, but very determined to go to and complete CRNA school. I have a 3 kids ages 9, 8, and 6 years old. I understand I will need a babysitter or daycare, but what to do when one is sick? Any advice or tips on how to be very successful would be appreciated.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Rethink what you are doing. Are you prepared to sacrifice the time your children need to be with you for studying? Anesthesia school is 10 times harder than

any BS program and is not family friendly. Are your children acitve in sports or even school activities? Are you willing to pass that all up..if so then go for it. If not..maybe now is not the time. Anesthesia school requires 110% of your time and so does your family, it is your decision.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SRNA.

I don't know about that. Of the SRNAs that I know, three work full time and some work part time. All have kids but one and all manage to make it work. I wouldn't pass up this opportunity. This will be a really good change for your family in the long run.

I don't start until August, so I'm not speaking from first hand experience and I don't plan on working at all. Just telling you what my friends are doing ....

-S

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Do you have a strong support system in place in case of childhood illnesses, pickup from school, afterschool activities, and also if you need to do call shifts or staying late for a clinical case? If you feel comfortable with a support system in place, I say go for it. I had 2 single parents in my class and both did well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.
I don't know about that. Of the SRNAs that I know, three work full time and some work part time. All have kids but one and all manage to make it work. I wouldn't pass up this opportunity. This will be a really good change for your family in the long run.

I don't start until August, so I'm not speaking from first hand experience and I don't plan on working at all. Just telling you what my friends are doing ....

-S

Thanks. I am very determined to complete CRNA school and hearing of others that succeed is really of great encouragement.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I don't know about that. Of the SRNAs that I know, three work full time and some work part time. All have kids but one and all manage to make it work. I wouldn't pass up this opportunity. This will be a really good change for your family in the long run.

I don't start until August, so I'm not speaking from first hand experience and I don't plan on working at all. Just telling you what my friends are doing ....

-S

Its not possible to work fulltime and go to CRNA school simultaneously, seems like you are getting something confused.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Close family might be the answer for you. Have you considered asking a single family member, maybe one of your parents, the other grandparents of your children, an aunt/uncle, or cousin, to move with you when you begin a CRNA program. They could be "the other parent". Or could you move to attend CRNA school where you currently have close family living? My mother is considering coming with us when I go to school to help with our child(ren) during that time. Her mortgage payments are so low in her little condo that I could pay them during the time she'd be away at school with us at a cost cheaper than daycare.

I'd also try to apply to schools where the clinicals won't be located all over the state and neighboring states. If your clinicals are all near the school, you won't have to move your kids every time you clinical rotation changes.

Hope you find something that works!

Adonai

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion