So what do you think? CRNA Admissionns

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I finished my undergraduate BSN with a 4.00 cumulative with minors in Biology and Chemistry (which encompassed over 38 semester hours in chemistry, from Gen Chem, to Analytical, Organic, to Graduate 500-level Advanced Organic and Advanced Inorganic) plus 1-year General Physics from a well known institution. Finished 1st in my graduating class of 1300 seniors, as well as within the nursing college in 4 years. Am of an ethnic minority, speak 3 languages fluently, which I hope will improve my marketability. Now over $80,000 in debt with student loans. Starting a job in CVICU 3 12s/week in Milwaukee area and PRN SICU (hopefully will get 1-2 12s/week).

Do you all think it is doable? Working 5 12s/week to pay bills and save for graduate school and having enough time to spend with friends, study for GRE, learn as much as I can in the ICU setting. I know it will significantly impact my social life, is it worth it for the experience as a prospective CRNA applicant?? Had a lot of good undergrad ICU and stepdown experience (managing vents, fresh cabg admits in a CV, PA lines, hemodynamics, titrating certain drugs)... etc so I think I will be an avid learner at work.

I have NO idea of my chances to get into CRNA school after a year or two working... it might be longer because I have bills to pay! I am hoping for some advice here! thank you so much

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Specializes in ICU/Trauma..SRNA.

If yuo are young and have the energy... and get in the flow of the ICU it is doable....

I would suggest rounding yourself a little...4 12's a week is probably sufficent...

congrats on all the sciences..that will go over good...

study for the GRE rock that do your time..get good rapport with people so you get good Sincere references and you should be a GO!!!\

good luck...

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Pay off your debt before you think about any advanced degees. There are no post nomials that rival being debt free.

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Keep in mind that if you over work yourself you may not have the same focus as you would have with a less demanding work schedule. The goal of the ICU pre-CRNA application is to learn as much as possible, to really dig in and get everything out of it you can. You have to look at the ICU as a education experience & this will require out of work studying. As for loans, many hospitals will pay all or part of your anesthesia program loans in return for a work contract. For instance, I found a hospital in Austin, TX that will pay 100% of your anesthesia loans in return for a 5 yr committment. Another hospital in Fort Worth paid a $40,000 sign-on bonus last year for new CRNA's, which can pay off a sizeable chunk of loan. Good luck!

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Dont worry about the debt, apply and if u get in-go! once you become a crna that salary will be able to pay off the debt easier.

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Dont worry about the debt, apply and if u get in-go! once you become a crna that salary will be able to pay off the debt easier.

he has 80K IN DEBT ALREADY. that is such an ignorant statement.

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Specializes in Author/Business Coach.
Keep in mind that if you over work yourself you may not have the same focus as you would have with a less demanding work schedule. The goal of the ICU pre-CRNA application is to learn as much as possible, to really dig in and get everything out of it you can. You have to look at the ICU as a education experience & this will require out of work studying. As for loans, many hospitals will pay all or part of your anesthesia program loans in return for a work contract. For instance, I found a hospital in Austin, TX that will pay 100% of your anesthesia loans in return for a 5 yr committment. Another hospital in Fort Worth paid a $40,000 sign-on bonus last year for new CRNA's, which can pay off a sizeable chunk of loan. Good luck!

Neurogeek, do you plan on taking any of the hospitals up on their offer to pay for your student loans? Do you konw of anybody who has done this?

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I think people have different opinions on educational debt- no need to say someone elses opinion is ignorant.

Every year he works off the 80K as a RN making 60K/year he is losing the opportunity of a CRNA salary making around 150K/year.

Think of a 5 year plan with CRNA school costing 100K

Option One- Wait three years and pay back debt

Start: -80K debt

Year One: +60K RN

Year Two: +60K RN

Year Three: +60K RN

Year Four: -50K CRNA School

Year Five: -50K CRNA School

Net: Zero

Option Two- Go to CRNA school after one year requirement

Start: -80K debt

Year One: +60K RN

Year Two: -50K CRNA School

Year Three: -50K CRNA School

Year Four: +150K CRNA

Year Five: +150K CRNA

Net: 180K

Not only would he have 180K more, he also would be at his career goal earlier in life.

Just trying to give a different opinion to consider!

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Specializes in CRNA.

You are on the right track, and should be a strong candidate for a CRNA program. I agree that it would be good to get at least a good portion of the 80k paid off, and 3 years or so of work experience will make you a stronger candidate so it's a win win to work hard, pay off debt and then go to a CRNA program. You may want to consider an ICU travel position once you have a couple years of ICU experience. You can get paid more and if you pick your assignments well, you can also broaden your experience.

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If you work 5 days at 12 hours a shift, that fifth day pretty much all goes to uncle sam...it is not worth it to work that fifth day.

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i agree with that... no kids no spouse... 1/3 specfically 34.2% of my check with overtime goes to good ol' taxes!

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Neurogeek, do you plan on taking any of the hospitals up on their offer to pay for your student loans? Do you konw of anybody who has done this?

Yes, I will be looking for a good sign-on bonus or loan payoff contract. Honestly it's not all about the money for me, but this is very important as I will be 46 when I graduate and I shudder at the thought of paying off my loans with my social security check each month!! I need to pay off my loans quickly so it will be very important for me to seek employment that can assist with that. However, I won't be willing to accept a position at any facility that isn't top notch and a safe environment in which to practice. I won't jeapordize my license for money!

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