SRNA and single mother? Need advice.

[xaxxax]

Hello all, another CRNA hopeful here. I have been eyeing a few programs and applied to one (early application deadline). Can't wait to get into anesthesia and further my education, however I am very concerned about the toll being in school will take on my young daughter. Working night shift is tough enough trying to balance her schedule and mine. I have a supportive family where I currently live and they help us out a lot, but there are no crna a programs near me which means relocation. My family has gone so far as to offer to have my daughter live with them while I am in school, but I don't know how I feel about being so far away from her for so long. Their rationale is that the sacrifice for our future will be worth it in the long run. Any thoughts/advice from single parents in anesthesia school would be appreciated.

[ccuccrnap16]

Oh man I really empathize with you on this one. I was a single mother when I first started considering anesthesia school as well. How old is your daughter? My son is 7 and if I had to do it by myself now that he's older I absolutely would. My parents would have done the same as yours and I would have had to relocate as well but only about 3 hours so I could have still come home on weekends etc. Now that I'm applying I'm in a different situation and I'm remarried. I'm lucky enough that my husband is finishing up his last year of CRNA school and I will start right after he graduates if I get in. I feel so fortunate that now I am in a situation where I have him to help but if I didn't have him I would seriously still consider doing anesthesia school.

I worked nights as a single mom and it was so hard and really affected my ability to be a good parent and then at the end of the day I didn't have any money for family trips or extras and if I worked overtime to try to save for these type of things I would feel guilty for being away even more. No doubt it will be difficult but the quality of life if would give you and your child is undeniable. Your daughter would be well taken care of and loved short term with your family and most certainly she will understand what you are sacrificing...if not now later on. It's hard hard momma and all the best to you!

[xaxxax]

Thanks so much for the reply. It's nice to know I'm not alone! This is something I desperately want to do but a part of me feels guilty for even considering being away from her more than I already am. She is 5 right now. Will be 6 when I start classes. The silver lining is that my parents are fantastic people and they would take excellent care of her.

[ccuccrnap16]

How far away would you have to move and is it a masters or doctorate program? I don't know how little girls are but when my son turned 6 he was way less dependent on me and caring more about friends and activities so I think it would be a good age...

[xaxxax]

The program I have already applied to in several hours away. I would be able to make it home every other weekend if I am lucky. There is a program that is closer that I am looking at as well. A few hours drive, however it is much more competitive. I am hoping and praying to get accepted there though. Both are Masters programs. My daughter is reaching an age where friends are important and She is becoming more independent, but there are still times when only Mommy will do.