Baby or CRNA School?

Students SRNA

Published

Hi,

I have 10yrs nursing experience. 8 in medsurg and 2 in ICU. I am currently studying for the GRE and hoping to apply and get into a CRNA program that would start Jan2019. I have a 3yo and am contemplating having another baby before going back to school. If I do have another baby before school my son would be 4yo and second child would be a few months at most when I start the program. What do you all think? I have been having baby fever lately. But Is this a smart move or should I wait?

carocam

37 Posts

Hi, I am the mother of a 10 month old and applying to start CRNA school (babe will be a year and a half when I start.) Based on your experience I would probably encourage you to start CRNA school first if your age allows it. I think it is too hard to start with a tiny baby, because they change so quickly in the first few years and you will miss so much. Of course, it's a totally personal decision, but you have to be prepared to miss being the one baby wakes up to in the morning and miss a lot of bedtimes, etc. I am willing to do that, but I know many mothers are not.

I always remember the saying that says something like "make plans and God laughs," but if I were in your spot I would plan to start CRNA school ASAP and try to get pregnant towards the end of school. School is relatively short, so most women applying to CRNA school have the benefit of being able to apply to school and attend before running out of childbearing years.

The other thing to watch out for is that you are 10 years out of nursing school and in terms of CRNA school your undergraduate classes are starting to get old. Delaying school to have the baby now would lead to the possibility of being declined because your prerequisite classes will be that much older. Best of luck. I have also struggled with the baby vs. school and it's a common concern for many women.

jj224

371 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care.

I think this is not a great idea.

I'm 2/3 of the way through school with an 8 month old and the last 8 months have been a challenge. My wife and I don't sleep (I'm now getting less than I used to). I'm a deadbeat dad - I'm physically incapable of being in 2 places at once to pull my weight. I've missed the first time my baby started crawling, the first time she pulled herself to stand, etc.

I'd highly recommend waiting until you're nearing the end of school to have a child, or have another child now and go to school once the kids are a little older.

PresG33

79 Posts

I have a 3 yr old and a 6 month old that was born at the end of 1st semester. I would personally rather go to school and be a little absent when they are too young to remember me not being around. It is harder (I'm a male so having the added stress of pumping/breastfeeding isn't an issue) but I am home every night to put my 3 yr old to bed. I think going with older kids would be easier on me but harder on them.

icuCCRNurse

58 Posts

I am female and have a 20 month old and a 4 year old. My biggest fear is managing CRNA and a family, but as you can see, people do it! I think if you want to have a baby, have a baby! My friend had a baby in the middle of CRNA school and she managed. I want a third child but I don't want a newborn starting school. I'll see if I still feel that way after I finish school.

RNgonz

5 Posts

Hi, I am the mother of a 10 month old and applying to start CRNA school (babe will be a year and a half when I start.) Based on your experience I would probably encourage you to start CRNA school first if your age allows it. I think it is too hard to start with a tiny baby, because they change so quickly in the first few years and you will miss so much. Of course, it's a totally personal decision, but you have to be prepared to miss being the one baby wakes up to in the morning and miss a lot of bedtimes, etc. I am willing to do that, but I know many mothers are not.

I always remember the saying that says something like "make plans and God laughs," but if I were in your spot I would plan to start CRNA school ASAP and try to get pregnant towards the end of school. School is relatively short, so most women applying to CRNA school have the benefit of being able to apply to school and attend before running out of childbearing years.

The other thing to watch out for is that you are 10 years out of nursing school and in terms of CRNA school your undergraduate classes are starting to get old. Delaying school to have the baby now would lead to the possibility of being declined because your prerequisite classes will be that much older. Best of luck. I have also struggled with the baby vs. school and it's a common concern for many women.

Thank you so much for your response. It's funny you mentioned the plans/God Saying because my husband said the same thing. My initial thought was to get pregnant towards the end of the program. I am 29 now and if I do get into school in Jan 2019 I would be about 32-33 by the time I finish. Since I do have to retake some pre-reqs I didn't consider having another baby so that I can manage 1 child/husband/school/work before the program. Thank you so much for your input. It definitely helped.

RNisi

1 Post

Hi, I have 2 kids a 4yr old and a 6month old. I thought about waiting on having my second baby because ive been thinking about going back for crna but im glad i did. I have 8years nursing experience but non in ICU.

Plan on applying for an ICU position January 2018 and get my 2 year ICU experience. Im just concern that by the time i get my 2 year experience ill be 10 years out of nursing school and idk if ill be qualified for crna school been out of school that long without retaking those science prerequisites. Any suggestions will help

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