Does anyone work?

[KannRN]

I am wondering if anyone works while holding the title of SRNA. I realize that the programs are full time "plus", and I've been researching a lot of programs and have certainly gained the insight that they are way beyond a lot of work! My current job is part of a program that pays for school and allows me to work 12 hour shifts on Saturday and Sundays. I get paid for 40 hours, plus all the great benefits. I could do this all the way through a PhD if I wanted. I can take one "weekend" off a month, so technically I only have to work three sat/sun rotations in a month.

I am very decided and determined to apply next fall to a program that is local where I live. NOT working (on this current work program I have) does not really seem like an option for me at all, as it provides me with a good income and I have three teenage boys to support financially. Plus, like I said my employer pays tuition as long as I am on the "program". So I really want to hear from anyone who has worked, has tried it...whatever...any insight would be great!

Thanks

[suzanne4, RN]

You are going to find issues with trying to work every weekend, that i can promise you. Even if your program is front-loaded, you will be spending enormous amounts of time preparing for your classes, and when you begin your clinicals, if you are in that type of program, have upped their clinical hours this year to be 60 hours per week, five 12s. So if you are working every weekend, or three per month, that woudl be equivalent to working and going to school on a level that you will not be able to function properly with and will become dangerous to your patients as well.

I would seriouly look into taking a leave of absence, most programs will not even permit you to work at all..................something is going to have to give, and to see you have to drop out of a program, is not a good thing, and I have seen it happen.

[jenniek]

I would not recommend it, at all. School is a full time job and even if you don't think you will study all the time, you need some down time. Work wouldn't be down time for me.

Jennie

[TexasCCRN]

I know some schools prohibit working, at least when you start clinicals. I think that it would be unsafe to your patients to work every weekend and do clinicals all week. I did know some in my front loaded program this semester who worked some weekends. Their grades really suffered and they were pretty nervous all semester waiting to see if they made the grade to pass. To me i'd rather go without a few wants and have my sanity. Just my opinion.

[KannRN]

Yes, I can certainly see your point of working weekends during the clinical phase, which will be heavy after the first year in the program that I want. The first year appears to be 99% class, which is heavy, but probably do-able for me with the right mindset and groundwork pre-planned (home, family, etc). Grades of course, are important as is safety for my patients and myself.

Thanks for your reply!

[jabsmom]

I have spoken to countless people who have assured me that working and CRNA school do not go hand in hand. I like you thought it would not be a problem and it would be better not to put my family in debt. I currently work 60-70 hrs as an NP now. But I have definantly decided to listen to those who have and are going before me...their experience has been tested and they have all echoed the same thing ... No matter how much you plan, you really can't understand until you actually experience the load requirements. Instead of planning to work in the future, do extra shifts now. IS it really worth taking a chance on after working so hard to get accepted! Just my thoughts..

[EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN]

I work as an SRNA but only part-time, a few shifts a month for some extra spending money. If you want to do CRNA school bad enough, you just take out the loans to cover tuition and living expenses. If you worked every weekend you would surely lose your sanity.