Torn - CRNA or not?

[FilAmICU]

While some are here sketching the blueprint of their nursing career, here I am torn whether to pursue a career to become a CRNA or stay as an ICU nurse.

Brief background about me. I'm a male nurse who took nursing as a second degree overseas at the age of 35. 2 years later came back to the US but not without a struggle with BRN for an ATT. Thankfully passed NCLEX on my first attempt then landed my first job in a hospital after 4 months. Accepted an offer at a Med Surg unit which I wanted to since I'd like to get a good foundation of being a floor nurse. Two years passed and I showed my interest in the ICU. I was given the chance to work with the finest RNs in the hospital. I'm on to my first year in ICU and plan to take the CCRN this year. My initial intention was to get a good grasp of the ICU setting in order to join the ranks of RNs in the academe. However, I became interested in CRNA when one of my colleagues encouraged me to look into it since I don't see myself being a bedside RN until the day I retire.

Here's my dilemma. No savings. Not liquid. Living paycheck to paycheck because of my previous loans. Not certain if I can financially survive the 2 yr program without having to work. My mind is willing to go through the rigid program that the course requires. Would a student loan be able to fund it 100%? Is 41 years old too old to get into the program? (I'll be 41 if I get accepted for next year's.

My co worker's advice was to apply first and let destiny take its course since there is only a very limited number of seats available each year.

Let me know your thoughts. Thanks guys! :)

[bibibi]

Don't apply until you made up your mind 100%.

[ckh23, BSN, RN]

Have you shadowed a CRNA yet? The whole program can be financed through loans, but your loan payments will be quite substantial when you're done.

[RN403, BSN, RN]

You're never too old to do anything. Besides, 41 is pretty young.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

Make absolutely sure this is what you want to do before even considering accumulating more debt. If it is, go for it.

[Da_Milk_of_Amnesia, MSN]

I would consider shadowing a CRNA. Truthfully, the job itself is fun. I'm a SRNA but i f-ing love it. What i don't love is the politics of the Anesthesiology Vs. CRNAs, and who is better and how we are sometime micromanaged and or told what to do. Unfortunately it is what it is, but don't be disillusioned the same nonsense you deal with as a nurse, you will also deal with as a CRNA, just in a slightly different form. And while you can fund it 100% thru loans. I personally wouldn't do it. I saved 80K before i went to school. After 1 year I have 30K left and almost 60K in loans. But hey, do what you what.

[FilAmICU]

Thank you all for your encouraging words. I will surely give it a lot of weighing and considerations. Like I mentioned, I do not see myself at the bedside until the day I retire. I know I have other options to get out of it such as Case Management and Informatics among others but if I have to go back to school anyways then I'd rather do the CRNA program.

Having experienced working in an office/corporate settings in the past allowed me to handle work place politics quite effectively so I don't mind it at all if ever there is going be one.

The only advantage I can think of right now is that I'm single and I believe I can manage my time and finances if I just try a little harder. I can save some money for my day to day expenses and then the rest of it through a loan.

I still have a couple of months to think about it so yeah. I'll keep you all posted.

You guys have my gratitude.

[Mully]

I would consider shadowing a CRNA. Truthfully, the job itself is fun. I'm a SRNA but i f-ing love it. What i don't love is the politics of the Anesthesiology Vs. CRNAs, and who is better and how we are sometime micromanaged and or told what to do. Unfortunately it is what it is, but don't be disillusioned the same nonsense you deal with as a nurse, you will also deal with as a CRNA, just in a slightly different form. And while you can fund it 100% thru loans. I personally wouldn't do it. I saved 80K before i went to school. After 1 year I have 30K left and almost 60K in loans. But hey, do what you what.

You spent 110K in one year? Do you have a family that you're supporting? And how much is your tuition?

That seems like a ton. But my tuition is about 20k/year and I'm single...

[pchs052010]

I just got into a CRNA program, and the stats showed at least 50% of the applicants were 35-45. Therefore, you are in the range. It is normal for you to apply and get accepted. I humbly suggest that you shadow a CRNA, so that you know if you will like it or not. Also, you mention that you took RN school overseas. Some schools only accept accredited RN schools, so you need to make sure that your school is eligible.

Chase you dreams my friend. Cheers to a lifelong learning.

[Da_Milk_of_Amnesia, MSN]

You spent 110K in one year? Do you have a family that you're supporting? And how much is your tuition?

That seems like a ton. But my tuition is about 20k/year and I'm single...

Mayve I didn't word it correctly - I have 30K of personal savings and 30 K of loans left - Total 60K does that make more sense ? My tuition was like roughly 36 K for the entire thing.

- If you call supporting myself, my GF and my cat - supporting a family then yes, I am. lol

[Mully]

Mayve I didn't word it correctly - I have 30K of personal savings and 30 K of loans left - Total 60K does that make more sense ? My tuition was like roughly 36 K for the entire thing.

- If you call supporting myself, my GF and my cat - supporting a family then yes, I am. lol

Yeah that sounds more reasonable.

[tsicuRN1]

I had doubts too. I briefly considered going to NP school instead.. it'd be way cheaper, I could work full time and my hospital would even pay 5000 a year. But.. when I thought about going to NP school, it didn't give me the same excited, jittery feeling inside that I got when I thought about going to CRNA school. In the end, I had to go with my gut feeling!