Was CRNA worth it all?

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CRNAs: those of you who made it through the grueling process of becoming a CRNA, do you feel it was worth it? I’m asking in terms of quality of life, finance, respect. I am currently 25 y/o working in an MICU at level 1 trauma center downtown Chicago. Seriously considering applying to CRNA schools in Illinois within the next 1-2 years. Thank you in advance for feedback.

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beats 25 years to life in the unit...

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I will....have to let you know. I'm in first year, have several left, but I can tell you that i LOVE what I'm learning. And I start clinical later this year so once I get into that, hopefully I love that too.

Also, props to offlabel, I about spit out my green tea because of your comment, that was pretty hilarious...?

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I wouldn't have been anything else. The hardest thing I've ever done but also the most rewarding.

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On ‎1‎/‎22‎/‎2019 at 10:26 AM, DreameRN said:

I will....have to let you know. I'm in first year, have several left, but I can tell you that i LOVE what I'm learning. And I start clinical later this year so once I get into that, hopefully I love that too.

Also, props to offlabel, I about spit out my green tea because of your comment, that was pretty hilarious...?

That is great, I hope that I feel the same way when I am in your position.

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On ‎1‎/‎22‎/‎2019 at 7:25 PM, Bluebolt said:

I wouldn't have been anything else. The hardest thing I've ever done but also the most rewarding.

It is a very rewarding career from what I gather, and an amazing time to get in on the profession with the current forecast in healthcare. Lots of room for growth and expansion.

I follow your youtube channel Bluebolt, great content man I hope you get some free time on your hands in the future to update the channel. You must be pretty close to finish at this point.

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On ‎1‎/‎21‎/‎2019 at 5:18 PM, offlabel said:

beats 25 years to life in the unit...

I couldn't imagine

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Hi guys I had a question Im currently working in the ICU, but I have MSN, masters entry program in nursing, did not have a bachelors in but Iam a registered nurse.

Im planning for the future and would like to apply to a CRNA program, but Ive noticed all the requirements say BSN.

Can I still apply?

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23 hours ago, SacTownGirl said:

Hi guys I had a question Im currently working in the ICU, but I have MSN, masters entry program in nursing, did not have a bachelors in but Iam a registered nurse.

Im planning for the future and would like to apply to a CRNA program, but Ive noticed all the requirements say BSN.

Can I still apply?

Yes, an MSN is more than a BSN. I can't imagine any school not accepting an MSN, which is higher-than BSN.

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On ‎1‎/‎22‎/‎2019 at 11:26 AM, DreameRN said:

I will....have to let you know. I'm in first year, have several left, but I can tell you that i LOVE what I'm learning. And I start clinical later this year so once I get into that, hopefully I love that too.

Also, props to offlabel, I about spit out my green tea because of your comment, that was pretty hilarious...?

DreameRN,

I'm an accelerated BSN student right and now want to pursue CRNA. I'm curious to know, what were your stats like for CNA school? (GPA, experience, etc) and a little more personal, how are you managing the program in terms of living and finances. That's probably mine, and others, biggest concerns. Any insight is highly appreciated and congrats!

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My stats were average. 3.5 GPA for BSN, 3.2 for sciences. I goofed off alot before I went to nursing school and my grades showed it. I had to retake several classes and get As and pay for it myself. I had a 310 GRE. I had 10 years of ICU.

My stats got me an interview, because I met minimum requirements. The interview is what gets you your place in a program typically.

As for living, I'm living off my husband and getting health insurance from him, and taking out loans for tuition, and taking out living loans for the amount that is left over after my husband's paycheck. CRNA is something I evolved to wanting to do after being in the ICU for 10 years and just wanted more, so I did not have a savings account going in like those that plan for it and apply after 1-2 years in ICU. It just is what it is, and we can be disciplined when I'm out and pay it back in 3-4 years. I take out what I need, with a little cushion in case the car breaks down, or the dog eats the sofa and I focus on school.

Practically speaking, it helps that we are not attached to one area so when I'm out I can both follow the money and take my time finding a good job fit both financially and practice wise--I don't want to be highly restricted, I didn't pay all this money to not do what I'm trained to do. I'd worry more about my loans if I was tied to a geographical area and didn't want to move so had to take whatever pay was offered.

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8 minutes ago, DreameRN said:

My stats were average. 3.5 GPA for BSN, 3.2 for sciences. I goofed off alot before I went to nursing school and my grades showed it. I had to retake several classes and get As and pay for it myself. I had a 310 GRE. I had 10 years of ICU.

My stats got me an interview, because I met minimum requirements. The interview is what gets you your place in a program typically.

As for living, I'm living off my husband and getting health insurance from him, and taking out loans for tuition, and taking out living loans for the amount that is left over after my husband's paycheck. CRNA is something I evolved to wanting to do after being in the ICU for 10 years and just wanted more, so I did not have a savings account going in like those that plan for it and apply after 1-2 years in ICU. It just is what it is, and we can be disciplined when I'm out and pay it back in 3-4 years. I take out what I need, with a little cushion in case the car breaks down, or the dog eats the sofa and I focus on school.

Practically speaking, it helps that we are not attached to one area so when I'm out I can both follow the money and take my time finding a good job fit both financially and practice wise--I don't want to be highly restricted, I didn't pay all this money to not do what I'm trained to do. I'd worry more about my loans if I was tied to a geographical area and didn't want to move so had to take whatever pay was offered.

Thank you so much for your response. As a male and how I grew up I want to be able to support my girl and not have it be the other way around but for situations where grad school is the future, sometimes it has to be temporary where there's support from the other person until all is said and done. Then of course CRNA pays off and everything is paid back. I appreciate your response.

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