What's going to keep you motivated????

Specialties CRNA

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I start CRNA school this August at ODU and I know it's going to be all that everyone says and more, but what is the one thing that will keep you motivated when the going gets tougher than tough. I have a pitcure of a nice big house that I want with the mega master bedroom and bath, the big body benz...and vacations in the carribean, and college fund for my kids, shopping, shopping, and shopping....you all get the pitcure right? Oh yeah, and autonomy and no more but wiping or denture cleaning! What's the one thing for you that will make it all worth it?:roll

Good Question! Here's some of (what were) my "motivators":

- the desire to accomplish something that "matters" - at least in my book

- autonomy - and now that I have it, "I lawk-it-a-lawt!" (from Dumb & Dumber)

- some respect - at least where I am currently - I have a lot of it and I like it!

- I LOVE WHAT I DO!!! ...each and every day! I truly ENJOY what I am doing. When is the last time you said that about your "job"? ;-)

- I am better able to provide for my child (she is a "special needs" kid) both now and for her future. I have a lot more time to spend with her now (if I choose to because of so much autonomy with regard to my schedule).

- I am able to help out others in ways that I could not before. There are many ways to do this. :) We will probably be starting our own charitable non-profit corp this year - small beginnings, yes, but what a great start!

- the $$$$ ain't baaaaad! If you really need it - you can click on this --> http://www.nsxprime.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=185&password=&sort=1&cat=524&page=1 for those who are into motorized fun, or even this --> http://www.lindal.com/homegallery/galleryfocus.cfm?SSID=13&ModelName=Casa%20Islena and click on the "magnifying glass" with the + on it. :) Well, I HOPE those links work! hehehehe!!! OK... break's over... back to reality...

There were other reasons, but those I listed were pretty important to me going into school. I want to add a note here that may surprise some of you. I was just like most of you entering or going through NA school - I found myself thinking about graduating, getting that sign on $$$$ and the first few paychecks and... and... thinking about "GOING NUTS" buying all kinds of things we had done without for so long! This may surprise you, but we haven't purchased hardly a thing yet! I graduated over six months ago and we're still driving our old vehicles... shopping at Wal-Mart... wearing our same old clothes... haven't purchased a different home...! My spouse bought me a watch - was supposed to be a graduation present and I didn't see it until about 2 weeks ago! ;-O But... you should see our bank accounts... and brokerage account(s)... and IRAs... and... well, you get the idea. :) To each their own.

NA school is a wonderful pursuit and whatever it takes to motivate you - please find it and focus on it regularly. I think if it helps you to put up a picture of something on your wall that inspires you - that's a good thing! :) My spouse described the time in school like "holding onto a 'run-away-train' and praying that you won't let go" until the ride is finished! That's a good description of my experience. Of course - I have always hated being bored!

Sleeepy

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Lets not kid ourselves....we all know why we're in this: financial gain, better lifestyle. Yeah personal satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment goes with it...but anyone who tells you otherwise is lying.

My CRNA buddies who are practicing now are living it up. Youre in an awesome field...you'll get through it fine. The pot of gold is waiting for you at the end of the rainbow...

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Specializes in Nurse Anesthetist.

hey gee- that's not true.

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Ok Qwigg.....whatever you say

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Geeque- believe it or not - there are alot of regular nursing jobs that pay in the 100,000$ range - so for all of us it is not purely money that motivates us...

for others who have not started yet....after being in school a few months - you will realize that you couldn't go back to regular nursing if you wanted to - the one on one with your patients, the autonomy, the respect given to CRNA's...those all are very very motivating...and once you start - that big wad of money you borrowed to go to school will be another strong motivator...LOL

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Lets not kid ourselves....we all know why we're in this: financial gain, better lifestyle. Yeah personal satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment goes with it...but anyone who tells you otherwise is lying.

My CRNA buddies who are practicing now are living it up. Youre in an awesome field...you'll get through it fine. The pot of gold is waiting for you at the end of the rainbow...

For those of you with $$ in your eyes, consider that 60,000 or so a year extra income doesn't really change one's lifestyle. Yes, you can buy a few more goodies but it certainly doesn't propel you into a new neighborhood or if it does, you will be back to the old rat race to keep up the lifestyle. I know lots of CRNAs with huge debts to pay because they bought fancy houses cars, vacations, jewlry, you name it, they bought it. Consider that you have lost income for greater than 2 years; 100,000 or so, paid tuition on the order of 30,000 and bought a couple of thousand dollars worth of books and attendance costs to meetings. Many of you will relocate at some cost. So to have to work at least 2 and closer to 3 years just to get back to where you were. In the meantime, you have lost seniority at the job you were at and stressed everyone that knows you to the breaking point. I'm certainly noe discouraging one from their goal of becoming a CRNA just have your eyes open as you make that decision. BTW, I have been out 6 months now and I just bought some pants.

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I have been out 6 months now and I just bought some pants.

:rotfl: I imagine that you must have been living in scrubs for the past 3 years. Congratulations on your purchase

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Believe it or not, I am actually perfectly satisfied with the money I make as a staff nurse. I am always happy with my paycheck, and have plenty to live the lifestyle that suits me.

The financial motivation for becoming a CRNA exists for me in one respect. I will be able to work part-time and make the same amount of money as I do now, but have twice as much time with my family. I will probably work full-time for the first few years to get the experience....then it's part-time for me. The money sounds nice, but I would rather spend time doing other things. :)

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For those of you with $$ in your eyes, consider that 60,000 or so a year extra income doesn't really change one's lifestyle. Yes, you can buy a few more goodies but it certainly doesn't propel you into a new neighborhood or if it does, you will be back to the old rat race to keep up the lifestyle. I know lots of CRNAs with huge debts to pay because they bought fancy houses cars, vacations, jewlry, you name it, they bought it. Consider that you have lost income for greater than 2 years; 100,000 or so, paid tuition on the order of 30,000 and bought a couple of thousand dollars worth of books and attendance costs to meetings. Many of you will relocate at some cost. So to have to work at least 2 and closer to 3 years just to get back to where you were. In the meantime, you have lost seniority at the job you were at and stressed everyone that knows you to the breaking point. I'm certainly noe discouraging one from their goal of becoming a CRNA just have your eyes open as you make that decision. BTW, I have been out 6 months now and I just bought some pants.

POINT taken.

One thing I have to add though, $60,000 gain a year over a ten year span is a considerable difference, even with the two years out with no income and the debt accumulated from school. I did the quick math.

Bottom line is for ME, I'll be so much happier as a CRNA than a bedside RN. :)

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WntrMute, you are so right on. I know a few new CRNAs who couldn't wait to spend that paycheck, bought all sorts of material trappings, and are now scrounging for call and extra time to try to pay it off. Sad - and more than a bit stupid.

Susswood, I am with you. Better income as a CRNA just means I can work reasonable hours and still make a good living. There are plenty of nurses on the West Coast clearing 100k working 3 12s per week!

And GeeCue, speak for yourself, man. Not all of us are in this for the cash.

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LOL....dude chill out.

I was just expressing my opinion. Everyone knows the rough rides coming in school. But don't take it out on me just because you get your *** kicked in clinicals.

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I have been watching this thread with great curiosity for the past few days and I thought I would put in my $.02. Granted, the money is nice and definitely a job perk, but after being in the OR and seeing what CRNA's do, I felt that it was definitely the job for me. The biggest motivator for being a CRNA is the fact that all but one that I have talked to say they LOVE their job. In contrast, 90% of bedside RN's hate their jobs. That speaks volumes to me. I can't wait until the day I get those 4 initials behind my name and do something that I love to do. The art of intubating, autonomy, job opportunities, etc... and oh yeah, the paycheck won't be too bad. To each their own as far as motivation for CRNA, so long as "we" continue to provide excellent care and improve the profession.

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