When to start job search

Not sure about them but I am looking now, before even starting.

Hey Mark,

My old hospital did have a program that would pay for school only, but I had to give a 3 year contract after that. I told them I wasn't interested and have taken out student loans. Out of my class of 34 SRNA's I believe only about 2-3 had contracts prior to starting school. I graduate next december and I plan on starting to look this time next year. There are way too many opportunites that exist for me, (however I am not married and have no kids, so traveling to the best opportunity is not a difficult choice for me) to be committed to an "ok" contract. I have also found that they really don't want to talk to you until your getting ready to graduate anyways. There are too many variables in giving someone a lot of money and not finishing, so it's not ecconomically sound for the institution. Sure, if you don't finish and you have to either work off your loan or pay it back, (with interest more than not!) but the institution is looking for CRNA's not more RN's which are a hell of a lot easier (and cheaper) to find.

By no means am I saying not to look, but don't be frustrated if you come to find that not everyone is going to give you a whole bunch of money up front, banking on you graduating in 24-36 months. Hardest part is getting in, worry about who will pay for it a little later. I'm just worrying about getting through finals these next two weeks.

Good Luck,

Marc