Why would anyone do the ARMY/NAVY CRNA program?

is5512 · Feb 17, 2009

With all due respect:

How much is freedom worth?

Ten million of my countrymen (and more than half my family; some starved to death in the crib) were killed in a genocide that the perpetrators still refuse to acknowledge ever happened. Then, those hailed as our "liberators" saw us as less-than-humans, and slaughtered us accordingly. We are here because American troops fought and died for us.

I did my time right out of high school. But, if the Army or Navy want me back, my number's in the book.

badphish · Feb 17, 2009

your math appears flawed to me.

unless you couldnt get private loans, or wanted to be in the armed forces? financially it makes no sense, lets take a look at why:
civillian path:
crna program: $40,000
2 yrs living expenses: $35,000
4.5 yrs working at a hospital @ $175,000 yr: $787,500
so -$75,000 + $787,500 = $712,500 +
army/navy path:
crna program: free
2 yrs living expenses paid by army: $1900 month = $45,600
you owe them 4.5 yrs @ $65,000 average income per yr = $292,500
so total $45,600 + $292,500 = $338,100
45,600 + the 40,000 cost of the program.
also where do you get your 1900 per month figure from?
i also doubt your making 175k out of the box, but ok.
difference between the two is $374,400!!!
why would anyone give up $374k to go into the army? i know its not all about the money, but $374k is a lot for anyone!

JenRN30, BSN · Feb 17, 2009

Well I checked into the navy awhile back because I was thinking about being a navy nurse and possibly doing their CRNA program. Something you didn't mention about the military was that you actually get your regular salary during the two years you're in school ($60,000x2) with no work obligation, as well as your full healthcare benefits for you and your family. Many people that are going into CRNA programs have families and mortgages, and couldn't possibly live off of $35,000 for 2 years. Maybe more like $70,000 or $80,000 for married people with families. God forbid something happened to you while you were in school, the military pays for it. If you're a civilian and don't pay for insurance out of pocket, then you're up a creek. There's also bonuses that you get for reenlisting. I believe CRNA is $75,000. Just a few things to think about. It's definitely not for everyone, but works out better for some people who enjoy the military lifestyle.

Jennie

fasolagrrl · Feb 17, 2009

The military is a very secure existence. You know you will have a job, a place to live, food to eat, medical care, and if you stay in long enough, retirement benefits. Every post/base is a community unto itself with entertainment and activity facilities. There are benefits for those who have served. The military offers experiences unavailable to many, a chance to see other places and meet other people, get an education and experience. Nursing, and nurses, may have a higher regard in the military.

But I served in peacetime. I would think hard about joining during wartime.

travis73 · Feb 17, 2009

Is it easier to get into an armed service CRNA program? Also, for a younger person who's already in the military, Why Not? I don't think that CRNAs are common knowledge. I didn't know about them until I started school for nursing.

blondy2061h, MSN, RN · Feb 17, 2009

You still get a salary while working for the army.

JenRN30, BSN · Feb 17, 2009

Travsi, sretty sure it's not easier to get into a CRNA program in the military. You have to be in the service (as a nurse, I believe) for at least 3 years, have very good grades, rank, and references. I'm sure someone that's in could answer this much more accurately than I can though.

ThePrestige · Feb 17, 2009

Thanks for the replys, in no way am i bashing the army/navy program, i was thinking about it myself and just ran some numbers and they didnt seem to appealing, financially, but i know the program is top notch and it would be nice to not have any headaches/worries about financial aid and loans.

travis73 · Feb 18, 2009

http://www.dns.amedd.army.mil/crna/

Lots of info there

Qwiigley, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, CRNA · Feb 18, 2009

I personally have worked with many of the Navy CRNAs. They are educated well beyond a standard program. They get experience you could only dream to get. They are well respected by those of us who are already CRNAs. As peers, I have often gained so much additional information/education during conferences when networking. Their studies and research that they work on (that civilians don't do much of or any!) are meticulous. Its not all about money. That is the wrong reason to go into a profession.

badphish · Feb 20, 2009

as ex military and current medic and future RN money is not a Wrong answer. im tired of the whole altruistic "requirement" that some think u need to be a "good " nurse. btw i didnt join the army because i wanted to serve my country, that was a benefit i joined because i needed a job, get out of my hometown, and get some awesome training and experience, serving my country was low on the list. im goinfg to be a RN because, 1, better opportunities than paramedic, 2. the pay, 3, because i dont want to be lifting stretchers in my 60s.