Working while in CRNA school...

gassy2be · Nov 12, 2014

What school says that? I've never heard of a school that allows you to work past the first semester, and most don't even allow that.

MatyIce · Nov 12, 2014

You cannot work while in crna school nor would you want to. The workload is going to be insane.

Mully · Nov 12, 2014

My school allows you to work, but it highly discourages it. Certainly you can't work full time.

Here's a good example; one person in my class kept his job in the ICU per diem which only required 1 shift every 3 weeks. After the first 2 months or so, he quit that job, as he did not have time for it.

The standard student lives off of loans/savings/the income of a S.O. while in school. The rare, rare outlier may work one or two shifts a month.

Hope this helps.

JustForToday · Nov 13, 2014

Definitely helps! Thanks! I guess my main curiosity was stemming from wondering how CRNA students manage to maintain a household, bills, etc. whilst not being able to work while in school. So mainly student loans could cover those types of expenses to an extent? Also what is S.O.?

guest769224 · Nov 13, 2014

So mainly student loans could cover those types of expenses to an extent? Also what is S.O.?

The majority of anesthesia students rely on loans to get them through. If you could save up some cash before you enter the program that would be even better. S.O. stands for significant other. A partner/spouse can support the both of you until graduation.

missnurse01, MSN, RN · Nov 13, 2014

Family of 5 here with stay at home dad. Scraping by on student loans and retirement liquidation. One car, paid off. No credit cards. No going to the movies, rare eating out, etc. Here with max student loans we have about 2 grand to live on a month. Pay everything off and save money!!!

JustForToday · Nov 18, 2014

Nice! Thanks everyone! Like I said, I still have a long road ahead of me! But it's nice to get some idea as to the types of stressors and obligations and I need to get in order prior to getting to that point!

SoniaReb · Nov 20, 2014

My sister went attended a CRNA program years ago and worked two 12-shifts per week (weekends) in an NICU. She completed the 2.5 year program and finished at the top of her class and pass her boards on her first attempt. It all depends on the individual and their time management skills, your academic abilities and support system in place. She completed her program with less than $10K in student loan. The program she enrolled in provided a generous stipend throughout the entire program. Look at programs with the least cost and if you can live at home with your parents, that will be a major cost savings. After graduating from your BSN program, try to keep your debt low (avoid buying a new car, etc.) and save as much as you can.

I wouldn't recommend that anyone work while pursuing such a program, but it can be done!

NavySRNA · Dec 18, 2014

You could join the military and get paid to go to school full-time. You'll have plenty of money, just no time to spend it.

guest769224 · Dec 18, 2014

worked two 12-shifts per week (weekends) in an NICU.
The program she enrolled in provided a generous stipend throughout the entire program.

If she was receiving such a high stipend why was it necessary to work 24 hrs per week?

CRNA2020 · May 22, 2017

Family of 5 here with stay at home dad. Scraping by on student loans and retirement liquidation. One car, paid off. No credit cards. No going to the movies, rare eating out, etc. Here with max student loans we have about 2 grand to live on a month. Pay everything off and save money!!!

Not sure if you will see this but I have interviewed and am waiting on the final response and am in same situation. Was wondering if I could PM you about a few questions?