[auwrestler197]

Hello all, glad I found this place. I currently work in construction management and bring home about 35K a year. My wife brings home about 45K (MBA). We have 4 small children. I have decided I do not want to be in construction for the rest of my life and have always admired health care. However, do you folks think I could complete a BSN (already in college and all I would need for prereqs would be Anatomy 1 and 2, and Microbio, and chemistry I think) while still working where I work, which has somewhat flexible hours? Or are BSN programs too demanding in general to work full time? (By the way, I would really like to move on to CRNA one day as there is a CRNA program only an hour and a half away.)

Thanks, and have a great day.

[pipingmad]

*See my reply in the new member thread*

Good Luck!

[pipingmad]

Also on a side note...

during one of my observations in an OR, I got to talk to the CRNA. We talked about paying for it, and the ICU experience needed.

Basically he said I should apply to an ICU immediately. He said being male would be a plus in my favor and I'd be hired even without experience.

I didn't have any bad experiences as a male nursing student. In fact, aside from stories of being ready for possible sexual bias or reverse discrimination, I've only heard of being male as being a positive.

Well, except for perhaps people always coming to you to help do some lifting. lol

[auwrestler197]

Yeah, another bad thing about CRNA is that it is two years of no income. My wife says it is doable but I think she bumped her head this morning or something. 2 years with 4 kids on one income, can't see it happening but you never know.

[auwrestler197]

And I say 2 years with no income because everything I read about CRNA school say 60 - 70 hours a week school and clinicals and studying = no time for a job.

[pipingmad]

Originally Posted by auwrestler197

And I say 2 years with no income because everything I read about CRNA school say 60 - 70 hours a week school and clinicals and studying = no time for a job.

I don't know about actual time, but it is intense and can range from 2 -3 years depending on the program. All those I have looked up at the very least STRONGLY discourage working while in the program.

If it's not too late when you finish with your BSN, you could perhaps consider the military. After serving for some time you can apply for their programs. If accepted into one of their programs, they'll pay you your normal pay and pay for the grad school on top of that in return for an additional service commitment.

[Sailorbob]

When I began nursing school I was 36 years old and a full-time carpenter in a big city. I enrolled in a 2 year program at a small, catholic junior college, mostly because it had evening and weekend classes, and I knew the nuns would kick my ass if I slacked off.
At different points, as training progressed, I found I needed to take a semester off and just get with the books. Some of the clinical training is very intense and the classroom work can be exacting. For me, I could only keep up by doing nothing else sometimes.
To do that I took out more loans and worked side jobs in remodeling. It took me ten years to pay off the loans and I consider it money well spent.
What I didn't see coming was how exhausted I would be after two years of working while going to school, and at a time when I was beginning a new career. That was just as tough as school.
Different federal agencies offer scholarship help for CRNA's that agree to practice in underserved areas.
If you are clear that you want to go into nursing you should go for it because it is a wonderful profession, but it's good that you're looking at numbers because you would be out of action as a regular breadwinner for some time.
Hope this helps, I know it's a big decision.

[dogluvr]

I am also in your shoes.I did 17 credits last semester and worked full time.I also have 4 children.Let me say I had no social life.I also decided on my 4year degree.So I just added more class time for myself.I am entering my 2 semester and will do 15 credits.I am also going to work 36 hrs. a week.I gave up my weekends but at least I can do school work duing the week and most my classes are on tues. and thurs.It can be done but it is a team effort.I have a good support team thank god.So good luck and best wishes

[OldSquidNewNurse]

It all depends on where you are located. I found BSN programs here (even the new second career ones) less favorable to an ADN program, which has less prereq's and offer evening classes. However, the clinicals are during weekdays. Thankfully I have the GI Bill to supplement my income and a live-in girl-friend who helps with the rent and is also a nurse. Given your situation, you would need a BSN for a CRNA program. Personally I would take as much as I could at a Community College (after ensuring that credits transfet equally) and then transfer.

Good Luck,
Rick