Head Spinning!!!

[fetchfelix]

Ok, so I am an RN with 17yrs experience, with a wide & varied background. Im considering CRNA as a career in the future after being encouraged to do so by a couple of CRNAs & the head of Anesthesia at a hospital where I was doing my intubations for the flight team.
I have read a bewildering amount of information! Im a couple of years away from even applying as I am 1st to complete my BSN, with CRNA being the 1st thing to motivate me to even do that. So before I start down that path, its with the long term view of becoming a CRNA. So I want to be sure thats what I really want to do!
Im married with 3 kids, the eldest being 3. So I know there will be a major sacrifice there, for me & them. 1st question - how the heck can you afford to do this with a mortgage, & 3 kids? Can you really get loans to cover all that, & when you finish will I be in debt for years after? 2nd question, much more broad. What is really great about being a CRNA? What is the worst thing about being a CRNA? Anyone, have any regrets?
I've studied a few other career plans, & the thing that is striking about CRNAs, is that there dont seem to be many people disatisfied with it. Is it really that good? Curious, & hopeful.

Felix

[MmacFN]

Hey!

The big answer is Yes you can get the loans to do it. The interest is a killer but it can be done. On the otherhand the earning potential and job satisfaction will be well worth the loans you need to get.

If you want it, do it :)

[TranMan]

Anything's possible. One of my classmates had 6 kids and his wife was an ER RN and they did just fine. If it was me i'd probably sell the house though. There are lots of loans out there that you can get.

What makes the profession so great? Great pay, flexible schedule, autonomy, respect from coworkers and colleagues, great variety in patient population & cases, a specialty field. Anesthesia is truely a unique career.

Worse part? IMO - being compare to MDAs by ppl who don't know any better. Being referred to as just another nurse.

Things I kept hearing from many ppl in school. "I wish I had done this _ years ago when I first thought about it".

Good luck in your quest.