Crazy to pursue CRNA?
Hi all -
I guess I'm mildly venting and looking for "yes you're crazy" or "no you're not."
Just checking in to see what age every is applying to CRNA at?
I have a BS, an MS, and misc. post-bacc classes over the years, and am looking for a career change. I've always been involved in medical in some capacity, and my whole family (no exaggeration) is medical - RNs, OTs, RTs, etc. I have already taken the GRE.
Anyway, I'm applying to CAA now at 29 y.o. but candidly, I want to pursue (assuming no acceptance into CAA) ABSN -> CRNA.
Is that utterly crazy to take on at 29?
This means I would likely be around 33 (ish) starting a CRNA program. Typing the reality of that out makes it seem crazy, but I figure if I don't get into CAA - may as well have ABSN as a plan B & keep chugging along. Time passes regardless.
I want a doctorate, that has always been a personal goal of mine (originally pre-vet). A PhD hardly pays remotely what they should receive, and is often contingent on govt funding - and that is so unstable. That is also often 4-7 years depending on your thesis - at least in my personal experience with coworkers from my time working at the university. I am sure there's others out in 3-4 years. Just to explain why I have not explored that. Additionally, I simply don't have a gigantic interest in PhD career work. At least, not enough to pursue the PhD.
And, yes, my biggest motivating factor is - I miss hands-on medicine. I've recently had roles in more "behind the scenes" healthcare and biomedical. I've already shadowed PAs, CRNAs, etc (have letters of recs, surpasses min. hours), and know the field/industry. I am more just debating the logistics of "starting from scratch" by starting as an (ABSN) RN to get that end goal of a doctorate at this age. Should I ditch that notion & just keep trying for the CAA? Not married, no kids, no mortgage.
Thanks for reading my rant, and any 2 cents or advice to add.