another route question

Specialties CRNA

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I am sure that this question has been asked before. I am unsure on which route to take to become a CRNA. Is it better to go from ADN to BSN to CRNA or BSN to CRNA? I have been told that the science for CRNA is needed for school and that the BSN offers or requires more science then the ADN. What does everyone think?

Either route works. Neither is better. You can either go straight through and get your BSN and then work in an ICU or you can get your ADN, work in an ICU and get your BSN at the same time.

Time wise it just about evens out. Money wise... you can start working sooner with the ADN but will still have school to worry about.

It all depends on your situation ie) married, children, need for income, or if you are single, going to be supported on your own or you parents. And only you know what would be easier for ya.

As far as science requirements generally CRNA programs want you to have Chem, Organic, AP1/2. Most programs have that although it is usually not the upper level Chem or ORganic which some require. Either way you end up retaking the higher level if it is required. A few schools want Physics and I personally know of no BSN programs that require it.

Good luck.

As stated in the previous reply either route route will get you there. However, and I base this on my own experience of graduating from an ADN program in 1998 and returning to school in 1999 and just graduating in DEC. 2oo2, I averaged about 2 classes a semester a few times three. If I had to do it again I would have went in a BSN program and got it out the way. You have to be extremely dedicated to go back while working full time, many of my friends in that ADN program said they were going to go back and get their BSN and to the best of my knowledge very few did. Now not everyone takes as long as I did to complete my BSN, but there were no accelerated programs in my area and my employer paid for me to attend the university I graduated from. But unless you are in dire straits finacially, I would go the BSN route and remember when you read about others who went the other route that most will not end up doing it. In addition, you could end up feeling burnt out before even getting in the crna program. And I can't tell you how many times I have heard my friends who only have their ADN state how stuck they feel at the bedside doing a job they really don't like, but can't get the motivation to go back and get there BSN. I rarely suggest to anyone to go the ADN route unless they know they want to stay at the bedside for the rest of their career. Now there other acceptions, such as there may not be BSN program in your area, so you may have to get in a ADN first if you don't want to move.

for me the ADN route worked really well, BUT I might be the exception not the rule. I was able to get my LPN after my 1st yr of ADN program (thats just how they set it up). I was able to finish the BSN in a Semester. because of my work history (1 yr as a Anesthesia Tech, 1 yr as an LPN in a prn pool) I got right into an ICU, did well on the GRE and got in this year to a CRNA program.

i will say, it was very very very busy, but worked out well, like the others mentioned my ADN,BSN were both payed by the hospital i worked at.

Anthony is right I can see why people have a hard time going back for the BSN, thats the last thing I wanted to do after working 3 12hr shifts. was go to some bonehead nursing theory class

Matt

I have worried about going back myself. I figure that a lot of people do that. I myself know many people who say that they are going back from LPN to RN and have not seen any do it..

:) Here is how I look at the subject. If you really want to pursue your CRNA you will find a way to meet the educational requirements. Before I decided to becoma a CRNA I was a floor nurse on a medical floor. I worked day to day and was unhappy with the poor working conditions and poor care that was given due to the high nurse-patient ratios. I had no reason to go back to school and pursue my BSN (BTW I did my ADN first); After reviewing my career choices I decided to become a CRNA and became very passionate about it. Upon deciding this, going back to get my BSN became just another challenge to tackle to move on to get my CRNA. So, the point is...although it may seem difficult to go back to school, once you find what you're meant to do, going back to school just becomes part of the process and you don't mind doing it. In fact, you're thrilled because it puts you closer to your goal! I believe if you're unhappy with your career, you take the necessary steps to change the situation, and if that means going back to school, so be it! Good luck to you in whatever you decide!

Angela

I researched all the rn-bsn completion schools before graduating from adn. It's true that you get the extra year of work and experience, but it is such a bummer having to go to school instead of working overtime or studying gre's or gianing experience in other areas on the side to boostup your resume. I also have a hard time watching friends who graduated at the same time as me applying now. I do an accelerated program where 1/2 classes are online and go to school 1 day a week, so I work really hard. At least when I apply I'll have all this hard work to show for it. Also doing a bsn completion program really gives you a chance to boost your gpa.

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