CRNA- is a strong science background really relevant towards being a CRNA

Specialties CRNA

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I am almost finished receiving my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and it seems to me that the work of the CRNA is very intense; however how much does chemistry actually apply to the position. Its seems like the procedure is still the same to me as for registered nurses, check the doctors orders, have correct drug and dosage and monitor patient. The SRNA curriculum is very loaded with science. I just received a B in Chemistry (general organic and biochemistry). I want to know if someone is not to fond of science; howver loves critical care, should pursue becoming a CRNA.

what is the daily routine of a CRNA and what knowledge must a CRNA have

sorry "check the doctors orders, have correct drug and dosage and monitor patient" that statment screams "I do not know a single thing about being a CRNA, seriously.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
I already know about the practice. I already have done my research for about 2 years, however I have been unable to see how the science portion of the curriculum relates to the every day performance of the position since nurses do not prescribe or designate the anesthetic given.

I am not worried about being a CRNA and nothin in my post has indicated that I am ignorant of the role.

Everything you have posted has shown just how ignorant you are regarding CRNA practice. If you don't like or are not strong in science, you will not survive CRNA school. Who do you think designates the anesthetic given in practices without anesthesiologists?

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I am in a nursing program already. I am starting Clinicals in the Fall. I have applied to another nursing program since it would allow me to graduate faster. Thank you guys for all of the replys I receive vague info online and heard alot of stuff from other nursing students and even some of my instructors werent even really aware of the CRNA role.

Thanks guys it helps alot. Either way. I will be a registered nurse, God willing, in 2011 or 2012.

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I guess I am. I will definetly seek to shadow a CRNA before I graduate. It is so frustrating I had to ask this question because nursing instructors and I guess I wasn't looking in the right places would not answer that question.

My focus is to be a nurse now. I work in the Emergency Room, and I just want to be a successful nurse first and then see where my strengths are before pursuing an APN degree.

Thanks guys for your answers!! It really helps alot. Even though I did well, I hated Organic and Biochemistry so this field may not be for me. I want to enter the Navy as a Navy Nurse (Officer) and see where my career takes me from there.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
I want to enter the Navy as a Navy Nurse (Officer) and see where my career takes me from there.

Just a word of advice it is very competitive for new nurses to get into the military right now, and it takes about 12 months to get into the service after starting the application process. You should plan to start your application right before your senior year.

Good Luck!

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Thank you for the advice

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My focus is to be a nurse now. I work in the Emergency Room, and I just want to be a successful nurse first and then see where my strengths are before pursuing an APN degree.

Excellent plan!

As for sciences, I love them, all of them--If I didn't, CRNA school would be a real drag and I'd probably be one scary an anesthetist

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Yes, a strong science background is extremely relevant. There are no "doctors orders" to check, and actually as an ICU nurse it isn't as simple as that either. As a CRNA I must have an in depth understanding of the pharmacology of the drugs the patient is taking prior to presenting to surgery, as well as the drugs I choose to administer. I must also understand how the drugs will interact and impact normal physiology, and make adjustments based upon any specific pathophysiologic conditions the patient may have. There are also several important technical skills that must be mastered, airway management being one of the most important for example. Every time a patient is induced for a general anesthetic their ability to breath on their own is taken away. Then the CRNA must breath for them. So the CRNA must use specific judement to know the approprite techniques to implement and make split second decisions depending upon the patient's response. If I can't manage the airway within 5 minutes or so, the patient will be injured or die.

And not every nurse who likes ICU will like anesthesia. The ICU experience is one important component, but it is not everything.

Pretty funny - there has been a heated discussion elsewhere on the internet from CRNA's who totally dismiss the idea that the hard sciences are important.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
Pretty funny - there has been a heated discussion elsewhere on the internet from CRNA's who totally dismiss the idea that the hard sciences are important.

That thread had to do more with taking the whole gambit of pre-med courses not a chem course or two.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
Pretty funny - there has been a heated discussion elsewhere on the internet from CRNA's who totally dismiss the idea that the hard sciences are important.

Hopefully one of those CRNA's will NEVER do my anesthesia.

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That thread had to do more with taking the whole gambit of pre-med courses not a chem course or two.

Read the thread again.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

Regarding organic and biochemistry--they are a MUST for anesthesia. The trend is for more emphasis on the sciences and less on nursing theory for CRNA education. I use all of the sciences every time I administer an anesthetic. It is most unfortunate, but not surprising that your nursing instructors have no idea what a CRNA does or what the educational emphasis should be. Try to find a CRNA in your area to shadow and to perhaps give a talk to the other nursing students.

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