How soon is too soon

[dianacs]

to talk with schools about their programs? I will graduate with my BSN (knock on wood) 12/04. If I decide to pursue the CRNA route, I would try for a school start date of fall 2006 at the earliest. I want to get as much information (about CRNA and other possible career paths/schooling I am considering) as I can before graduation. In actuality, there is only one school I can consider as moving is not an option. I want to talk to this school about their particular program, what I might need to do to strengthen my chances of acceptance should I choose to apply, and find out what the job market is like for CRNAs in my city (I have checked the websites, looks promising, but would like to talk to a real person about this). Are CRNA schools open to talking with someone who is only looking for information at this point? If so, when would be a good time to do this? Closer to graduation? Thanks.

[EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN]

Most schools won't give you the time of day until you are a Registered Nurse! So, in the meantime, concentrate on getting good grades, and look for a good ICU to work in upon graduation. In the meantime there's lots of helpful info on allnurses. :)

[Jedav]

Dianacs,

I say it is never too soon....I started talking with the director of a CRNA program in 1993 (I had an assignment in an undergrad English course that was to interview someone who was currently in a field that I was interested in pursuing)...I just had an interview for that same school on Saturday Jan 25th... I have talked to him several times over the past few months as I was getting my info together for application.. and to my delight he was very "impressed" about my commitment to pursuing this goal...Even if you end up not going to be a CRNA, it can't hurt you...If you even remotely think that you might follow this path, then get in contact with the director now and make your intentions known...When it comes time for the interview, they will know that you didn't just roll out of bed and decide to become a CRNA because it "looks good now" or whatever the case may be...Also, ask the director about talking with current students and the possibilty of shadowing a CRNA....Good Luck!! BTW, I will know by Friday if Iwas accepted:)

Jedav

[sandman]

The director of the program that is my top choice has been very receptive of my questions....even while I was in nursing school. I say go for it!

[TraumaNurse]

Go ahead and call! I a found that the directors of the schools I have talked with have been very receptive and helpful. Good luck!

[AmiK25]

I will graduate with my BSN in December 03 and plan to apply in 2005. I visited one of my top choices a couple of weeks ago and shadowed a student. I met several of the faculty and they were actually very impressed that I was looking at the school so far in advance. I say call them!!

[smogmatt]

I gaduated w/ my ADN last May (02) and i called/wrote schools summer 01, I wanted to know what I could do to improve my app (ie classes to take, certs to get etc). some schools where not friendly but others were, i agree, its never too soon, the more you know early on the better you can prepare your self and shave off some time maybe get in earlier. (like me i am going this fall I worked my tail off but it worked!!!!)