newbie wants to be a nurse anesthetist

Oct 08, 2003 07:09 PM

by peas

hello everyone! here's the post i cross-posted on another forum...

i am currently a 3rd yr student at a Univ of CA majoring in psych. it wasnt until recently (after weeks of volunteering at a local hospital) that i've decided to be a nurse. i am planning to finish my undergrad and receive my degree in psych in spr05, then apply to a direct-entry msn program afterwards. similar to want2beanurse, i would like to know how selective the institutions that offer this program are. how many applicants, on average, apply every year? what are the things that i should do to increase my chances of getting admitted?
additionally, i see that there are some pre-req courses that i have to take to get admitted. my question is, does it matter where i take those courses if i really want to get into the direct-entry program?
lastly, i really want to be a nurse anesthetist, but sadly, i hear that most direct-entry programs dont offer nurse anesthetist as one of the specializations. my question is, should i do direct-entry (if admitted) for 3 yrs specializing in nurse practitioner or something else and then apply again for masters to be a crna? or do i forget about direct-entry, go get my bsn (for 4 yrs) or second degree bsn (for 2 yrs, i think) and then apply for masters in nurse anesthetist? which one do you think is better? i hope i made sense.

thanks for the help/advice in advance everyone!

Lorus · Oct 08, 2003, 07:57 PM

Hi Peas. Its great to hear that you are interested in becoming a nurse. It sounds like you have some time before nursing school is even a possibility for you, so there are a few things i would recommend doing-

Between now and the time you graduate, take a CNA class and work as a nurses aide. As an aide, you will interact with nurses on a daily basis and have a much better idea of what nurses do when it is time for you to go to nursing school. More importantly, you will learn how to provide patients with basic care, and you will be a better nurse for it later on.

Once you graduate, you will need to go to some type of RN program. There are various routes you can take to get there lasting from 1 to 4 yrs. Research these programs to see what fits you and your goals the best. These boards are a great place to start.

Then typically before masters programs will even look at you you need at least a year of experience working as an RN. The level of experience they are looking for will vary with each program. (more for you to research)

Above all, take your time and enjoy the process of 'getting there'. Good luck. -Lorus

meandragonbrett · Oct 08, 2003, 08:10 PM

Peas,
There are no direct-entry CRNA programs and there doesn't need to be any IMHO. You will have to get at least one year of Critical care work in before you can apply to a CRNA school. There's no way around it.

Welcome to the board!
Brett

Erinkate2959 · Oct 09, 2003, 08:48 AM

Hi peas,
There are several nursing programs for those with bachelor's degrees who wish to change their careers to nursing. Some of them offer MSN degrees but others stop at the bachelor's level. I went to one that offered two years for both BSN and MSN (for NP or CNS). However after my first year I decided that I need to work and get some "real" nursing experience once I got my BSN. I also did it because, like you, i am interested in anesthesia which requires job experience. Depending on where you live there are many programs that offer these accelerated programs. Good Luck!
Erin

talldollNYC · Oct 09, 2003, 09:18 AM

There are schools which offer direct entry CRNA degrees. Columbia University, in NY, offers a direct entry CRNA program. It takes at least three years to complete the program.
The prereq's are as follows (to the best of my knowledge):

Anatomy/Physiology - 2 semesters, with labs
Statistics
Psychology
Chemistry - 2 semesters, with labs
Physics - 1 semester
Microbiology

I was told, informally, that they accept about 20% of all applicants. Nursing experience is not mandatory - though it is reccommended. Obviously, looking at the pre-req's, a strong math/science background is required.

Hope this helps,

-T

zrmorgan · Oct 09, 2003, 03:04 PM

psych major/now srna

peas-

I majored in psych too, however if you can follow a psych/pre-med course if you want to do anesthesia. Also take a lot of physio psych / neuroscience classes that can help you fill your requirements for your degree in pscyh, as well as look good on your anesthesia school application.

Also, sign up with some of the biobehavioral guys to do some research experience. If you work hard in their labs you might get published, and that will look good on your application.

Basically, the pre med/psych major route will far exceed the basic sciences requirements of most anesthesia program.

This can be a sticky wicket however with MSN programs as they are very fixated on nursing theory...in that case I would focus on a BSN.

Hope this helps...good luck

zrmorgan

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newbie wants to be a nurse anesthetist

newbie wants to be a nurse anesthetist

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