I am just wondering about all the diverse backgrounds that join (or plan to join) the nurse anesthesia profession. For example, I was (still am) a classical musician; I play the viola :Melody: . I became interested in nurse anesthesia because 1) I love nursing 2) I have a lot of faith in advanced practice nurses 3) I find it both challenging and rewarding to give pt-intensive care.

What is your background if you weren't a nurse first?

Ether,

Although nursing is my first profession, I dabbled in a little bit of everything before I decided on nursing. I was accepted to Penn State University Park Campus as a engineering major. I also took some classes in accounting and directing before I withdrew ( I also liked to party too much and the greek scene is crazy too). I ended up working in banking and after 2-3 years, I went to LPN school. I was hooked on the pace of ICU nursing when my first rotation was in ICU. My first day in ICU, I gave my pt an enema, he went into v tach and coded!!! Ended up getting my rnad from Penn State and did much better this time. It was during this time, I became friends with a CRNA who really got me interested in anesthesia. I shadowed him and that was that. Now I am working on my BSN and hope to enter a CRNA program in about 3 years.

.....

Dropped out of high school in the 9th grade, sold marijuana for a few years.

Did a lot of things that I'm not particularly proud of, let's just leave that as that.

Started realizing I was a loser moron at the age of 17, moved in with my friend and his family. I had been in and out of group homes, jail, etc. when I wasn't 'crashing' at various apartments.

Worked at a fast food-type joint for about a year.

Moved back with the folks. Worked 2-10pm at a gas station, then 10:30pm-7am stocking shelves at a grocery store.

Got a job at a steel mill, moved into my own apartment.

7.5 years later, here I am - getting the ball rolling on my career. Right now I am pretty convinced that anesthesia will be an interesting and rewarding choice.

I'm pretty sure that I can make it happen too!!........ ...... :chuckle

My buddy wanted me to be a lawyer, but I figure I've ripped off enough people already!! ..........OOOHH....ZING!! :rotfl:

Have fun, y'all!!

I started out pre-med, took all the bio, organic chem, and all that crap. My parents are both RN's and discouraged me heavily from the nursing profession. After my sophomore year in college, I went to a different school to start a Physical Therapy program. I took physics that summer, and failed miserably, mostly cuz I was miserable anyway. in any case, I went back to my previous school, and changed my major to Psychology. I graduated with a degree in psychology. My last semester in college, I brightened up and said I will never get anywhere or make anything in psychology, so I started a nursing program, and finished w/ a Psychology BS and a BSN in 5.5 years. i've been in nursing ever since. it's challenging and rewarding at the same time.

I graduated ten years ago and figured a manager of a floor or of Nursing services would be a good goal to work tward. EEEGAD what the #$#&* was I thinking after 3 years as a med surg nurse I tried my hand as an assistant manager on a tele unit. Every ounce of life force was sucked from my eye sockets. From the staff, the patients the managment and the doctors not to mention the families that said Aunt Clara's butt was dirty all night. I left managment behind me and retreated to the OR. During orientation I had the opportunity to shadow a CRNA. WOW the light clicked on and I started to ask questions about the profession. After a few years I gut the nerve to let go of OR nursing and return to Patient care in the ICU. It was a wonderful 2.5 years of saturation of knowledge. I learned a ton from my co-workers and the intensivists in my ICU. School starts in 6 weeks and I am lit like a christmas tree. Who knew that wanting to be a manager would have sent me packing to the land of gas.

Shawn

BS in Physics, Masters in Physics through the military, got out and looked around, worked for a few companies, got my BSN, now finishing up my MSN in anesthesia in a few weeks. Good luck everyone!

W

BS in Physics, Masters in Physics through the military, got out and looked around, worked for a few companies, got my BSN, now finishing up my MSN in anesthesia in a few weeks. Good luck everyone!

W

Wow RP! That's awesome -- it has to be a great feeling! :balloons:

Thanks to all who are replying. It's pretty cool to learn of the diverse pool of individuals who decide to pass the gas!

I started right out of high school as a lab assistant while I was attending jr. college...and due to partying being more important that school (at that time) my grades went down the tubes and ended up joining the Army. I spent almost six years in the military as a medic then I reclassified as a respiratory therapist. I decided to pursue a nursing degree because I felt there would be be more opportunity for advancement. Nurse anesthesia as a career first caught my attention as a junior in nursing school when we were giving an assignment to research a nursing specialty and present it to the class...I chose to research nurse anesthesia. After meeting and shadowing a CRNA I've been hooked ever since. I interviewed at USC/PRMH yesterday...and now I sitting anxiously wait for the results!

oopps...I meant "I'M"...

Started college right from high school, graduated the first time with two degrees one in Applied Science and one in Art. No money anywhere, went to WCU in NC for BSN. Have been a nurse for 5years in mostly CTSU setting. Start CRNA school in 4wks in Raleigh..... My passion outside of career is triathlon. I plan to run Kona IM in 2010, by qualifing, not lottery for anyone who does tri's.... If you don't do tri's, you should, try are wonderful and great to keep you in shape and motivated.... Good luck to all

My present to myself after graduating is a new tri bike.....