[JOEYZ]

Im just curious if any of the CRNA's here were both Respiratory Therpaist and RN's before going on to CRNA school. I worked as an RRT in critical care for about 7 years and went on to nursing in a CVICU. Im just kinda curious to hear others experience with applying to CRNA and if they counted RT toward the CRNA process from what they have told me.

[Wash31]

How long have you been a nurse? I am still in schooling to get my BA in Nursing,however, I am very excited to apply to CRNA. Please keep me posted.

[ACNP]

There is a former RT in my CRNA program. I believe he worked as an RT for several years before obtaining his BSN. He then worked as a critical care RN for about 2 years before applying to the program. He has helped me several times in explaining pulmonary concepts, vent settings, pressure-volume loops, etc. I think by him being a RT it only helped during the interview process as well as now in the classroom/clinical setting. Hope this helps!

[RRT2RN2CRNA]

Yay! Another one of us!

There are severals RRTs on this board. Just search RT or RRT and you will find several threads related to this topic.

The RTs are very friendly on here so they will be able to give you the scoop. Yanka just got into CRNA school and should be starting soon I think if you want to PM her.

The main area RTs may have a little advantage is vents (for sure), pulmonary-cardiac path, hemodynamics and the mechanical side of anesthesia- troubleshooting the machines, lines, gasses and all that.

And most of the RTs did great in their interviews because generally we're a "think on your feet" type bunch with all the whacked out stuff we see in our travels....

You're ahead of me- Im only finishing up my RN now... Im jealous!

Good luck!

[no-pain]

I too am an RRT and RN and will be applying to programs for 2008 admission. I aslo believe that an RN with an RRT background is a PERFECT combination for becoming a CRNA. In my opinion having gone through both programs I can tell you that RRT's (atleast the program I went to) have a much more in depth and broader comprehension of cardio/pulmonary systems and of course airway, airway, airway:hatparty: To answer your question as to counting RRT experience the answer unfortunetly is NO. The AANA has specific guidelines as to having the minimum of one year critical care as an RN however schools wouldnt discount your(our) RRT experience.

[LisaRRT]

I am an RRT and RN, but not a CRNA (yet). Good luck to you, it can only help you to have both. I know nursing school was a breeze for me because of my 12 years as an RRT and the RT program. I have only been a CVICU nurse for a little over a year now and there is not a day that goes by that another nurse doesn't come to me with a pulmonary/hemodynamic/ventilatory/etc. question.

Lisa