[jfp2716]

Hi, I'm new to the forums but have been reading for so quite some time but this is the first time I've posted. I would just like any advice and words of wisdom with my current career choice. As of right now I am finishing up my high school years and plan to attend a community college next year. I have good enough grades to attend a four year university but I simply don't have enough financially. Recently I've decided that my goal and what I want to be in life in life is a CRNA. The first thing that drew me to it was the salary and suggestion from family members of mine that work in the medical field. I took a shawdoing class in high school where i followed a crna around for a semester and this pretty much made up my mind that I want to go into nursing and specialize in this. I wonder now what do yall think is the best plan of studies to achieve CRNA in the shortest amount of time and the best plan for me. I assume i take prerequisites at the community college for two years and apply for nursing school from their. Should I get my RN in two years and then work in the ICU while doing a RN-BSN program? Any advice on anything would be appreciated whether its about nursing school or applications or even what you think of my career choice. Thanks

[JustinTJ]

My suggestion would be to do the community college program, graduate and work in ICU while doing a RN-BSN program.

From what I gather, and I'm not an expert, most CRNA programs value experience highly and by doing it that way, you get your BSN and have 2 years of ICU experience at the same time.

However, I would highly suggest doing your RN-BSN at a brick and mortar school, not a purely online one. Most of the brick and mortar's RN-BSN classes are offered online anyways, but it seems you get far more credibility getting it from them.

[lizziel]

Justin,

Definitely if you want, go get it! I'm currently a SRNA in Houston. I got my BSN and then worked 5 yrs before applying to NA school. Be sure to look into the ADN degree first - yes it's a 2 year degree but most school require a year of pre-reqs first (at least the ones around me do!) - that's why I went ahead and went BSN - I finished my pre-reqs in 4 semesters - summer, fall, spring & summer so that I could start Nursing school the next fall - it was hard but well worth it!

Once you graduate from nursing school, get a job in a big hospital and work in medical, surgical or trauma ICU. The ICU where I worked was a Surgical/Trauma unit in a level I hospital that caught overflow from the Medical & Burn units - so needless to say I got plenty of experience and I was cross-trained for the neonatal ICU. One of my classmates though was strictly neonate ICU - but she was also a neonate flight nurse. Some schools require that you get the CCRN so once you start working, start studying for it!

I think it's great that you have a goal in mind and I wish you luck!

[krzysiu]

Stay focused, however, the fact of the matter is you may get into nursing and absolutely hate it. Wont be the first time and it isnt for everyone. I love it. But, I have colleagues and old classmates that already jumped ship into different fields. blood, guts, poop, and potentially working nights can get really old really fast for some. Just something to keep in mind. Plus, alot of things can change between high school and graduate school. Also, in my area, a BSN from a solid university unofficially gets looked at before community college.

chris

[aalya123]

Originally Posted by JustinTJ

My suggestion would be to do the community college program, graduate and work in ICU while doing a RN-BSN program.

That really is the BEST idea. you save time and have the potential for more ICU experience. Be forwarned though, Accelerated programs are INSANE. I go to SUNY Buffalo, and have a friend in the accelerated program (its only a year) and she says it's ridiculous at times. No way could she handle a job with her workload. My suggestion would be to PLAN PLAN PLAN! Look for a RN-BSN program that is flexible enough to let you work as well on the side (maybe part-time even).

Random fact: Did anyone know UNC-Chapel Hill has an online accelarated program...