[Alert&Orientedx0]

I was wondering how beneficial it would be for me to get my 1 year ICU experience while completing a 1year RN-BS program for CRNA school. I hear your suppose to do med/surg coming straight out of NS. However, if I want to go into CRNA school right away after completing my BSN & the year of ICU experience can be completed while getting the BSN wouldn't it be beneficial to kill two birds with one stone & continue on to CRNA school.

Another question, do you think I would be a qualifying candidate with a BS in psych, RN (diploma), BSN, great GPA, good GREs, 1year CNA ICU experience, 1 year ICU RN experience plus resume with various volunteer experiences, & nursing internships from top graduate institutions?

I know it varies with admissions commitees but I just want some opinions
What do you guys think? Thanks for comments!

[mmc-rockstar]

Definately....kill the birds!!!!! You sound like a great candidate for admission...depending on which programs you are applying to. Don't forget the CCRN and if you find stumbling blocks after the first year, you have plenty of time to re-apply...good luck!!!

[badgernurse]

If this is what you really want to do, forget the MS experience. A year in MS is an antiquated philosophy and you'd have to learn ICU nursing fresh while unlearning bad habits you may have picked up elsewhere. I know a lot of nurses still feel a year in MS should be a prereq for other types of nursing but speaking from experience, I feel new grads assimilated easier than myself with years of MS and tele to specializations such as ICU. This is more true if your goal is to become a CRNA. You need the ICU time, and you need big busy ICU time.

Your qualifications look good and you're right, it varies between institutions. Think about taking a grad class if you don't get in right away. Good luck!

[japaho41]

Forget the Med surg exp. I really think that with the turnover in the ICU these days it is foolish to spend a year on a Med surg floor when you could be getting what you really need in the ICU. I always say that if the 1st hospital you apply to says that they don't hire new grads into the ICU, then knock on a view more doors (meaning the hospital down the street) until you find one that does, because they are there.

[thezman]

Originally Posted by mmc-rockstar

Definately....kill the birds!!!!! You sound like a great candidate for admission...depending on which programs you are applying to. Don't forget the CCRN and if you find stumbling blocks after the first year, you have plenty of time to re-apply...good luck!!!

As a CRNA Program, I couldn't agree more. MS nursing has a completely different culture and priority list than Critical Care/Anesthesia.

For any new GN with a decent GPA (particularly in the sciences) and decent GREs I heartily recommend you apply directly to a critical care unit ASAP!

Best,


Art

[mcubed45]

not all CRNA programs requite a BSN. you noted you already have a BS in psych. there are a handful of schools that will accept a BS in a different field. idk how intense your RN->BSN program would be but it might be better to focus strictly on working in the ICU full time instead. unless of course you've got specific schools in mind which require a BSN.

[jemommy]

It's true that not all schools require a BSN, but since you have to do the year of critical care, you may as well get your BSN while doing it (I am doing the same thing once I finish my ASN). Also, get the BSN because it will make you more competitive and you can apply to more schools.

[shandsburnrn-SRNA]

I agree, get your BSN or contact the schools you are interested in to find out exactly what they accept and how they weigh different BS degrees...and definately go straight to ICU, MS is a totally different animal (and not slamming MS at all) but it won't help you a bit for what you need, i.e. vents, drips, CVL's, art lines, swans, balloon pumps, ventrics, etc.

I did exactly what you are looking to do. Went straight to the ICU after school while working on my BSN and took the GRE. Finished it this April with 2 years in the ICU, applied to CRNA school in March, interviewed in July and was accepted...start in January.

Good Luck