How to choose which field of Nursing....?

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in N/A.

I am a new student and haven't even started my Nursing courses yet. I want to get my BS in Nursing and work as a Nurse for about 2 yrs. before I go back to get my MA and go into Anestesiology. I want to be a CRNA.

I have some questions: Do I choose what subfield of Nursing I want to do as an Undergrad student and go into that. Or after I have obtained my RN liscensure can I apply for any Nursing position that I want to at the time. Example( OR,ICU,PED)

Also, if I have to deecide in school, what would be the best for me, since I plan to become a CRNA eventually?

Any and all help would be Great!! Thanks

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

Check with the CRNA school you plan to attend. I am not a CRNA but believe they require a specific amount of time you must work as an RN in critical care or surgery.

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Specializes in N/A.

Thank you for responding...I will check with my CRNA school. But the requirements everywhere that I have researched has said the requirements were :

Education and experience required to become a CRNA include:

  • A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or other appropriate baccalaureate degree.


  • A current license as a registered nurse.


  • At least one year of experience as a registered nurse in an acute care setting.


  • Graduation with a master's degree from an accredited nurse anesthesia program. As of February 2006, there were 99 nurse anesthesia programs with more than 1,000 affiliated clinical sites in the United States. They range from 24-36 months, depending upon university requirements. All programs include clinical training in university-based or large community hospitals.


  • Pass a national certification examination following graduation.

But I also wanted to know if I can choose whichever field I want to go into after becoming an RN? Or do I need to know that while in school so that I can take the required classes?

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

In the US you do not have to make a decision about area of practice while in school. Most RN's decide that when they apply for a job after graduation (or it is decided for them, depending on what is available). Sorry I mis-read your question. I am not aware of any special classes for specific areas of practice in the US. The NCLEX-RN exam is generic for all nurses, no matter where they will be practicing. Does that help? BTW, congrats on having goals. I think that is a positive thing!

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Specializes in N/A.

Yes you did answer my question...and very thouroughly.HAHA!! Thanks!!!

Same to you.....Stay Motivated!!! God bless.

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Specializes in N/A.

That is good that I can choose whichever specialty I want, cuz then I can do more than one, if possible.

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Anesthesia is a nursing speciality, if that is goal, then focus on getting the best grades that you can.

And I truly recommend that you try to shadow a CRNA and see if that is something that you even would want to do. Currently, it is harder to get into a CRNA program than it is medical school because of the number that want to go and the number of positions that are available.

With the CRNA, you get an MSN, not an MA. Suggest that you check out the pre-CRNA forum that we have here for more information that will be beneficial to you.

Good lcuk with your schooling.

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Specializes in N/A.

Thanks Suzanne4

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Specializes in Junior Year of BSN.

One of my goals is to become a PA(or NP) or a CRNA but first I have to get that RN behind my name Most schools want at least one year ICU experience, SICU, MICU, etc. These are some examples from my top 3 schools since they have programs for PA/NP/CRNA. For Georgetown Univ. SICU is preferred, Duke Univ. prefers Adult ICU, Univ. of Pittsburgh requires ICU/Critical care and BSN is NOT required.If you have your CNA and can work in a hospital you might want to do that in the ICU or a critical care unit, that way you can see from your eyes what the pace would be and talk to many future and current CRNA's. There is also a sticky in the CRNA board and I think theres a SRNA board here if I'm not mistaken so you can check that out too.

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