Becoming a CRNA

Health-Nut · Nov 27, 2009 04:29 PM

I am considering my Nursing options in the future, I would like to look into becoming a CRNA my boss encourages it as well since I already have my foot in the door of the critical Care unit she says she can make it happen that once I finish Nursing School I can stay on her unit. I have been told by CRNA's at work that you need around 1 or 2 years experience as a Nurse and going for a CCRN certification is important even if the school in our area does not require it, it shows dedication and simply looks better.

I have read that I would not have much of a chance going up against RN's who have 20 plus years experience but I spoke with admissions and they say yeah they do apply but it does not mean they're suited for the program anymore than I am could anyone give me some advice on what I can do to make myself stand out and ho long should I work in the TICU before I apply? any advice greatly appreciated!

**TheCommuter** · Nov 27, 2009, 04:41 PM

Hi, there. . .

Click on the link to check out our CRNA forums: http://allnurses.com/certified-registered-nurse/

PMFB-RN · Nov 27, 2009, 04:44 PM

All CRNA school require at least one full year of ICU experience. That is a requirement of their accrediting body. Most will want to see 2 or 3 years. No trick to getting into CRNA school. Get really good grades in nursing school and in your BSN program (if they are different), get a couple years high quality experience in a high speed ICU. The more autonomy the better. Show a commitment to continued education. For example after nursing school while you are working in the ICU get your CCRN and maybe take a grad school class or two and you will pretty much be a shoe in. Don 't worry about people with 20 plus years experience, few of them apply anyway. A little over three years ago I graduated from my hospital's nurse residency program. There where 9 in the class. Two still work in the ICU, one became a stay at home mom and 6 are in CRNA school. Everybody I know who has applied got in, maybe not the first time but on the second time. Every single one and my unit sends 4-8 nurses a year to CRNA school (exactly why new grad BSNs are no longer being hired, ADNs only).