I want to become a CRNA

Nursing Students SRNA

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How is the field of CRNA? My goal is to become one. I am currently getting my Prerequistes for ADN. So I have a long way to go! I've been looking at some schools in PA. Most programs are fulltime, is that the case with other programs? Does anyone recommend a program in PA or any where else? What do I need to do as a nursing student and nurse to be able to reach my goal and be a great CRNA?

I either can't say or shouldn't say. That would reveal my true identity. Let's say it's east coast in a very very small state. Sorry, just remember reading somewhere here not to ID yourself.

How are we supposed to figure out your identity by Tranman + your program..........not gonna happen. People say on here what program they go to all the time. Personally I'd like to know also, or at least say the exact state, there are a lot of small states over there.

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How are we supposed to figure out your identity by Tranman + your program..........not gonna happen. People say on here what program they go to all the time. Personally I'd like to know also, or at least say the exact state, there are a lot of small states over there.

Just wasn't sure about forum etiquette is all. If anyone really wants to know, then PM me. I usually use the internet to let off a little steam so I may have diarrhea of the mouth from time to time. Just didn't want any added problems. Once I tell you the name of the program and you called up and said "Tranman" sent you, they'd know exactly who I am. Trust me.

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I am currently getting my Prerequistes for ADN.

Why wouldn't you just go straight for your BSN? Seems crazy to me to waste time in an ADN program when you know you are going all the way.

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Why wouldn't you just go straight for your BSN? Seems crazy to me to waste time in an ADN program when you know you are going all the way.

I am doing the split program because it's the program they had at the school I live close to. However, there are advantages and disadvantages......

Advantages.....you get to work as an RN while you're finishing your BSN so you could have your year of fulltime critical care finished and apply the day you finish your BSN program. Make more money along the way creating less stress financially. Get all of the "nursing stuff" and "research stuff" done separately so that you don't have to do a 20 page research paper while you're also needing to study for a butt busting pharm final.

Disadvantages... you have to make sure you pass boards before you can finish the second portion of the program. Generally employers are a little more difficult with adjusting schedules for RN's to attend school than for PCA's to attend school.....you're already all that they need you to be so how does it benefit them to get you your bsn?

That's really all I can think of......I think generally also it's a little easier to deal with scheduling classes and things for a straight through BSN program than for a steps one.

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Specializes in Clinicals.

I am hoping to go into an Anesthetist program also. I'm curious, is it possible to get your BSN and go directly to the ICU or does that floor require experience?

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I am hoping to go into an Anesthetist program also. I'm curious, is it possible to get your BSN and go directly to the ICU or does that floor require experience?

Many hospitals will accept you straight into the ICU.

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My hospital accepts new RNs directly into ICU, but most of the RNs I've talked to that did this said they were scared @#$%less. I'm hoping I'll get lucky and have some great experienced ICU nurses to mentor me. :-)

K

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My hospital accepts new RNs directly into ICU, but most of the RNs I've talked to that did this said they were scared @#$%less. I'm hoping I'll get lucky and have some great experienced ICU nurses to mentor me. :-)

K

That's why I always recommend going to a smaller hospital with a smaller ICU. Not as busy and not all patients are super sick. Gives you a little breathing room while you get your feet wet. You can also have a little down time to look stuff up and learn while you work rather than just getting thrown to the wolves.

When you go to apply for NA school, they won't know or care what type of ICU experience as long as it was ICU experience. This is also why I didn't bother paying gobs of $ to go to the best NA school I could find. Most accredited programs are comparable. They teach you the basics and give you a foundation, just like nursing school. You'll still have much to learn after school. So most programs should be just fine. My personal criteria for getting in. NO GRE, PICU experience OK, cheap/low tuiition, high chance of getting in (ratio of students interviewed versus available slots). the rest, I figured was up to me..

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Specializes in CCU.
Keep your GPA up in the undergrad studies!!! That can not be stressed enough (and I mean above a 3.5). The higher the better. Also, I'm assuming you realize that you will not be accepted into a Nurse Anesthesia program without a BSN. Critical Care experience (at least one year) is usually manditory for consideration because you have to be familiar with certain procedures and techniques that only critical care will teach you. Also, even though one year may be the minimum for some schools (many are going up to 2), the length of time spent is critical care is not as important as what you actually learn while there-- you may learn enough in 2 years, you may not. Good luck.

Just one minor clarification. You do have to have a bachelors, but it doesn't have to be in nursing as long as you are a RN.

:twocents:

Graceful

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