youngest SRNA

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Feb 13, 2006

I applied when I was 23 and began the program at 24.

Me too heartICU. I'm now 25, and there is a girl in my class who is 24. Most people in my class are in their early to mid 30's though. My age didn't even phase me until I started clinicals, and I got a few comments about how I'm still a "baby". One or two of my patients have commented on how young I look as well. My thought is that it's much better to do CRNA school while you're young-- I'll have more time to pay off all those student loans that are accumulating!! Also I am single and I only have to worry about taking care of myself and my dog, which is difficult enough at times. I am glad I did it now instead of waiting, but I do think you have to be highly motivated.

TNTsunflower · Feb 13, 2006

I applied when i was 23 and am now 24 and have been in Anesthesia school for a little over a month now. I dont think i am at a disadvantage because i only have 2 years experience. I am mature enough to know all the work that needs to be put in a program of this nature. Many of my friends are still partying every night and are going to work on 3 hours of sleep. They dont understand that I am unable to perform competently under those circumstances. I guess my point is that if you are mature enough at a young age and are ready for the challenges ahead then you will be just fine in an anesthesia program. Just obtain you ICU experience at a large hospital where you will learn alot in a short period of time.

-TNT

LadyT618, MSN, APRN, NP · Feb 14, 2006

I applied when i was 23 and am now 24 and have been in Anesthesia school for a little over a month now. I dont think i am at a disadvantage because i only have 2 years experience. I am mature enough to know all the work that needs to be put in a program of this nature. Many of my friends are still partying every night and are going to work on 3 hours of sleep. They dont understand that I am unable to perform competently under those circumstances. I guess my point is that if you are mature enough at a young age and are ready for the challenges ahead then you will be just fine in an anesthesia program. Just obtain you ICU experience at a large hospital where you will learn alot in a short period of time.
-TNT

Well said, very well said!!

jewelcutt · Feb 15, 2006

Your average SRNA class will have a mixture of 20's,30's,and 40's. My best friend was 22 when he applied and started at 24 a couple months into the program, I was 24 when I applied and 25 when I started with him, there were several 24-29 year olds in our class. There are quite a few young 30's and some in their 40's. Because some of us are hearing about the nurse anesthesia program earlier, we can focus our studies and make a plan to start school earlier. It makes you even more determined to start anesthesia school. Years ago, many nursing students and nurses didn't even know about anesthesia, had a family, and then decided to go. Everyone has to feel comfortable at that point in their life to dedicate the amount of time needed. When you're young, you just want to continue your education until you're finished. I had 3 years of ICU experience before I started, worked in a very busy and autonomous CVSICU, so I was very prepared.