Nursing Students SRNA
Published Nov 27, 2009
Health-Nut
35 Posts
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, BSN, RN
102 Articles; 27,612 Posts
Hi, there. . .
Click on the link to check out our CRNA forums: https://allnurses.com/certified-registered-nurse/
PMFB-RN, RN
5,351 Posts
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).
MedSurgeMess
985 Posts
In my area, CRNA's have saturated the market, along with NPs, and are really having to scrounge for jobs......