Published
Columbia accepted me into their entry-to-practice program for nurse anesthesia. In this program, the student receives a BSN in 12 months, then has 15-16 months to pass the NCLEX and finish the one year ICU requirement before starting the master's portion for anesthesia. [Another student's post on this website gave me the impression that there is not an option to defer the master's portion for an extra year without being kicked out of the program.]
I would graduate with a BSN in May 2012 and have to start the master's part in fall 2013. I know that the AANA only requires one year of acute care work, but I am nervous about only having one year of ICU experience before starting as an SRNA. From what I have gathered from this site, most current CRNAs recommend having at least 3-4 years in order to feel confident in their skills and to deliver safe care.
I am very excited to become a nurse and to have been accepted into this program, but I am wondering if it is a safe route into the practice. I don't want to give up a great opportunity like this, but I don't want to just be a nurse anesthetist... I want to be a great and SAFE one as well.
I'd like to hear the opinions of current SRNAs and CRNAs, especially any that are going through or went through the Columbia ETP program for anesthesia. Do you feel that you are prepared to be a CRNA? Is it worth the money? I read a few posts from a student that seems very unhappy with the program and I would like to have more feedback.
For those of you that don't know Columbia's ETP program:
http://sklad.cumc.columbia.edu/nursing/programs/etp.php
Thank you for any help you can give me!