Getting in to CRNA school

Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN · Oct 11, 2011

I don't mean to bash your dreams here. But why not focus on becoming an RN first. Make sure you actually like and can keep up with the hustle and bustle before shooting for MSN and CRNA.

Just my two cents.

fromtheseaRN, BSN, RN · Oct 11, 2011

they are masters programs. you are advanced practice, but you do not hold a doctor of nurse practice degree(DNP). they are highly competitive, be on your game!

this thread answers most of your questions, although it says one year ICU required, and lately i've heard it's a two year minimum required.

https://allnurses.com/pre-crna-inquiry/read-first-how-123275.html

Good Morning, Gil · Oct 11, 2011

CRNA is one of the highest paid advanced practice nursing positions, so because of this, getting into CRNA school has become very competitive as more and more people are discovering it. I will tell you what I know and have heard from professors, etc (I am not a CRNA and have not looked into it as I am not interested in it). But, you need top grades, clinical knowledge, the ability to think on your feet, technical skills, and ICU experience as an RN. This probably varies by program....I had heard 3 years of ICU experience, and I would think that you would want at least that much. You will learn many of the things I mentioned above as an ICU nurse. You may want to talk to an actual CRNA or CRNA program. For now, just do your best in school, learn everything you can, and try to snag an ICU job out of school.

It seems like you are going for it for the right reasons, but just keep an open mind. What you think you might want may be very different a few years from now (and I have heard more than a few nurses say this). When I started school, I thought I'd want to be a peds nurse and NP eventually, but after dealing with some of the parents in my clinical rotation, I learned that would not be my cup of tea lol. Critical care is a perfect fit for me, and it's something I hadn't even considered before my ICU rotation in school. Good luck! :)

rachel92 · Oct 11, 2011

they are masters programs. you are advanced practice, but you do not hold a doctor of nurse practice degree(DNP). they are highly competitive, be on your game!
this thread answers most of your questions, although it says one year ICU required, and lately i've heard it's a two year minimum required.
https://allnurses.com/pre-crna-inquiry/read-first-how-123275.html

actually a lot of schools are going DNP

http://anesthesia.nursing.uiowa.edu/

fromtheseaRN, BSN, RN · Oct 11, 2011

actually a lot of schools are going DNP
http://anesthesia.nursing.uiowa.edu/

whaddya know! everything is always changing :)

CVmursenary · Oct 11, 2011

Well if you like relieving pain you should be a PACU nurse, the patients will be awake to thank you; although woosey.

Fumanchuesday · Oct 11, 2011

Arent all CRNA schools going DNP by 2015?

com4table · Oct 11, 2011

I agree that you should focus on finishing your BSN first. I recommend obtaining a position as a PCT in an ICU just to get your feet wet. I have an interview in less than a month and I have worked in a cardiac ICU for 6 years. You should also realize that ICU settings offer many opportunities for mistakes once you become a nurse. I recommend that you buy the book required for the Law and Policy class required by your local CRNA program. It will help you avoid common mistakes, like taking incomplete orders, and will familiarize you with the Board of Nursing. The liability only increases when you become a CRNA. Spend your free time familiarizing yourself with the drugs and equipment used in anesthesia.

allnurses Guide · Oct 11, 2011

Arent all CRNA schools going DNP by 2015?

The requirement for nurse anesthesia schools to switch to a doctorate degree is 2025. It is 2015 for all other APNs. Most nurse anesthesia schools associated with schools of nursing will likely make the change by 2015, but those nurse anesthesia schools not associated with schools of nursing will probably switch at different times.

babyNP., APRN · Oct 12, 2011

The requirement for nurse anesthesia schools to switch to a doctorate degree is 2025. It is 2015 for all other APNs. Most nurse anesthesia schools associated with schools of nursing will likely make the change by 2015, but those nurse anesthesia schools not associated with schools of nursing will probably switch at different times.

It's not a requirement (for APNs). It's a suggestion. The ANA is not allowed to legally dictate that a NP must have a DNP. That's for individual states to decide.

PMFB-RN, RN · Oct 12, 2011

It's not a requirement (for APNs). It's a suggestion. The ANA is not allowed to legally dictate that a NP must have a DNP. That's for individual states to decide.

*** Also CRNAs have their own organization, the AANA. The AANA doesn't seem to give a darn what the ANA says about anything. And has already been pointed out here there is no requirement for a DNP for any advanced practice nurse in 2015 or any other year.

Also many CRNA programs are not part of a school of nursing. For example here in Wisconsin the only CRNA program is under the department of biology at UW LaCross. There is no school of nursing at UW LaCross and graduated from their CRNA program earn a masters in biology. Those program will never grant a DNP. Possible a DNA (Doctor of Nurse Anestesia) or some similar degree. Only a school of nursing can grant a DNP.