How old were you when you started CRNA school?

bsn2crna2828 · Jan 7, 2013

I will be 28 when I start and 30 when I graduate! ? I have been an ICU RN for five years.

OscarRN · Feb 21, 2013

I'm starting in the Fall of 2013. I'll be 30.5 years old. I'll be done right before my 33rd birthday. With any luck, I'll be practicing soon after turning 33! I commend those who decide what they want when they are young and go after it, but I also admire those brave enough to pursue this as a second career later in life.

jakeb · Feb 21, 2013

I just turned 24, and I'm starting at Kaiser this fall! So excited and ready!

Goose Xx, MSN, RN, EMT-P, CRNA · Feb 21, 2013

39, and I am not the oldest.

icu-ickyou · Feb 23, 2013

I'm 22. I start in May at CAMC in WV. I will graduate when I am 25 (3-year program). I turn 23 in August. Here's how it happened, as I'm sure some are wondering:

Graduated HS at almost 18 years old. Then got married shortly after.... yea. I know. Anyhow I'm still happily married. ?

Took one semester of prereqs at college.

Start Nursing school (ADN) January 2009.

I worked part-time as a unit clerk/monitor tech in ICU in January 2010 (one year into my ADN).

I got pregnant with my daughter in October 2010 (What can I say? I'm a planner.)

Graduated my ADN December 2010 with 3.52 - passed boards a couple of weeks after graduation.

I started working as an RN full-time in December 2010.

I took five classes for my BSN starting in January 2011.

I took the Summer and fall of 2011 off from school to be with my daughter, who was pretty sickly at the time.

Started BSN classes back in January 2012.

I took my CCRN in September 2012 - passed first try. Took my GRE - 310 (155 and 155). PALS, ACLS, etc., etc., nursing research team, Beacon task force, yada yada yada.

Graduated BSN December 2012 with 3.62.

I applied and interviewed for Murray State University in KY at the Morehead site - I BOMBED the interview and didn't get in. Not surprised...

Applied (spur of the moment kind of) to CAMC in Charleston, WV, for May 2013 start date with two years of experience - LANDED IT! Don't ask me how.

We are selling our house now and looking to move up there soon.

My husband started a job in Nitro, WV, about four months ago (before I even considered applying to CAMC). Okay, I had considered it and thought about CAMC for a long time, but I wasn't sure if I would apply. So everything is certainly working out. ?

So add to that list the fact that we bought a foreclosed home that was run down and fixed it up. We completely flipped the house and are looking to make some money off of it before school starts. ? That would be nice. Also, add that my husband, who previously had a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration before we married, returned and obtained his second Bachelor's Degree in accounting. Shew! We have been busy! ?

So here are some things that I attribute to my early success:

1. God. Always, and undoubtedly God has blessed me in countless ways! He has made all this possible for me and always has a plan. I continually prayed for God's will to be done, not mine, and I had to have faith that this would happen.

2. Great family support - my mom and dad and my husband's mom and dad are always willing to help us (fixing up the house, watching our daughter, etc.)

3. Early decision of what I wanted to do. I was in nursing school when I thought about attending CRNA school. However, I frequently tossed around midwifery and med school with CRNA but ultimately landed in this category. ? I am thrilled I did. Why? Screaming women? No thanks. 4-year residency? No thanks.

4. Communication! I mean between God and myself and between my husband and myself.

5. Lastly, I don't believe in luck. I believe in God's will. But if I were one to believe in luck, it would go here. ?

Nolander · Feb 23, 2013

ICU-ickyou said:

I applied and interviewed for Murray State University in KY at the Morehead site - I BOMBED the interview and didn't get in. Not surprised.

If you don't mind me asking, why did you bomb the interview? I'm located in KY, and if I ever went to CRNA school, either the military or Murray would be my first choice.

icu-ickyou · Feb 24, 2013

I don't mind at all. I was extremely nervous and was not the best communicator. That holds in my personal and professional life. I'm the type of person that I know the reason why drugs or certain things work or do not work, and I can show you, but I can't explain it. ? That has always been a downfall for me. And although Murray didn't ask me specific ICU-type questions, I got so nervous that I could barely explain the type of ICU I work in. Yep, nerves. I just can't overcome them when it comes to a conversation. I'm more of an introvert anyway. I know that may have you asking how I handle advocating for my patients or my role in a code, rapid response, etc. But somehow, I can overcome situations like that, but I have yet to master the art of communication in a formal setting.

I will leave you with an example.

My first question in my interview was, "Explain your last five years as a nurse." And while I could have used this opportunity to elaborate on how my two years of nursing have been more profitable to my professional knowledge and experience than some have had in 10+ years, I said something vague and choked. :dummy:

Nolander · Feb 28, 2013

ICU-ickyou said:

I will leave you with an example.

My first question in my interview was, "Explain your last five years as a nurse." And while I could have used this opportunity to elaborate on how my two years of nursing have been more profitable to my professional knowledge and experience than some have had in 10+ years, I said something vague and choked.

What other kinds of interview questions did they ask?

icu-ickyou · Mar 1, 2013

These are just general questions. My first question was as stated. They went on to ask why I wanted to be a CRNA, about your hospital, why I wanted to pursue RURAL CRNA practice, etc. That's all I remember to be honest with you. I may have some PTSD and have blocked out the bad memories. LOL! I walked in, and the interviewers were sitting at an oblong table, and I sat at the head of the table nearest the door. It was a very informal interview, and every person had a different question. A couple of people took notes. I hope that helps!

MicuCCRN · Apr 17, 2013

ICU-ickyou. I will start my program shortly after turning 22 at the end of the Summer. Your story sounds a lot like mine with how you got in! Congrats. I commend you on your hard work. Good luck!

Mr.Optimist · May 6, 2013

For those who started the CRNA at age 24 or so, when did you choose to take organic I and II? Or was organic not required for your admission?

limaRN, BSN, RN · May 13, 2013

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For those who started the CRNA at age 24, when did you choose to take organic I and II? Or was organic not required for your admission?[/quote']
I've never taken organic chem. It wasn't required for the particular schools I applied to. I took an online biochem class through UNE- the school I chose- which I found challenging and very interesting.