Just finished my first semester. Ask me anything.

Nursing Students SRNA

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Wow...I can't believe it's only been been 3 1/2 months! It feels like it's been at least a year. But finally, a few hours ago today, I took my last final and finished my first semester of CRNA school!

I figured this would be a good time to answer questions anyone may have about transitioning into a CRNA program.

I'm in a front-loaded program, so I can't really help out with any questions regarding clinicals, but if you have questions about didactics and transitioning into school, I'll take a crack at it!

Specializes in critcal care, CRNA.
Morificeko,

Are you feeling that you will really enjoy giving anesthesia? My thing is, I really love nursing. It's a blast in my opinion. I love it for a lot of reasons, but I'm hesitant to leave it for what is pretty much another profession. Has there been any disappointments or things that get you bummed about the profession? And on the other hand, what's the best things about how its different from ICU nursing?

I really do love it. I graduate in May and the only thing that really gets me down is one day having freedom to make changes to care and then the next day being totally controlled. The work is great and the variety in cases is good too.

You get to make some connections to PTs and families but that connection is short lived after the surgery. That's one of the few things I miss about nursing.

There is still adrenaline rushes and critical PTs.

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Wow this thread is so informative! This is great!

So my question is, how soon should I take the GRE? I know the scores are good for five years- so let's say I am in my final semester of my BSN, and plan on applying for CRNA school within two years. can I take the GRE before I even graduate with my BSN? Or do I wait until after I take the NCLEX and I am working? Does it matter when you take it if the score is good for five years?

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It doesn't matter when you take the GREs. I would recommend graduating and taking the NCLEX first. If you handle stress well, have a good memory, and don't mind studying all day, then take the GRE beforehand. Why not wait until after the NCLEX so you can devote your time and memory to one thing? That way, the GRE will last 5 years from then. Since most schools have deadlines in the 2nd half of the year, this should give you plenty of time to complete everything, assuming that you get hired in an ICU.

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Specializes in Neurosurgical ICU.
the only thing that really gets me down is one day having freedom to make changes to care and then the next day being totally controlled

Amen! Just had a great day in surgery mainly because it was just me and the MDA :)

Mully, I think my only disappointment so far in my transition from RN to SRNA is that people tend to lose their patience a lot faster in the OR. You tend to have a lot more attitudes and unrealistic expectations. I understand the stress and acuity drives people to moments of madness...but it can get old! So you definitely need to have a tough exterior because people will expect you to know things you've never been told or shown before, and they'll hold you accountable for things you don't know. I'm not even talking about anesthesia at this point.

You still definitely form a relationship with the patients. One of my instructors is always reminding me that a good pre-op is far more effective than 2mg of midazolam. I think he's very right about that. The great thing about training to be a CRNA is that you are empowered to make your own decisions. If you think the patient needs a little ephedrine or some more positive pressure ventilation, you make the adjustments and see what happens. It's like playing a big game of chess! So far, it's fascinating and I'm loving it.

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Specializes in Neurosurgical ICU.
Wow this thread is so informative! This is great!

So my question is, how soon should I take the GRE? I know the scores are good for five years- so let's say I am in my final semester of my BSN, and plan on applying for CRNA school within two years. can I take the GRE before I even graduate with my BSN? Or do I wait until after I take the NCLEX and I am working? Does it matter when you take it if the score is good for five years?

It seriously doesn't matter. If you can take it now and kill it, go for it. It'll be one less thing you have to do when juggling your RN job. I find that the GRE and the extra chemistry classes is what keeps most RN's in the ICU when they really want to go to CRNA school.

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Thanks for the advice both of you.Yea I was leaning more towards taking it during it now (can study over my winter break for it) and that way I can focus on everything else later. I thought it would be hard when I am juggling the new job, and learning so many new things.

Ryan, I do have a good memory, and I am great at standarized tests so I am not worried about that aspect of it, but still thanks for your thoughts.

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I have just been accepted into CRNA school and plan to start in August 2013. I was wondering if you have any advice on preparation and on preparing financially. I have a husband and 2 children, but I am the primary financial provider of my family. I would appreciate any advice.

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hey kbelliott! I start next year as well...and freaking about the money! I am the sole income earner for our family of 5. Aside from working and saving, and student loans, my friend in the program now got a loan this year from wells fargo that helped him. I have also been looking at withdrawing on my retirement.

otherwise, I am going to take a phys class as I hear that that is the area that students really struggle in!!!

good luck!

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Thanks for all your great info! Any more progress/info on the accredidation process? Does it look like they will have regional accredidation by 2014?

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Specializes in Neurosurgical ICU.

Unfortunately that's impossible to know.

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Specializes in Neurosurgical ICU.

Wow, it feels surreal to be writing this...but just finished my first semester of clinicals, ask me anything! I figured now would be a good time to update and answer more questions. But I get no break between clinical semesters, so keep that in mind if I take forever to respond. Clinicals have been awesome and awful at the same time. It's like feeling on top of the world and getting shot in the head simultaneously. I'd say about 60% of the strife comes from personalities and personal preferences. We're all type A individuals, so imagine having a different type A boss every day of the week! It's hard to please them all. But I'm trying my best, and I'm learning a lot by trial and error and watching people who are more experienced. I've done roughly 200 cases or so, 50+ intubations, a few spinals and epidurals too. I have not done an A-line yet, but I did get a central line the other day. Overall, I'm still happy with my decision. I just need to remember that the politics in anesthesia is NOT anesthesia. It's politics, and I can find a place to work with less of it when I'm done. I definitely need to work on having tough skin though, and letting the small things go. I can do a perfect case but completely beat myself up for forgetting little things or techniques that could've made it go better. Trying to hold onto the big picture! New students are starting in a few weeks. I wish them luck! They'll be well taken care of if they land in my room :)

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Hey MeTheRN,

which site did you use for clinicals and why?

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