Just finished my first semester. Ask me anything.

[MeTheRN]

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!

[missnurse01, MSN, RN]

well keep in touch dimov! wish I had the fortitude to blog through the experience, I know I have read several other people's blogs as they went through school, lol.

good luck to you!

[nursejilly2005]

I did my CCRN and buckled down on the EKG section. I'm really quite good with them now. Never took any formal classes on them, just studied a lot, asked lots of questions at work, and got a 12 lead on everybody no matter if our doc wanted one or not lol.

My anesthesia curriculum contains an advanced EKG course, so I don't think they're expecting us to come in acting like a cardiologist. You'll obviously be taught all that you need to know in the program.

Are you from Michigan? I live an hour north of Detroit.

[CPhT2RNstudent]

Lapeer?

[nursejilly2005]

Lapeer?[/QUOT

I am from Davison.

[Piggles]

Thanks so much for all of the helpful info. I am graduating from nursing school in a few months and I think I have a good lead on an ICU position after I'm licensed. I plan to start taking physics and chemistry next fall. My question is how much will an extensive background in chemistry help me? I have the option to spend 1 semester on chemistry, or go crazy and take 4 semesters of chem. I don't think I will want to start CRNA school sooner than 2-3 years after graduation so I have time. Also, I love chemistry and the classes are affordable.

Do you think the in depth chem is really going to be an asset, or should I focus that energy on more general studies?

[missnurse01, MSN, RN]

Thanks so much for all of the helpful info. I am graduating from nursing school in a few months and I think I have a good lead on an ICU position after I'm licensed. I plan to start taking physics and chemistry next fall. My question is how much will an extensive background in chemistry help me? I have the option to spend 1 semester on chemistry, or go crazy and take 4 semesters of chem. I don't think I will want to start CRNA school sooner than 2-3 years after graduation so I have time. Also, I love chemistry and the classes are affordable.

Do you think the in depth chem is really going to be an asset, or should I focus that energy on more general studies?

take whatever gen chem you need to get into ochem and or biochem. It is that level of chem that is helpful from what I have heard. After getting that under you belt and you still feel that you need more classes then grad level pathophys is always well looked at. As well as maybe one class of physics if you have never had it.

good luck

[RNtobe15]

So I'm a little confused... Are there other classes that you need to take in between your BSN and CRNA school?

[manusko]

So I'm a little confused... Are there other classes that you need to take in between your BSN and CRNA school?

If your particular school requires something else.

[limaRN, BSN, RN]

So I'm a little confused... Are there other classes that you need to take in between your BSN and CRNA school?

Generally, yes. Most schools like to see a few semesters of chem. the one in particular I applied to wanted at least a semester of grad level biochem which undergrad nursing school didn't require to graduate. Each school's requirement is different so look at their website to see the requirements. Don't wait until you're ready to apply only to find out you're missing some required classes.

[RNtobe15]

Generally, yes. Most schools like to see a few semesters of chem. the one in particular I applied to wanted at least a semester of grad level biochem which undergrad nursing school didn't require to graduate. Each school's requirement is different so look at their website to see the requirements. Don't wait until you're ready to apply only to find out you're missing some required classes.

Thanks so much! I'll look into it.

[blongor]

Is that your overall GPA from undergrad, or only the nursing school aspect? Also, in your opinion, is any type of ICU more advantageous to have experience in that another? I know the general rules of thumb, but I mean, CV vs NEURO vs SURGICAL vs MEDICAL. et. c. Also, any advice on the profession of AA? My current school (Emory) offers a program that I can go straight into without ICU experience, and I think I would have a pretty good chance of getting in here. Would you say take the gamble and continue onto CRNA (hopefully getting accepted to a good school) or just stay local and finish my education years earlier for a similar paying job?

[loveanesthesia]

Is that your overall GPA from undergrad, or only the nursing school aspect? Also, in your opinion, is any type of ICU more advantageous to have experience in that another? I know the general rules of thumb, but I mean, CV vs NEURO vs SURGICAL vs MEDICAL. et. c. Also, any advice on the profession of AA? My current school (Emory) offers a program that I can go straight into without ICU experience, and I think I would have a pretty good chance of getting in here. Would you say take the gamble and continue onto CRNA (hopefully getting accepted to a good school) or just stay local and finish my education years earlier for a similar paying job?

I think you'll always regret not going the CRNA route. With 1 year ICU experience, you can apply to a CRNA program and start a program after 2 years ICU experience (actually some do it sooner but I don't think it's a good idea). The AA route is easier, but it will forever limit you. You're young and already earning your BSN, I don't think there's any question that the CRNA route is better for you when you think of the next 30-35 years.