Master's Prepared NICU RN looking into CRNA

[MSNRN061215]

I am a second degree Direct Entry Master's prepared nurse, who has her MSN in/as a nurse generalist. I am currently working in a level III NICU at one of the largest Children's Hospitals in the nation. I have almost two years experience in this setting and I have recently been researching CRNA schools along with their admission criteria. I did see that there are some that do take or consider NICU experience.

I was just wondering if there are any NICU nurses out there that have applied to CRNA school, and have been accepted? And what was your background like? Or any former NICU nurses that are now CRNAs, how was CRNA school for you?

And question for anyone: Did any of you have a MSN or another degree when applying for CRNA school? Do you think this helped you during the admissions process?

[cvru_rn_13]

I wasn't a NICU nurse but a PICU nurse and we did heart, liver and kidney transplants, ECMO, etc and when applying to schools they weren't impressed... even though programs stated they accepted pediatrics when I contacted them they stayed the really prefer you have adult expierence also since that is who you are going to be mostly treating! I've been in adults a year this month and applied to two schools for January admission and have interviews at both!

Good luck! Adult world isn't ALL that bad, haha

[zaydonima]

Hi there!

When I was going through the application process, I was desperate to hear from a NICU nurse who had been accepted, or was currently practicing as a CRNA (not an easy thing to find). I'm a Level III NICU nurse who was recently accepted into a CRNA program! It is possible!!! I've worked in the NICU a little over two years now, and have a few years of experience in Pediatrics. In addition to my BSN, I also have a BA, and got my CCRN certification. I would advise applying to schools that are open to NICU nurses. They may list what type of critical care experience they accept on the school website, or if in doubt, give them a call and just ask. You don't want to waste precious time and resources applying to schools that won't consider you. In shadowing a few CRNAs in the OR, I found that they were VERY encouraging! They didn't see my lack of adult experience as a disadvantage, and encouraged me to just go for it, and I'm so glad I did! Wishing you the very best!

[loveanesthesia]

I've known a couple CRNAs whose only RN experience was in NICU. It is possible.

[M.Salina]

I am an NICU RN who also has adult ICU experience. I interviewed at a school that uses clinical scenarios for evaluation. Although the school accepts NICU experience, all of the clinical scenarios were based on adults. Just something to keep in mind depending on the school you choose.

[MSNRN061215]

Thank you For answering my post that gives me a glimmer of hope. Where did you work in the NICU? At a childrens hospital? How many programs did you apply to? And did you take your CCRN?

[M.Salina]

I have worked at a children's hospital and also in a NICU in an adult hospital. I do have my CCRN. I applied to 1 school.