Okay, SRNA's, enlighten me.

Nursing Students SRNA

Published

I am still a far cry away from becoming an SRNA as I am still pre-nursing. My ultimate goal is to become a CRNA. I am preparing as early as possible to get the best shot for CRNA school. I want to hear anything from SRNA's (advice, what to expect, regrets, reviews of your school-acceptance info, difficulty, etc.)

I am currently looking into schools in CA, WA, NY, and PA. But I'm open to anywhere.

I live in Utah and this is my last semester of pre-req's for a BSN program. I am young (20), married, and have started a family. I know SRNA school can and will put a stress on family life. I am not sure how I feel about giving up 2-3 years of life with my daughter and husband.. at least not right now ...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I am still a far cry away from becoming an SRNA as I am still pre-nursing. My ultimate goal is to become a CRNA. I am preparing as early as possible to get the best shot for CRNA school. I want to hear anything from SRNA's (advice, what to expect, regrets, reviews of your school-acceptance info, difficulty, etc.)

I am currently looking into schools in CA, WA, NY, and PA. But I'm open to anywhere.

I live in Utah and this is my last semester of pre-req's for a BSN program. I am young (20), married, and have started a family. I know SRNA school can and will put a stress on family life. I am not sure how I feel about giving up 2-3 years of life with my daughter and husband.. at least not right now ...

Just wanted to say hi! I have been reading info from applicants, SRNAs, CRNAs, instructors, and PDs. You are on the right track to start researching all aspects of entry into school, different schools, and what life will be like when in school. The best thing at this point is keep as close to A's as you can, esp in sciences, and when in nursing school. If you are finished with your prereqs and waiting for entrance to school you can go back and take extra sciences if you don't have them as prereqs. (full year gen chem, ochem, biochem, etc etc) after you have your bsn you can try some grad level patho or phys or pharmacology.

Keep researching how school will impact your family life, but you are right. You will lose a few years. Granted that will start probably at least 5 years from now so your child will be a little older and more self sufficient but then that means there are other things that will be busy in her life. (school, activities, etc). I have three kids and we homeschool and there has been a lot of years of my trying to figure it out.

With your first RN check start saving!!!

good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Also look into shadowing CRNA's as early as you can so you will understand exactly what they do. Shadow multiple times and ask questions. I've met a ton of nurses who want to go to CRNA school but have no clue as to what they do. :) and SAVE SAVE SAVE.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In school now and have 2 small children and a supportive husband. It is doable but beyond comprehension for difficulty...not just the material but I am talking about making the family life work! My 3-year-old is missing me and acting out a little bit because he doesn't understand. I am dedicating about 80-90 hours a week right now between lecture and studying.

Be sure you can totally afford to be without your income...plan ahead! As someone suggested - shadow early if you can. When you do start working as a nurse try to be on day shift. You will have more opportunity for networking and caring for post-op patients which puts your face out there to the anesthesia team. Get to know at least one M.D. that you would feel comfortable asking for a letter of recommendation. Not all schools require one from an M.D. but some do.

Keep in mind that not only do you have to have (usually at least 2) years of ICU experience or more but that taking the CCRN and GRE are a lot to prepare for as well.

I would continually bounce things off your spouse to make sure he knows what this commitment would entail and make sure that he is well informed ;-)

I have no regrets so far...just have to get back to the books now!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

hey im in my second semester. I hav eto say its pretty tough, i dont consider myself smart, im just hard working. Im in a front loaded program and i spend about 18 hours a week in classes, but about 40-60 hours studying. I dont work, dont have any kids or any obligations. its definitely the hardest thing ive ever done, but its doable with dedication. there are some people inmy program who dont putin as much hours studying but their grades reflect it. I hope this helps give you an insight into SRNA life.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am not a SRNA yet, but I wanted to throw in my 2 cents. If you decide CRNA may be too intense (meaning you have to give up too much family life to make it worth while) have you considered NP? It is still decent pay, can be very flexible, and may keep you from having to move to go to school. In Utah there is only Westminster, and as you mentioned you are looking at various states. As your kids get older they will be more hesitant to move and leave their friends. There are many local schools with NP programs. Just a thought. I have considered these things myself and I am still going to push for CRNA. Good luck with your choice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pulmonary, MICU.

I've heard that it is one of the biggest strains on relationships around. I'm lucky in that I don't have kids, but I can see how it would be really tough with them. I don't get to see my girlfriend much, but luckily she is an MD so therefore is very understanding of what I am and will be going through. If it is your passion, go for it! But don't expect life to be easy, and hopefully your partner will understand before hand what will be involved and will be supportive of you throughout the process.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SICU.

Read Watchful Care (available at the AANA bookstore) and educate yourself on current challenges facing the profession. Choose your program very, very carefully. Quality varies widely, and the clinical experiences available to you will be very limited at certain programs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I am not a SRNA yet, but I wanted to throw in my 2 cents. If you decide CRNA may be too intense (meaning you have to give up too much family life to make it worth while) have you considered NP? It is still decent pay, can be very flexible, and may keep you from having to move to go to school. In Utah there is only Westminster, and as you mentioned you are looking at various states. As your kids get older they will be more hesitant to move and leave their friends. There are many local schools with NP programs. Just a thought. I have considered these things myself and I am still going to push for CRNA. Good luck with your choice.

I am looking into Westminster still.. NP is a strong secondary option for me. However, I'd prefer a BSN--> DNP program which is not available at the U :(. You are a nurse at University Hospital.. yes?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was. I moved to New Mexico to work this summer.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Did you do the CCI program?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Did you do the CCI program?
yes I did
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment