What to do during the inbetweens?

[CRNAorBust]

Hi everyone!

I"m a 53 yr old nurse at Yale New haven hospital in Ct. I graduated last May and tried ICU directly which didn't work out. Now I'm trying a Medical floor to get my act together more. My goal is still to be a CRNA

My question is since I'm going to be spending a few years working here and then in critical care what can i do educationally in the meantime that might help me when the time comes for me to apply to CRNA school? For example: If i earned my Masters as an NP would that look good to some schools and make it a little easier to get in? Is there something else I should do that might help my earnings so I can save more for CRNA school?

It just seems I should be doing something educationally during the time that will pass before I'll be able to apply for a program.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.........Thanks in advance

Bryan

[FloridaCCRN, CRNA]

IMO these are all great suggestions. I would do the following. Once you are out of orientation 2-3 months, transfer into an ICU. You are not going to get a leg up by staying in medsurg for a long time. What you need is the ICU experience, and as much of it as possible.

Concurrently, take a really good GRE prep class/book/program and smack the hell out the GRE's.

Next take PALS and ACLS and really try to lean them. Instead of the renewel class, take the full two day and really focus on learning the objectives.

Next, take core MSN classes that will RAISE your GPA. DO NOT TAKE THE REALLY HARD science or Anestehsia classes(most wont let you anyway).

Concurrently, work on your professional image. ie, precept, PI project for your unit, mentor nursing students etc.

Finally when you are ready to apply write down your goals, your personal statement, and some important things that you want your references to say in their letters and give it to them with a copy of your resume.

and please please please find 3-4 highly educated, well rounded, in nursing or medical fields to evaluate your essay.

I know that I started to ramble but this is what I would plan on trying to do to give yourself the best chance possible.. Good luck.

Brian

Great advice Brian SRNA!

[CI-PLANTOGAS]

Shoot, I love that advice I am taking it and running with it :roll