A Few Questions Needing a Few Answers

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Lets play a game:

I say what my goals are and you tell me how I am an idiot, j/k.

I am currently applying to 6, yes 6, ADN programs around the state of Arkansas.

My GPA will be around 3.4-3.5 and my scores on the NET were very high, I have yet to take the

TEAS (is it similiar to the NET?).

I remember a song not to long ago about how if you want to hear God laugh then tell Him your plans.

Here they are.

1. Finish out the ADN and take the 2 required BSN prerequisites that I have left while doing this.

2. Find work in an ICU, I understand it is hard right out of school but I will try anyway.

2. Get set up with the Navy and their nursing assistance which offers $10,000 (5 and 5) sign on and $1,000 month

while earning my BSN. The Navy Nurse Candidate Program.

3. Enroll in one of the many online RN-BSN programs around the state of Arkansas.

4. I need to find out if after using the Navy for the sign on bonus,etc... can I still apply to go straight into the

CRNA program which they will fund? If not then I would hopefully be able to land a job in the Navy in an ICU since I already have said experience. I have learned that it is near impossible to start in the ICU in the military if you have not had any experience as a civilian.

5. Become a CRNA, due my duty to my country and then either stay in or come out and start work as a civilian CRNA.

I understand that I made it sound incredibly simple and I know that is not the case.

Just give me your thoughts and if anyone has first hand experience please forward it on.

p.s. Did I mention I have three very young kids right now and will have quite a lot of loans after my ADN program?

Thank you,

JT

Also I want readers to realize that in NO way do I think this is easy or a direct route. I am well aware that even with myself pushing my hardest I may never reach my goals.

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You will need to fullfill an initial service obligation prior to entry into a CRNA program.

Currently the army has the means to guarantee you ICU training - after a year or two of likely med/surg and then you are much more likely to work in an ICU capacity... thought I believe this is for a straight direct commission rather then through the Army's equivalent of the nurse candidate program.

Another option is to get ADN.. be in army Reserves.. work ICU exp as civilian - and then apply to Army CRNA program to active duty.

best of luck.

v/r

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I have read about CRNAs on this forum (this was not recently) who have gone straight into CRNA school without prior service. They of course had a duty obligation after they completed school.

Thanks for the help I had not thought about the reserves. Excellent idea although I am not interested in the Army at this point. I assume I could accomplish the same with the Navy.

JT

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

The Army has the only direct entry CRNA program. The Navy and the AF both require at least 2-3yrs, depending on your experience, before you can apply to CRNA school.

Hope this helps...

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Specializes in ICU- adults, Flight RN peds/neo.
I have read about CRNAs on this forum (this was not recently) who have gone straight into CRNA school without prior service. They of course had a duty obligation after they completed school.

Thanks for the help I had not thought about the reserves. Excellent idea although I am not interested in the Army at this point. I assume I could accomplish the same with the Navy.

JT

Your most direct route to becoming a Military CRNA is by "Direct Accession."

For the Direct Accession program in the USAGPAN CRNA program, you will need one year of ICU, GPA > 3.0, GRE > 1000, BSN from accredited school, etc.

If you sign on with any bonus/loan repayment as a reservist or active soldier, you will give up these benefits to be in the CRNA program. But, while in the CRNA program you are paid......

http://www.dns.amedd.army.mil/crna/

http://www.dns.amedd.army.mil/crna/USAGPAN%20Flyer%20Color%202-7-08.pdf

Finish your ADN to BSN online quickly.....

good luck,

c.

check out " nurse-anesthesia.org military CRNA forum"

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