A few questions

crr1987 · Oct 5, 2015

For me it came down to the return on my investment. Beside nursing is not sustainable for me for the next 40 years so I wanted something I could eventually do part time when I get older that would still afford me a nice living

I haven't started my program so I can't speak to all of your questions but from what the class ahead of me has said, nursing school doesn't begin to prepare you the cellular level you learn about in anesthesia school.

As far as preparing for interviews, it depends on the school you're applying to. Some are heavily weighted on clinical questions, while others are emotional intelligence based. I'd study your CCRN materials and then research emotional intelligence questions.

amber0627 · Oct 6, 2015

Thank you for the reply! I have a while to go still, but I am attempting to lay out a pretty solid plan for myself soon hopefully!

crr1987 · Oct 6, 2015

You'll do it if it's what you really want

I decided I was going to CRNA school in 2010

Took prereqs for nursing school in 2011

Nursing school 2011-2013

Worked icu 2013-present

Just got accepted 2 weeks ago

5 year journey just to get accepted

Now 3 year program starts in January

Don't let the long road ahead discourage you!

Also don't let the negative people on this forum discourage you from pursing anesthesia for what ever your reason is, money, autonomy, etc

My reasons were a combination of a bunch of things and money was definitely a factor. Anyone who tells you differently is lying in my opinion!

amber0627 · Oct 6, 2015

Oh I believe you're correct, I feel like many wouldn't invest that kind of time if the money wasn't very good. The long road is a bit terrifying. I am graduating as a medical assistant in Dec and am trying to get in a hospital Now. I figure getting in Now could help this road ahead. It's seems forever, but I'll be early to mid thirties when I finish. My boyfriend is supportive of the idea, which is a Plus as well. We've discussed the financial part of it and everything, I feel we will be alright by that time.

aerorunner80, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN · Oct 6, 2015

How did you decide this was what you wanted to do?
What advice would you give someone to prepare for the application process and the program itself?
Is there any certain stuff you'd recommend we focus on going through nursing school to prepare for the CRNA program?
At this time my ultimate goal is to become a CRNA - I just want to know how you knew this was for you. I am torn at the moment if I want this or maybe I should look into other options.

The decision took me a while. I wanted to do this when I was getting my RN and then through some serious soul searching and shadowing, I KNEW this is what I want for the rest of my career.

There is really no advice for the application process. The papers will speak for themselves (transcripts). Make sure you write a good letter of intent and resume.

Focus on getting good grades. Join your student nurses association and any honors association you can. I was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and my student nurses association.

There is no need to rush your decision at this point. If I were you, I'd focus on being in the top of my class, passing NCLEX, and then landing a job in a good ICU such as a teaching hospital or a level 1 trauma center.

After you've done that a few years, then worry about grad school.

Good luck!

amber0627 · Oct 6, 2015

Thank you! I'm already nervous Just thinking about it. Very high GPA is recommended, like 4.0 high or is there slight flexibility. I just want to make sure I do my best but also know what I need to do to get into a program so I'm not heart broken down the road.

gazpaz · Oct 10, 2015

Why do you think you want to be a CRNA? Have you shadowed? Are you torn between nurse anesthesia and another advanced practice role?

amber0627 · Oct 10, 2015

Why do you think you want to be a CRNA? Have you shadowed? Are you torn between nurse anesthesia and another advanced practice role?

Shadowed no, there are just a few options Ive always considered. I just haven't figured out how to officially make my final choice. I have years still lol, just wanted input how everyone else made their final decision.

CCRN_CSC_0710 · Oct 10, 2015

I had a 3.7 nursing GPA and got accepted into my top choice, a very competitive program. So, yes, high GPA but not perfect.

I figured out I wanted to be a CRNA after working for 2 years in a CVICU, when I was kind of tired of bedside nursing but still loved it. I shadowed 15+ CRNA's, plus multiple NP's and administrators and I just knew what I wanted to do.

My best work friend also shadowed CRNA's and NP's, and decided she would rather be a NP.

You'll figure it out, but I can't encourage enough the value of shadowing.

gazpaz · Oct 10, 2015

I was torn about applying to medical school. I had always wanted to be an OB-GYN, but with the way the U.S. Healthcare system was changing and the crazy residency and call hours, I just couldn't make the choice to give up my life for 8+ years, take on that huge amount of debt and delay having a family.

I talked to to a few medical professionals and they recommended looking into being a CRNA - lots of autonomy, still participate in OB, flexible schedule and good living. I shadowed and talked to a few and it seemed like a natural ft.

I completed an accelarated BSN program, graduated and started working in the catch-all ICU for a level 1 trauma center, worked basically 2 jobs there (tons of OT) to get experience and save $. Applied to CRNA school after 2 years, got in - took a few classes early and worked up until classes started. Haven't looked back or regretted anything since.

amber0627 · Oct 10, 2015

I will definitely look into shadowing someone once I finishing my nursing degree. Is that something the school will help with or something you had to do more on your own? I've never done anything like that before.