A structured CRNA path some advice please

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I have been planning a career in Nursing for some time now. I've been a stay at home mom for some time and now I am in the position to return to school. I initially wanted to focus on becoming a Doctor but I have decided I am really interested in Nurse Anesthesia. I have started a job at a major hospital to get some medical experience under my belt and they also help pay the school bills which is great.

I have been having discussions with a CRNA and she referred me to a CRNA program at Webster University in St.Louis Missouri. I went to discuss my educational goals. I will be starting from scratch because the science classes I had years ago are too old. I am fine with this I plan to take it step by Step become a RN/CCRN and my job will alow for shifts Bidding so I can pick up a few shifts when you want and that is for all employees who are either PCT's or Nurses. Many of the CRNA's say this option has allowed them to ave s little money in their pocket through their CRNA Program.

I am very happy with the advice I have recieved from the CRNA's I work with and Webster University has offered to more or less guide me towards my goal and I am a minority so thy referred me to a great mentoring program called Diversity Nursing. I would like to know how much does a new CRNA expect to make? I would also like to know how many were able to make some kind of money while in the program? And my last question is can anyone just offer some advice on wha I can study now to better my GPA for CRNA school. I really want to educate myself as much as possible about the career. I am looking into shadowing a CRNA at work and I also have signed up for a mini Session Q & A with CRNA's through a local CRNA program.

I know without a doubt this is what I want I just want to be clear I am on the right path, I know I have to become a RN first but thats not why I am going through Nursing school I am going to Nursing school because it's the first step to becoming a CRNA. So could any CRNA's give me suggestions on some books to look into or websites or organizations to join now. I plan to prep for the CRNA career the same as a Pre-Med starts prepping for becoming a Doctor form day one! So any advice or tips on how I can better my chances would be so greatly appreciated!

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Specializes in CVICU.

If you haven't already looked, http://www.aana.com is the best place to start researching. Your priorities should be first maintaining your grades and becoming an RN. Once your close to reaching that goal you'll need to focus on getting into a critical care (ICU) setting. Those are two big hurdles that are necessary to cross before getting to involved with the CRNA school stuff. Of course you'll be taking the proper prerequisite classes to prepare yourself along the way but dont overlook the beginning steps. It's pretty easy to do with the excitement of becoming a CRNA running through your mind.

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Thank You. I have been working as a Tech and I am in MICU, I have worked the ICU and the total Critical Care unit. Usually the Techs are only in the job for Nursing School it's great experience and you also have the opportunity to work with vents and trach's it's been a good start for me so once through Nursing school they expect me to apply for the Critical Care Fellowship and reicieve CCRN, the Tech positions at my hospital are geared to be a stepping stone and the hospital is great about getting you up the Nursing ladder! I feel lucky I am able to work there and know I have a position exactly where I need it to be a CRNA. I do appreciate you for making me look at the basics focusing on top grades in Nursing school and to learn as much as possible so I will be a great CRNA. Thanks Again!

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Specializes in CRNA.

I think you are positioning yourself well, but don't plan on working while in a nurse anesthesia program. You are going to be very busy with clinical and coursework. Part of your planning should be deciding how to pay the bills without an income during the nurse anesthesia program.

Good-Luck

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Specializes in ICU.

Trust me when I tell you, the very best thing you can do is shadow a CRNA. I have been preparing for a few years now, and thought that I knew a pretty good amount information as to what the role of a CRNA is. Man, was I off. Anyways, the knowledge that is shared when you shadow......money cannot buy.

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