Day in the life of a crna

[amyyturner]

Hello,

I am a high school senior, going to college with a major in nursing and a hopeful intent to continue on into Nurse Anesthesia. I was wondering what a day in the life as a CRNA is like? How was the schooling experience like? Do you continue to work when continuing your studies in CRNA school?

[BritFNP]

I am not a CRNA, but my boyfriend is and I have many friends who are (I'm a FNP). You cannot work during CRNA school. This is likely the most difficult APRN program there is. Programs do not allow it, for good reason. You fulfill tons of OR hours and your complete focus must be on anesthesia. After you obtain your bachelors degree in nursing and become a RN, you must work in ICU for 1-3 years before applying for CRNA school, which is an additional something like 28-36 months. For the people I know that are CRNA's, they are very fulfilled in their career choice. The money is good. The work is satisfying and important. Anesthesia providers literally save lives everyday. You must know your anatomy, medication, and skills like second nature. The programs are very competitive and you graduate ready to work. It's a wonderful career choice. Good luck!

[xenogenetic]

I would encourage you to try to shadow one before deciding on this career. I have met a couple CRNAs that shocked me when they said they would not do it again. They stated that they don't enjoy the work environment of being in a cold operating room all day long, patients complaining that they put them on their side inappropriately causing pain, and that they are limited with regards to job opportunities to switching to only hospitals/MD groups where there are openings which sometimes can be an entire state away. Not that you are, but remember the general rule to never chase a nursing specialty just for the money...look at the totality of the potential opportunity.