Becoming RN solely to become CRNA

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How many people do that? Is it advisable? Did you / would you?

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Specializes in CRNA.

There was an abstract published in the AANA Journal about 5 years ago that reported that 40% of current nurse anesthesia students entered nursing school planning on becoming a CRNA. Yes people decide on nursing only because they want to become a CRNA, but I would keep an open mind. I don't think we know how many people enter a nursing program planning on becoming a CRNA and then change their mind. Personally I know of a couple. There are many equally attractive options once you become an RN. That's one of the best things about choosing a nursing career.

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Specializes in icu/er ccrn.

if someone would have told me while i was trying to get finished with nursing school that i would someday be trying to get into a msn program much less a anesthesia program, i'd would've told them to stop the meth abuse...anesthesia was the last thing from my mind, until a pal of mine started passing gas almost 2 yrs ago. after following him around a few days and getting first hand idea about what his day is like and the amount of knowledge and skill it take to do his job safe & competently i became enamored by it. however, i do know one crna that claims he wanted to be a crna after the 1st wk of nursing school, now to his credit he was one of those almost perfect 4.0 gpa type folks who was able to get into a crna program with only about 6mos of icu time. so i guess ther are all kinds..

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

I am one of those that entered nursing school wanting to become a CRNA. As a matter of fact thats the only reason I became a RN. Is that wrong, I don't think so, that is my goal and with only 2 semesters left its almost realized. So I guess I'm part of that 40%.

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if someone would have told me while i was trying to get finished with nursing school that i would someday be trying to get into a msn program much less a anesthesia program, i'd would've told them to stop the meth abuse...anesthesia was the last thing from my mind, until a pal of mine started passing gas almost 2 yrs ago. after following him around a few days and getting first hand idea about what his day is like and the amount of knowledge and skill it take to do his job safe & competently i became enamored by it. however, i do know one crna that claims he wanted to be a crna after the 1st wk of nursing school, now to his credit he was one of those almost perfect 4.0 gpa type folks who was able to get into a crna program with only about 6mos of icu time. so i guess ther are all kinds..

All doing all of my intubations with them along with other "stuff" back in paramedic school several years ago it seems like a good gig to me. I've done other things since then and an accelerated RN/BSN would be the best fit for me to go that route. I personally just don't care to spend two years in the ICU or even less really.

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Specializes in icu/er ccrn.

heck i'm all for someone knowing what they want to do as soon as possible, dang i wish i would have had the drive to start this crna thing when i first got out of school then maybe i'd be the one leaving the hospital around 1430 everyday going the the fishing hole or golf course, instead of pulling 12hrs shifts 4-5 days a week. good luck.

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Specializes in CVICU, Trauma, Flight, wartime nursing.
I personally just don't care to spend two years in the ICU or even less really.

Hmmmm. What is wrong with getting two years of a solid critical care background? It will only help you down the road. Not to mention, it will give you the exposure to many different facets of critical care, the chance to titrate an ungodly number of medications, and the ability to learn the ins and outs of very sick patients. Don't discount good experience in the rush to obtain your final goal. No knowledge gained is ever a waste of time. :twocents:

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I am a prenursing student. I will be applying to Nursing school next week. I only want to be a CRNA. I wish people would stop judging. It does not mean I would be incompetent. I always wanted to be a doctor and when I could not afford the money nor the time, I decided to go for pharmacy; then, one day I was reading about CRNA's and I know that from that day on, I have only wanted to become a CRNA. No need to lecture me. I have done all of my research about CRNA's. The only thing I am missing is to shadow a CRNA. No matter what people may say, I will keep my grades up and I know one day I will be a great CRNA.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, NICU.

I hate to say this, but the number one reason people WANT to be CRNAs in the first place is the moohla $$$. Sure, there may be a FEW people who are interested in it, but let's face it...CRNAs make a crapload of money and live a very comfortable upper-middle class lifestyle.

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Specializes in CRNA.
I hate to say this, but the number one reason people WANT to be CRNAs in the first place is the moohla $$$. Sure, there may be a FEW people who are interested in it, but let's face it...CRNAs make a crapload of money and live a very comfortable upper-middle class lifestyle.

I think more people than you think want to be CRNAs because they enjoy ICU nursing and want to take it to the next level. You may only want to be a CRNA because of the money, but that is not everyone. Going into it for the money is a risk, because if you don't like it you are trapped in a job you hate.

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I went into nursing for this sole reason now I am reaping the consequences. There is no guarantee you will be a CRNA even with a great GPA and experience as EC's, research, and interview are all additional deciding factors. That's like saying you're going to go to medical school just to become a neurosurgeon or dermatologist. Both are highly competitive fields and there is no guarantee you will place into such post-graduate programs.

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I think most of the people become CRNAs first of all because of money, second because of type of job CRNAs do. There is nothing wrong with going to nursing only to become a CRNA. But you should keep one think on your mind: it is gonna be a very bumpy ride with no guarantees. But it can be done!

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