BS Biology + ADN seeking pre-CRNA advice.

[gogo1234]

Hello everyone,

I am sure there are plenty of posts on the matter, but I was hoping to get some advice a little more pertinent to me.

One of my biggest problems in undergrad was insufficient planning, so I'm hoping to rectify it here.

So as the title says I currently have a BS Bio from UCI and I just received word that I got into the ADN program for the spring (Accelerated BSN was really not an option for me, as I wanted to get working ASAP). Currently I plan to become a CRNA with my own practice and I have seen only 2 schools out of 4 or 5 in California that will allow me to apply with a BS bio, ADN, and some work experience. My first 3 years of undergrad were pitiful (2.8-3.0 gpa) but my 4th year, and my classes of prereqs at a JC for the ADN program, I have a 3.8 gpa and I plan to continue that through the ADN program.

So now the questions.

1) Would it be smart to apply/look at different schools outside of California with similar requirements (ie. no BSN needed to apply)? Or will getting a CRNA degree from a different state be more of a hassle? Are there many other schools that do not require a BSN?

2) Since I already have a bachelors, is it possible for me to apply for a MSN program? If i do get a MSN will the replace the "BSN requirement" for CRNA schools? Will having a MSN make me more "competitive" than a BSN applicant?

3) I do not plan to stop at RN, I would like to move on, so aside from CRNA and NP, are there any other "higher level" fields that I should bother looking into? Maybe something in nursing technology... I know I will be exposed to this as I start the program/working, but I don't see a problem in looking into these things sooner than later.

4) Lastly, a more general question. Any good fallback plans if I cannot get into a CRNA program in 3-4 years?

Thanks so much for your time.

[nonBSN]

Gogo1234,

1) Only about

2) Most MSN programs that accept a nonBSN, only do so, as a bridge program (i.e. Accelerated BSN and then get your MSN too). Not sure about MSN being more competative. Sounds like it would be.

3) and 4) As an RN you will be part of a community with the greatest diversity in careers. Hospital RNs - ICU, ED, stepdown, floor, psych, OB, administration, palliative care, transplant, discharge planning, quality assurance, etc. Dr Office RNs, clinic RNs, non-clinical RNs - law offices, insurance companies, etc... etc... Advanced practice- CRNA, NP, Midwife, etc... RNs make up the largest group of employees in a hospital and all from different specialties.

Come join us and see for yourself! Be warned. It is definitely a challenge, be it a really sick ICU patient, a stable but crazy behavioral patient, crazy family members, Co-workers that work against you (MDs, RNs, or whomever), etc... You may never be humbled like an RN can be with all that our job entails. The best of luck to you!