BSN student has questions!

UCDSICURN · Feb 21, 2004

1. That is program specific. A lot of the CRNA programs require adult critical care and be careful if you look at the PACU. Many don't meet that requirement either unless they are designated as ICU overflows.

2. No need. Focus on other things such as acing your nursing classes. When you're done with those get some good experience and cert's such as CCRN or TNCC.

3. Many have done it and I will have to when the time comes.

4. Ehhh....I'd think it's kind of a bell curvish type range....low to mid 30's being the mean. This is just a guess though. Age shouldn't be an issue, qualifications definitely are.

Hope this helps. Also check out the FAQ sticky at the top of this forum. It has lot's of good information.

Donn C.

Kiwi, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2004

Hi there! I'm going to answer these questions from my own experience of checking out websites and talking to colleges. I'm also a BSN student...

1. Is NICU or PICU good enough for my ICU experience?

~You'll be considered having worked there, but adult critical care is preferred. Remember that the average ratio of adult to peds cases in Nurse Anesthesia school is 10:1.

2. I've already taken elementary chemistry and elementary organic chemisty as my prerequisites for the BSN program I am currently in, and I recieved A's in both of them. Should I take more Chem courses, such as General Chemistry?

~They didn't accept my elementary chem class. They advised that I take Gen Chem I&II as well as O-chem.

3. Is it possible to balance a family life while in CRNA school?

~I recently shadowed a CRNA student from 0630-1800, she still had more things to do when I left the hospital that night. Objectively, it SEEMS like an 5 days per week / 18hr job for 27 months (with overtime, too.) :rolleyes:

4. What is the average age of students in CRNA school?

~I don't know, but since most students I met had been a nurse for roughly 2-3 years, I'd say they were about 26 y.o. average.

TraumaNurse · Feb 22, 2004

1) I would be very cautious about choosing NICU, PICU or PACU. They may be fine for some programs but not all. If you want to have the most options for choosing a school, adult ICU is the way to go. If you like the other units, it could only help you to cross-train and have that experience too.

2) Depends on school. I was told by the schools I applied to not to bother taking any additional courses since they will teach me what I need to know. Other programs, however, require more science courses including gen. chem I and II and O. chem. Again, call the schools you are interested in and ask.

3) I think having a family adds extra stress and requires better time management, but it can be done. CRNA school becomes a family affair, you just have to be up to the challenge.

4) Variable. I would guess late twenties to thirties on average with others at both ends of the spectrum. I think the youngest person starting with me is 27 or so and the majority are in their 30's.