Can I become pediatric nurse and CRNA?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hello. I am an 18 years old student, and I will start my ADN program in Spring 2021. I just wanted to asked. Can I work in a pediatric hospital as a CRNA?

My family wants me to pursue my nursing career and CRNA. I want to make my parents happy and become proud of me, so I agreed to become a CRNA. During this quarantine, I explored CRNA, and I started to like working as a CRNA. But, when I learn about a pediatric nurse, what they do and imagine myself taking care of children, I feel happy and sparks joy.

My family won't support me in becoming a pediatric nurse for several reasons, and they really wanted me to become a CRNA. Can I pursue them both? Can I work in a pediatric hospital as a CRNA? Is there anything I have to consider? Is there any alternative pathway for me? Or I have to choose between becoming a pediatric nurse and CRNA? Thankyou so much ? 

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Specializes in NICU.

CRNA is a Master's degree level position. You will need to get your BSN first before applying to a CRNA program. CRNA programs are very competitive and require a high GPA during nursing school. Most programs require 3-5 yrs of ICU experience. Once you are close to starting your first nursing job, determine if you still want to pursue CRNA. I do not know if PICU experience counts towards the 3-5 yrs ICU experience, many schools do not count NICU experience.

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On 10/9/2020 at 6:20 AM, NICU Guy said:

CRNA is a Master's degree level position. You will need to get your BSN first before applying to a CRNA program. CRNA programs are very competitive and require a high GPA during nursing school. Most programs require 3-5 yrs of ICU experience. Once you are close to starting your first nursing job, determine if you still want to pursue CRNA. I do not know if PICU experience counts towards the 3-5 yrs ICU experience, many schools do not count NICU experience.

Thank you for replying and make everything clear! I understand now that if I want to apply to CRNA school, I can not work in a pediatric hospital ICU. But I still can be CRNA and working in a pediatric hospital, right? Thank you once again?

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Specializes in PBX Operator/Code Calls, LPN Student.
1 hour ago, Neha said:

Thank you for replying and make everything clear! I understand now that if I want to apply to CRNA school, I can not work in a pediatric hospital ICU. But I still can be CRNA and working in a pediatric hospital, right? Thank you once again?

From what I've seen on here, there are peds hospitals that use CRNAs

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You shouldn’t become a CRNA for your parents. You should do it for yourself. I hope that if you decide to pursue that route, you do it because the field truly makes you happy. There’s nothing more miserable than living a life based around other people’s approval. It’s your life and YOU have to live it. So do what makes you happy. I support you!

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7 hours ago, chempansy said:

You shouldn’t become a CRNA for your parents. You should do it for yourself. I hope that if you decide to pursue that route, you do it because the field truly makes you happy. There’s nothing more miserable than living a life based around other people’s approval. It’s your life and YOU have to live it. So do what makes you happy. I support you!

Thank you for all the kind words! this is going to be a long journey, and sure I will do what makes me happy! Thankyou again for supporting me:) 

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Specializes in Emergency / Disaster.

In order for your parents to support this progression for you - THEY need to understand the process.  You don't just go to school once and come out a CRNA.  Starting as an ADN is just the beginning, you have to get a BSN, the ICU / critical care experience, get accepted into a CRNA program and then complete that program.  Its a long way from an ADN.  If you agree with their plan for you and they are paying for it - they need to understand the time and financial commitment.  I know at the school I attended, they removed the MSN CRNA option and now only offer the PhD CRNA.  The MSN option may be off the table by the time you get there and it will be a doctorate degree.   They probably read somewhere that CRNAs make a lot of money and they stopped at that.  They do make money, but like any other doctor - it takes time and money to get there.  If it isn't what YOU want to do, get your ADN and get a job as a Peds nurse and do what you want to do.

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