Planning Now for CRNA Later

[JennInColumbus]

I'm starting nursing school (Associates program) in January if everything goes as planned. *fingers crossed* I already have a degree in an unrelated subject so it makes sense to take an RN to BSN program soon after I graduate.

I've been doing a lot of research on advanced practice nurses and I find myself drawn to the possibilities that are offered with being a CRNA, the positive parts of being an RN, the autonomy that doctors enjoy, etc.

My question is this:

What can I do, starting day one to make myself a great candidate for a CRNA school? I realize great grades are essential, but is there more that I can do to eventually follow this career path?

Thanks!

Jennifer

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

Get in touch with a school that offers CRNA training/certification. Ask them to send brochures so you can learn about expectations.

[NCgirl]

Make A's in every class, especially the hard sciences, and start studying for GRE now. And while doing RN to BSN, work in high acuity SICU/CVICU/TICU. That's the basics for most programs!

[MICU RN]

Make the best grades you can now and just focus on getting through your undergrad nursing stuff. First things first, then get a job in ICU then get in a RN/BSN program then start preparing for your GRE. YOu have a very long road in front of you, I know I went a similar route, ADN then RN/BSN a now in crna school. It took longer than I expected and was harder than I thought it would be. So try to take it a step at a time and try to enjoy the process as much as possible. Good luck and it can be done.

[MICU RN]

IF you have a degree already and I assume it is a bachelor's degree. Why not apply to an accelerated BSN program and knock much of the time off. I would look into that before going into a ADN then RN/BSN. I did it because I did not already have a bachelor's degree.

[JennInColumbus]

I'm not aware of any accelerated programs in this area, or even a nursing program without a significant wait. The wait for most schools in this area is approaching 2 years. My BSN will only take 6-9 months to complete once I finish my ADN and I find that very reasonable since my bachelors is in an unrelated field (economics).

I've gone ahead and applied for an ADN program, which is the only school with no wait list in the area. It is competitive, which makes me slightly nervous, but on the positive side, it is a lot cheaper this way and I'll be a nurse 2 years faster.

Thanks for all of your help!!

Jenn

[jmccrn]

Some schools will accept you with a bachelors in another field besides nursing. You still need the ICU experience, good grades, etc.. but not necessarily the BSN.