Questions

[Notanurse]

First of all, I am going to ask the same questions that all potential CRNA's ask....

For you that are actually working in the field now (especially newer folks), can you tell me what areas of specialty your work. For example, L/D or OR. Is there an opportunity in cardiac cath labs? Next, I am working on finishing school...here's my stats. Male, 35, 60 semester hours, married, with one child, not a particular academic. I really have to work for the grades I get, especially in science/math. I am completely off base believing I can become a CRNA? Is the school really that much harder than regular college? Also, would your recommend this route-RN to BSN to CRNA or just go ahead and get the BSN immediately?

Thanks in advance for all your advice.

[WntrMute2]

First of all, go for the BSN track, it is hard to go back to school once working. Sure it is done all the time, but the time is well spent just sticking it out. Second, I too worked for my grades as an undergrad. (4.0 GPA) I usually get the big picture easily but memorizing stuff is usually hard for me. This is just to let you know what kind of student I am. Let me tell you, graduate school is hard, really hard! Every class is a challenge. Some days I'm in class 8 hrs. last month I spent 84 hrs in class and 160 hrs studying those are just documented hrs, i probably studied more. (we are required to track all that) And clinicals start @0530. Tests come fast and furious. Standards are high. 83% or above for all classess must be maintained. No second chances if you flub a class. The material is very complex - for instance 3 days to learn the brachial plexus, innervations muscles and actions of the upper limb. It is doable, but don't think it is like nursing school. Remember, all your fellow students will have similar GPAs, GRE scores and experience so they can teach at a pretty high level and they do. I don't know if all schools are similarly tough but Univ. of Detroit Henry Ford hospital's program is no walk in the park. I'm learning a lot though, but I think my brain cell is full....