Ask a CRNA anything...

Specialties Critical

Published

I like many of you was once an ICU nurse wanting to be a CRNA so I figure I'd start up another thread and let you all ask me any question you want. I've been a CRNA for 6 years and do every procedure from open hearts to trauma to peds. My opinions are my own and are not necessarily all correct but I will help where I can. So ask away....

That's not true.

Technically, the schools don't have to change until the national date set, but according to the director of the CRNA program at National University(I spoke with him on the phone for 30 min), they are all changing over to doctorate this year.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Technically, the schools don't have to change until the national date set, but according to the director of the CRNA program at National University(I spoke with him on the phone for 30 min), they are all changing over to doctorate this year.

Samuel Merritt isn't switching until 2020. So...no. Apparently he's misinformed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Would it be doable to live off of loans for cost of living (about $100K for mortgage, bills, etc.) for the 2+ years in school? Do you know of anyone who had a wedding and/or had their first child during CRNA school and still managed to pass and complete the program?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Anesthesiology.

Anything is possible if you really want something. You could get student loans plus grad plus loans that will give you additional money per semester. Ideally try saving as much as you can and live way below your means. We had 1 person who actually had a baby during the program and graduated with all of us and did great in class and clinical. All of this is very tough, but again it is doable if you really want it.

Would it be doable to live off of loans for cost of living (about $100K for mortgage, bills, etc.) for the 2+ years in school? Do you know of anyone who had a wedding and/or had their first child during CRNA school and still managed to pass and complete the program?
Up Vote Up Vote ×

This might be a long shot, but do you happen to know any CRNAs that went the military route for CRNA school? If so, did they find that commitment to be worth it?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Anesthesiology.

I know two people who joined during school and they seem to love it. They received stipends during school and didn't get deployed until after they finished. They do get deployed for at least 3 months at a time I believe but you would have to talk with someone who knows more about it. I'm sure if you get into CRNA school they will have recruiters coming by.

This might be a long shot, but do you happen to know any CRNAs that went the military route for CRNA school? If so, did they find that commitment to be worth it?
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Any advice for a new grad that eventually wants to go to be CRNA. What type of unit/ professional development/ how long till I go back to school?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Anesthesiology.

As a new grad I always recommend getting a good physiology book and start reading. I feel nursing programs really lack in their teaching of anatomy and physiology. The A&P you take and the patho you take in nursing school is a joke in my opinion especially when you are wanting to pursue CRNA school. Best unit in my opinion is either a CVICU or a high acuity SICU. You want patients on multiple drips, CRRT, fresh open hearts, LVADs, sepsis, liver transplants, etc. Most schools are making clinical requirements longer and now a lot require 2 years and I think thats a good minimum.

Any advice for a new grad that eventually wants to go to be CRNA. What type of unit/ professional development/ how long till I go back to school?
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Postpartum, PICU.

I noticed you mentioned above that PICU experience is moderately decent compared to CVICU/SICU. I'll be a new grad RN soon and I have a passion for pediatrics. Eventually I'd like to go to the PICU and then to CRNA school. Do you feel that 2 years of PICU experience is enough since it isn't as high acuity as other types of ICUs? Or should I aim for a little longer? How feasible is it to specialize in peds after CRNA school?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Anesthesiology.

I'm not going to say you CAN'T get into CRNA school with PICU experience but it will not prepare you as well as CVICU or SICU. The reason I say that is CRNA school is 85-90% adults and 10-15% peds. Yes you may get drips and vent management but frankly it just isn't the same when you're taking care of young kids compared to fresh open hearts or septic adults. If you love peds I would say do a year or two of PICU then do a year or two in a SICU before going to CRNA school.

As far as after graduation it is very feasible to specialize in peds. Plenty of places hire CRNAs for peds only practice and the PICU experience will look good to them, but again if you only have PICU experience for CRNA school then you will possibly be a little behind the curve at least initially.

I noticed you mentioned above that PICU experience is moderately decent compared to CVICU/SICU. I'll be a new grad RN soon and I have a passion for pediatrics. Eventually I'd like to go to the PICU and then to CRNA school. Do you feel that 2 years of PICU experience is enough since it isn't as high acuity as other types of ICUs? Or should I aim for a little longer? How feasible is it to specialize in peds after CRNA school?
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Do you think it's possible to get into a program without having taken chemistry? My BSN program didn't require any chemistry or biochem, and it looks like most (but not all) programs require at least chemistry before applying. I'm really concerned that not having it will hold me back. Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Most schools are making clinical requirements longer and now a lot require 2 years

Can you cite a source for this? The vast majority require just the 1 year critical care.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment