CRNA so far away

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Hello everyone. This is my first post as a member of this site.

I'm 21 years old, haven't done anything since high school, but I've decided to go to nursing school for the ASN. My mom is a nurse, so I know what I'm in for. I know I probably shouldn't be thinking about it yet, but I want to be a CRNA eventually. (Plan: ASN, then BSN while working in ICU, then apply to CRNA program.)

The problem is that I'm already overwhelming myself before I've even been accepted into the ASN program. I never stop thinking about "the plan" because I'm so scared I'll forget something or miss some opportunity. Money really rattles me. I'll have to take out a loan to pay for any schooling, but I'm not sure how to do that or who to borrow from, I'm having trouble getting my SAT scores sent to this school, the school hasn't contacted me (was supposed to within 10 days of application) so I don't know if I'm getting in. I feel worn out and the "journey" hasn't even begun!

Can someone PLEASE tell me step-by-step what I need to do to get organized so I'll worry less? Because at this point my brain hurts.

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Specializes in PICU.

Take a deep breath! I am 28 years old, and I was exactly in your situation 7 years ago when I started my journey. I joined the military out of high school, and got introduced to nursing and nurse anesthesia there. When I returned home from boot camp, and med tech school I enrolled in a two year school to get done with my generals, and complete my ASN. I graduated in 2007 with my RN, got a job in the PICU, and just finished my BSN this month. I have also just finalized my application for anesthesia school. So far I have almost three years in the ICU, and I have worked nearly full time while finishing my BSN. Now I just wait to find out whether or not I get an interview or not. I will say that the hardest thing about this process is that you shouldn't think ahead too much. You must take it one day/step at a time, and put in your best effort with each step along the way.

There are some things you can do to set yourself up better for anesthesia school, and this is what I did along the way.

I was an Anesthesia Aide from 2005-2007 while enrolled in the nursing program.

I also worked a casual position in the PICU where I work now, and did my preceptorship there as well during my last semester of nursing school, and that helped me set up for my current position.

While I've been a nurse I got my CCRN certification, am a member of our unit council, and have surrounded myself with amazing nurses and Intensivists that love to teach.

Like I said, when I was 21 I thought this day would never come, that I get to actually hand in my applicaiton to anesthesia school, but my fire has never dimmed, and I am confident that my experiences have set me up for success, hopefully.

So I wish you luck in your long journey. Remember to take one day at a time, and don't get frustrated, or let yourself get overwhelmed.

seansanf120

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Hello! Thank you very much for your reply. I think sometimes I'm trying to make up for lost time (wasted last 3 years after high school) and I'm in such a rush to start living life! At least I finally gave up feeling bad about myself because I'm behind my high school classmates. Just feel antsy I guess. It's hard to just wait and wait. I guess it makes it easier to get through today when you've got something to look forward to.

Thanks again for your reply! I will take your advice and focus on the present.

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