CRNA School? Is it too early?

Kitkat222, BSN, RN · Oct 29, 2018

Hello my fellow nurses. I need some input...

I've been working on my CVICU unit for the past 3 months. I've been a nurse for over a year (worked in the ER for 1 year and moved to CVICU). Now, I'm attempting to plan a timeline of where I'd like to be in the next 3 years or so, and I know want to attend CRNA school. I've gone back and forth about either becoming a NP while in the ER, but after moving to CVICU I've realized how interested I've become with the profession, while taking care of my intubated and sedated patients. (I believe 3 years will move quickly, and I want to make sure I have some sort of plan/timeline before getting married and committing to other responsibilities outside of work...but obviously there are some things we cannot control but I think you get what I mean!)

So, would applying to CRNA school next year be too early? Again, I started working on my CVICU unit in August of this year (2018). Next year, I'd apply in August 2019 and hypothetically start the program I'm interested in (if I were to get in) the following year in the fall (2020). I'd continue to work on my unit until school started which would give me a 2 years of CVICU experience, and an overall total of 3 years of nursing experience.

My GPA out of nursing school was 3.63.
I have my bachelors in nursing.
I have recently joined the CLABSI committee on my unit.
I plan to getting CCRN certified after completing 1 year of CVICU experience.
I still have to take my GRE.

I know, I won't be the most seasoned nurse but I do know I want to become a CRNA and the more I spend time on my unit taking care of fresh heart and lung patients from the OR motivates me to pursue this field of nursing. I want to know if you guys think I'll have a shot at getting into CRNA school or if I should wait and gain more experience even before thinking about applying. Your opinions will be greatly appreciated.