Difference between Nurse Anesthesia School and Nursing School???

Nursing Students SRNA

Published

I just finished nursing school and I will begin working in the ICU in February with the ultimate goal of applying to nurse anesthesia school after about a year. I was hoping to hear from some nurse anesthesia students about the differences in anesthesia school as opposed to nursing school. Everyone says that anesthesia school is very difficult, but can some of you share how it is different and how you had to adjust in order to be succesful.

Please share your thoughts and ideas and even any suggestions.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Can anyone even share how they adapted to Nurse Anesthesia school??? And maybe share what were the biggest differences in terms of studying for nurse anesthesia and even preparing for clinicals?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

for nursing school i didnt have to study all that much but from talking with everyone thats in crna school thats all you will do regardless of what you did in nursing school. it is graduate school; completely different than undergrad. if you are not ready to devote 2 1/2 years to this i would suggest trying something different.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Poke around in the messages on this board and your question will certainly be answered. There are a couple that are "a day in the life of an SRNA" kind of things. They should give you some reality of it.

For me 20 hour days between class, clinical, and studying are not abnormal. And, my bed is usually the only thing I lust after.

SS

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SRNA class of 2010.
I just finished nursing school and I will begin working in the ICU in February with the ultimate goal of applying to nurse anesthesia school after about a year. I was hoping to hear from some nurse anesthesia students about the differences in anesthesia school as opposed to nursing school. Everyone says that anesthesia school is very difficult, but can some of you share how it is different and how you had to adjust in order to be succesful.

Please share your thoughts and ideas and even any suggestions.

The difference is: nursing school is SUPER easy (even in an accelerated BSN format) and, you guessed it, CRNA school is SUPER demanding. Nursing school exam = a quick review the morning of the exam. CRNA school = HOURS of study, usually every single day. Not kidding. Its definitely a commitment and hands down the most challenging thing I gotten involved with academically. I also hold a degree in chemistry. That was a walk in the park compared to this. You must be dedicated. I must maintain B average, if you aren't into it 100%, you'll be back nursing in no time. Don't have to be smart, just dedicated and disciplined....

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The main difference is the VOLUME of info you have to digest in anesthesia school. You're learning detailed anatomy, phys, pathophys, pharm, etc..and if your program is integrated you're doing all this while someone is breathing down your neck in clinicals asking you how many calories are in 1mg of propofol while your pushing it. Not trying to scare you..but this can be a typical day. Preparation is the key...and stay on top of your studies...if you fall behind, you may not be able to catch up. We just had a student drop out b/c of grades and other issues...and this person was SMART. It's definitley not just about how smart you are..it's how hard you are willing to work for 2+ years to reach that goal of having the ultimate hob in healthcare. If it's what you want then go for it...I'm just now starting to really understand just how awesome being a CRNA is going to be! Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SRNA class of 2010.
doing all this while someone is breathing down your neck in clinicals asking you how many calories are in 1mg of propofol while your pushing it.

Hey, what's the answer? How many calories?

Thanks!

Chris

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Propofol has 1.1kcal/ml (1100 calories per ml) so 1mg has 110 calories. Now when you get asked this you can rattle it off and look really smart :) Good luck man

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Vascular/trauma/OB/peds anesthesia.
I just finished nursing school and I will begin working in the ICU in February with the ultimate goal of applying to nurse anesthesia school after about a year. I was hoping to hear from some nurse anesthesia students about the differences in anesthesia school as opposed to nursing school. Everyone says that anesthesia school is very difficult, but can some of you share how it is different and how you had to adjust in order to be succesful.

Please share your thoughts and ideas and even any suggestions.

Honestly, it's like comparing apples and lightbulbs. They are in no way similar, except that they are both in the field of nursing (barely, IMO). I never opened a book for my BSN - only had to review class notes for a test. The board prep for the NCLEX was a joke, too, in comparison for the board prep I did for the CCNA exam. It is not similar.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Anesthesia.
Propofol has 1.1kcal/ml (1100 calories per ml) so 1mg has 110 calories. Now when you get asked this you can rattle it off and look really smart :) Good luck man

lol....that is good one. I haven't been asked that one, yet.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SRNA class of 2010.
Propofol has 1.1kcal/ml (1100 calories per ml) so 1mg has 110 calories. Now when you get asked this you can rattle it off and look really smart :) Good luck man

Thanks! Holy crap, it'll really do a number on your abs. haha.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU-CVICU.

A Snickers bar has 323 kcal or 323,000 calories. 1.1kcal really isn't that much, and it won't make you fat!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment