Do I need chemistry?

[PMFB-RN, RN]

I am an ADN RN currently working in a level II surgical/trauma ICU and about to start an RN-BSN program with the goal of applying to CRNA school. My ADN did not require chemistry (well they did but I had very high scores on the natural science extrance exam and was granted advanced standing) and the RN - BSN prorgam doesn't either. I have visited the web sites of many CRNA schools and noticed that some require chem and some do not.

What I am most interested in is being a successful CRNA student (and later CRNA of course) but do not want to spend extra time and money on something I don't need.

DO I need chemistry to be a successful student and CRNA?

Advice appreciated.

Thanks

[HeartsOpenWide, RN]

I can not believe that the BSN does not require chem. They dropped chem at the ASN but you need organic and inorganic for the BSN I am attending. I am even more shocked that a CRNA does not need chem. Too weird for me!

[Lacie, BSN, RN]

Wow! My program required I take inorganic, organic and biochemistry (3 semesters). Programs have changed. Jmo, I think it is important particularly if you plan to go forward for your CRNA. Understanding chemical properties etc plays a big part. Personally even in the aspects of understanding medication properties and how they work in our patients just in administration. Others may feel differently.

[SorenDrake]

Yes, get chemistry!

[CRNABH2b]

Ok, ok, simmer down guys. Now, do you need chemistry: yes. How much chemistry depends on what school you go to. Some schools have more chemistry in their curriculum. Do you need a good chemistry base to function well as a nurse anesthetist: ABSOLUTELY. Hopefully you are becoming a CRNA for all the right reasons. Please understand you have a person's life in your hands and understanding your craft is of the utmost importance. Would you like it if your anesthesia provider ignored the chemistry of anesthetic gases and how they affect your body?

[PMFB-RN, RN]

Do you need a good chemistry base to function well as a nurse anesthetist: ABSOLUTELY.

*** Thanks very much. That is exactly what I wanted to know. In that case I will enroll in a gen. chem class. (I already have bio chem).

Hopefully you are becoming a CRNA for all the right reasons.

*** I think I am.

Please understand you have a person's life in your hands and understanding your craft is of the utmost importance.

*** Yes I understand. Should I ever get accepted into CRNA school and graduate it will not be the first time I held others lives in my hands. 4 years as a medic in the infantry assured that.

Would you like it if your anesthesia provider ignored the chemistry of anesthetic gases and how they affect your body?

*** No I would not. Thanks for your responce and advice. If I need it to be a good provider then I will get it.

[dfk, RN, CRNA]

Do you need a good chemistry base to function well as a nurse anesthetist: ABSOLUTELY.

*** Thanks very much. That is exactly what I wanted to know. In that case I will enroll in a gen. chem class. (I already have bio chem).

Hopefully you are becoming a CRNA for all the right reasons.

*** I think I am.

Please understand you have a person's life in your hands and understanding your craft is of the utmost importance.

*** Yes I understand. Should I ever get accepted into CRNA school and graduate it will not be the first time I held others lives in my hands. 4 years as a medic in the infantry assured that.

Would you like it if your anesthesia provider ignored the chemistry of anesthetic gases and how they affect your body?

*** No I would not. Thanks for your responce and advice. If I need it to be a good provider then I will get it.

i wouldn't do gen. chem.. waste of time, unless it's been a decade since last.. more or less would be just a review...

organic chem and biochem are what it's all about, well, biochem more so...

so, since u have biochem, take org.chem. it will help as well, but....

since u have biochem, some school may take that over orgo..

check it out.. save urself some time and money...