about doubts

MICU RN · Oct 12, 2003

TAke it one step at a time. Try to see as a evolutionary process. Most of us were very busy during undergrad nursing school and had to study hard to do well. There are exceptions, but most had to put out plenty of effort, so focus on getting your ADN completed and then take the next step. Like London 88, I found my ADN program to much more intense than the RN/BSN program. Although, it was at the same medical center and in the same nursing school, which had a reputation of been one the hardest in my state. Now I am taking 16 hours of grad classes towards my MSN in anesthesia, although my my anesthesia classes start next semester. And I have been warned that it will be the hardest semester of the program, however, I am fousing on the classes in front of me for now. Just like you will need to do in order to be ready fro the opportunity to go to anesthesia school.

Now, I do agree with some of the other post, in regards to if a student is truly struggling with the undergrad. nursing material they may not be able to make the transition to the grad level. But I think most students with average intellect who are very motivated and hard working can get through crna school if they total commit themselves to their goal. ANd yes there are some very smart people in my program but I don't feel you have to be a genius to make it. Good luck with your journey.

Athlein · Oct 12, 2003

A clarification:

My post was not - in any way - meant to be discouraging. That is not my intention!

I hope everyone who truly wants to be a CRNA has the drive, intellect, and opportunity to achieve this goal. I am working harder than I ever have, and it is difficult, but it is worth the effort. Anesthesia is fantastic.

Did I (and most of my classmates) find undergraduate nursing easy? Yes - and especially so when compared to anesthesia school.

Are their geniuses in my program? Yes, more than a few.

Will students with average intellect succeed in anesthesia school? Absolutely yes - if they are willing to work very hard and make school their priority.

One of the clinical faculty mentioned that talent in academics does not necessarily translate into being an excellent CRNA. Often, the best practicing CRNAs are the ones that really had to work at it in school. Don't you know some straight-A classmates that you wouldn't let touch you?!

Having said that, my comments still stand. Back to studying!

B.T.H · Oct 12, 2003

Athlein, thank you for your honest replies and assessment regarding my questions posted earlier.

I agree with yours and Anthony's assessment that you don't have to be a genius to do this. My take on this pursuit after some consideration is that in the end it is hard work that usually determines whether one makes it or not.

My belief on the question of intelligence and talent is that most people on the whole are average (with some minor differences). There are people more intelligent or more talented then the average on the whole, but everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Things have a way of evening out in the end because of the intangibles. Most of the time it comes down to hard work, determination, and discipline which dictate where we end up at the end.

There are very few people in this world that have everything in one package, in any field. These people are rare in comparison to everyone else. The rest of us fall in the gray area somewhere and have to work hard to move up.

I agree that a person has to be realistic about themselves and their capabilities, circumstances, energy, etc., when pursuing a goal. Doubt is a normal occurrence for us being humans, and the important thing is not that we have doubt, but how do we handle the challenge they represent. I realize that CRNA education is very difficult (to say the least) and will require everything an SRNA has in order to complete the program, no matter how smart they are.

When the time comes, I will be ready to dedicate completely, or elevate myself to whatever level is necessary to finishing this journey I have started. What I have gotten from the post of you upper level classmen and CRNAs, is that this type of dedication, sacrifice, and commitment is the only way to succeed in this journey. I'm committed and failure is not an option(doubt or not). Take care, B.T.H

szoozoo · Oct 12, 2003

I am going for my BSN now and never been a nurse before ( don't have a knowledge which can help) , so I have to say that the program I am in - is not an easy one. I am not a genious, I don't get staight "A"s, but I can study and after 2-3 days of studying when you get a "C" for patho-pharm - you pretty much dissapointed...

What I realized was that you have to adjust to the type of questions during your clinical program. Pre clinicals were easy, I have to agree, but when I started my clinicals 2 semesters ago I could hardly pull an "A" because the questions on the tests were not about what you MEMORIZED but what you UNDERSTOOD! I have to completely switch the way I study!

Anyway, sometimes I think I am not good enough for CRNA school(especially when I got a "C") and sometimes I think that I need to study more ( English is my second language)

I love to read this site!!! I really appreciate all the postings and the info each one of you guys sharing!

NOPAIN · Oct 13, 2003

szoozoo:

Don't get discouraged. Same here, English is my second language and I did it, working full time. The BSN wasn't difficult, just time consuming and a lot of busy work. I don't consider myself a genius eigher, but you know what,? I am very persistent with my goals. Focus, focus, focus. Overall, in my opinion it takes more that just intelligence to become a CRNA. From what I gather, discipline and persistence are two importants characteristics from people who suceed. I wasn't accepted the first time I applied to CRNA school, but I am not giving up. At the present time I am preparing myself for the GRE because this time I am applying to more than one school. The message is, it takes work and discipline to accomplish what we want, but is not impossible, even for us that aren't born knowing English. You can do it.

szoozoo · Oct 13, 2003

Thanks, NOPAIN! There are some days when I think I chose the wrong path... But just what you said, I have to be persistent.

And discipline myself not to think pessimisticly. By the way, where are you from? I am from Russia.

Scis · Oct 14, 2003

iliket3:

If it's any consolation, in ten years of practicing, I have NEVER met anyone, with outside family commitments or otherwise, that "breezed through" their primary nursing programs. The entire ordeal is stressful, and like you, I felt like blowing it all off and cuddling into an easy chair with my youngest who was a toddler at the time. I also had two older children (6yrs.&8yrs.).

One of my children has Down's Syndrome, so it was quite a challenge to get through nursing school with all the commitments of being a mother, wife, student, etc. Please, stick with it, I've never regretted my decision to do so. My career enriches me in ways my family life does not, the flexible hours and good income certainly enriches our ability as a family to enjoy my off hours.

Good Luck to you, I hope you do well, just don't be too hard on yourself--it doesn't matter if you are a "4.0" student, just a dedicated, safe practitioner.

Patty

iliket3 · Oct 14, 2003

I just have such high expectations of myself. I am a perfectionist (big surprise) and set unrealistic goals at times. The nursing content is easy yet I still struggle to get that glorious perfect score. I'll frame it when I do. :) And because I believe the content is not difficult, that in turn makes me think that only genius's go to grad school. Silly or what?

I have no intention of losing sight of my goal. I just get a little nervous at times. Thank you for the reassurance Scis.

I am learning so much about life and who I am through this journey. One of the most important things I've learned is balance. Balance keeps you centered.