For CRNA's and/or RN's

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi,

I am not even a nursing student yet...new to the whole idea of wanting to become a nurse. Well, from my name "not sure" you can probably tell I am not sure yet how I am going to go about becoming a nurse!

Right now I would like to eventually become a CRNA. I know it is a very competitive field. So, to any CRNA's here: did you have any edge that you feel helped you get a spot in a CRNA program? how did you fund your education? what are the best/worst parts of the job? when you graduated, how easy or hard was it to find a job? how many years of ICU experience did you have before you entered the program?

I will try to get my BSN in a one-year program for second degree students (that B.S. in Chemistry is really not paying the bills and I'm not advancing as quickly as I'd like). For the RN's: how did you fund your education (still having 45k in student loans really limits what I can contribute to my education)? how easy was it to get the specialty you wanted with no experience (for example, if you knew you wanted to work NICU or whatever, did you get a job there right away)?

My husband is in the military, so we have to move every three years. It makes it very hard to try to complete any educational degree training. Plus I want to try to work a full time job...we'll see if I can keep that up if I go into a BSN part-time program! The worst part is that I always have to wait a year when we move to become a state resident to take advantage of those lower tuition prices! I am also really worried about whether I can actually pass all the nursing courses. It seems really hard. My mom told me if I can get a degree in chemistry then I can get one in nursing, but I'm not sure that's true!

Finally, does anyone know of a program that might be partially online that gives a BSN/MSN when you are finished? Other than Columbia, because I just could not afford going there, ever.

Thanks for all info., I really appreciate any advice or help anyone can give me!:heartbeat

Specializes in ER, ICU cath lab, remote med.

"the worst part is that i always have to wait a year when we move to become a state resident to take advantage of those lower tuition prices!"

just a tip...

it may not be this way in every state...or at every school. here in south carolina, the university i went to waived the residency requirement for ad military family members on orders. it might be worth looking into if you decide to pursue your nursing degree.

good luck!

Specializes in Trauma ICU, Surgical ICU, Medical ICU.

Whoa, take baby steps. I am starting to get ready to take my GRE and have talked to some head CRNAs for many programs that I wish to apply for in the upcoming months. What do they look for? Numbers, plain and simple. Get awesome grades and blow the GRE out of the water. Also you HAVE to work critical care. ER wont cut it, and PICU and NICU are questionable for certain programs. First get into NSG school, and concentrate on NOTHING else but doing well in all your courses. I dont see the need to get a BSN/MSN really, I have never heard of such a thing plus I really dont like the idea of people becoming MSNs without having done any actual bedside work as an RN. It wont make any difference. You will need great numbers to even get in, while its possible to get in with a 3.0, its really not too realistic, so try for above a 3.5 to really get the edge. You already have an edge with your advanced chemistry background. Once you blow your GPA out of the water, then get a job. I have been told that CCUs and SICUs are the best for experience (I have one yr MICU experience). Also work in a bigger hospital so you get experience with the sickest people and get lots experience with pressors, SWANS, intubations, sedation, etc. Work VERY hard so you can get good recommendations, dont miss a lot of work and dont burn bridges. Then, if you havent yet, take your GRE (Competitive scores for it, I have been told, are between 1100 and 1500 or higher). For most schools you will need an awesome score on this as well. Some schools give extra points for CCRN certification, and you will need ACLS and PALS for most schools to, so get them. Also shadow a CRNA during your work experience a few times. It will give you a chance to really show interviewers that you know what CRNAs are all about and what they do. You will most likely have to write/talk about your experience up to this part, so knowing a little about what CRNAs do day in and day out would be beneficial.

Lastly, dont rush it. Do everything in steps and dont sweat the small stuff. Concentrate on every obstacle one at a time. Become a NURSE first, make that your goal. You will learn SO MUCH while working. I have wanted to be a CRNA since I was 18. That is 5 years of work and dedication and I havent even made it yet, it takes time.

As for $$$, just apply for loans and hope for the best! Working during school also wont hurt as long as it doesnt hurt your studies! Also see what the army can do and see if you can do nsg through them (sorry dont know much about that area)

Good luck to you and your future endeavors!

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