How far do you plan to take your ed?

meandragonbrett · Aug 17, 2003

BSN, MSN (CRNA school), then DNSc (Doctorate of Nursing Science)

Brett

AmiK25 · Aug 17, 2003

Although one year ICU experience is the absolute minimum for CRNA, I would not say that most schools prefer three years or more. I think in the past, many people who applied to CRNA school have been nurses who worked ICU for several years and then wanted a career change. Now that CRNA's are becoming more well-known, many people are going to nursing school specifically to become a CRNA. I know of MANY people who have been accepted to CRNA programs with one year of experience. It seems that lately, programs are looking more at GPA, GRE, etc....and less at ICU experience. I graduated last week with my BSN, and I had considered applying for a CRNA program now for admission in Fall 2004. Both schools I am looking into said that my experience (or lack thereof....the absolute minimum of 1year by the time school started) would not hinder my acceptance if I had a good GPA, GRE scores, and could pass the clinical interview. Anyway, because my husband and I are expecting our first child in February, we decided to wait and apply next year for admittance in Fall 2005. Sorry to go on for so long, but I just wanted to share my opinion...and maybe encourage those who are worried about a lack of experience when applying.

Ami

live4today, RN · Aug 17, 2003

My life's dream is to own and operate my own hospital that will be all about nurses and patients. Doctors are only welcome if they can treat patients and nurses with dignity and respect. :rotfl:

My next degree will hopefully prepare me for that venture. Anyone want to contribute to the pot of funds needed for me to be able to make this venture a reality, make your checks out to.......... :lol2:

gotosleep · Aug 17, 2003

Originally posted by marilynmom
Goto sleep,

In order to even get into CRNA school you have to have a few years experience in an an ICU setting before they will even consider you. Most school prefer to see 3 years, 1 year is the bare minimum.

M

umm....I'm in anesthesia school. I only did one year in the ICU. I was just trying to determine why he/she was waiting three years before applying.

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Aug 17, 2003

Originally posted by gotosleep
umm....I'm in anesthesia school. I only did one year in the ICU. I was just trying to determine why he/she was waiting three years before applying.

Oh well there I go shooting off my mouth....lol I do tend to do that sometimes. I really had no idea you were in anesthesia school since you didn't say that in your post, it sounded like you were challenging her choices and it hit me a bit wrong honestly.

Anyways, if you dont mind answering- it is harder or easier than you thought it would be and do you have a family you are supporting? My only concern is my family (I have small kids) and the workload of anesthesia school. And also did you find it a problem to work in an ICU as a new grad? It seems around here where I live they do hire new grads in the ICU but I wonder if you feel in over your head with going straight there?

If you could give your insight I know a few of us here would be interested in hearing what you have to say.

Marilyn

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Aug 17, 2003

Ami,

What kind of GPAs are they looking at when you apply? Do they look at your overall GPA or mainly science class GPAs?

GotoSleep what was your GPA if you dont mine sharing? LOL I just got your name btw Were you strong in science- meaning were they easy A's for you? I made an A in Chem but I cant say it was easy for me.

Marilyn

gotosleep · Aug 17, 2003

Originally posted by marilynmom
Oh well there I go shooting off my mouth....lol I do tend to do that sometimes. I really had no idea you were in anesthesia school since you didn't say that in your post, it sounded like you were challenging her choices and it hit me a bit wrong honestly.

Anyways, if you dont mind answering- it is harder or easier than you thought it would be and do you have a family you are supporting? My only concern is my family (I have small kids) and the workload of anesthesia school. And also did you find it a problem to work in an ICU as a new grad? It seems around here where I live they do hire new grads in the ICU but I wonder if you feel in over your head with going straight there?

If you could give your insight I know a few of us here would be interested in hearing what you have to say.

Marilyn

Anesthesia school is difficult. I started the clinical phase (year two of a three year program) three weeks ago, and it can be a bit stressful. There is a lot expected of you, and the workload can be overwhelming at times. That being said, it is an attainable endeavor. Please note that my clinical experience is still quite limited, so I may not be the best person to ask these questions.

The didactic part of the program was not as bad as I anticipated. However, the clinical phase looks to be grueling. My school places an enormous amount of importance on the clinical aspects.

Don't listen to the people who tell you that new grads don't belong to the ICU. Go to the ICU immediately after graduation. If anesthesia is what you want to do, go to the ICU ASAP. DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME OF THE FLOORS. It has been my experience that there is no difference in the level of performance between new grads and floor nurses when starting in the ICU. The ICU is a totally different animal.

There are a number of people in my program with children, and they seem to be doing okay. You must realize that anesthesia school is a huge drain on your personal life. Therefore, I would not recommend it to people who are unwilling to sacrifice a large chunk of their lives for a couple of years. You just got to accept the fact that the next 2-3 years are almost exclusively dedicated towards learning the art of science of anesthesia.

My GPA was in the 3.65- 3.69 range. There is a little bit of variability with GPAs so don't be disconcerted if it's not a 4.0. I believe most schools require a 3.0 or higher. They do take your performance in science courses seriously . For information about that go to the FAQ on the CRNA forum.

Paleobug · Aug 18, 2003

Right now I am trying to finish my prereqs. and then get into nursing school. Since I already have a BS in geology, I may later do a BSN to MS bridge program online.

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Aug 18, 2003

Originally posted by gotosleep
three years? Why wait three years?

1) I'm burnout with school at the moment (went straight from my bio degree into an accelerated 2nd degree BSN) and just need a little break. I'm sure I'll get sick of work soon enough though, and be itching to go back to school!!

2) Money!!!! I'm getting a ton of tuition reimbursement ($15,000 from my employer for 3 years and $10,000 for a private grant for 2 years) so I have to fufill my work requirement if I want to keep the money. Also, I want to wait until my fiance is out of med school before I go back to school too (somebody's gotta pay the rent, lol).

Kudos to everyone who can do their one year of ICU and jump right into CRNA school! :)

sandman · Aug 18, 2003

I hope to be done with school in the next three years.

I was 5 hours away from completing my chem and bio degrees when I switched gears and got my BSN. I begin CRNA school tomorrow. I think I am a career student:D

ERDIVA2B · Aug 18, 2003

I was an LPN, finished my ADN and I start the BSN program this August! I did my Pre-reqs for my BSN while in the ADN program. I plan to try and work in an ICU this year even part time away from the ER so I can enter a Nurse Anesthetist program. It never ends!

After you guys graduate, the first year as a nurse is filled with Orientation, Critical Care type classes, specific to your area, then ACLS, PALS, NRP, TNCC type certifications but its all good!

hbscott · Aug 18, 2003

I have an AS in Surgical Technology, a BS in Nursing, a MS in Nursing Education, a Certificate in Nursing Informatics and I am working on my PhD in Computer Science....

:)