My name is Aman Braggs. I am a senior at East Carolina and I will graduate next fall 2018 with a Bachelors of Science in Public Health Administration:Community Health. I am looking to become a CRNA in the end, but so far i have my CNA and have just a few pre-reqs to complete before i graduate. I am looking to stay in NOrth Carolina and find a ABSN program, work for a few years and apply to CRNA school. MAybe ill find some guys and gals hat are doing the same with me and could take this journey together! Or guidance would help, to those who have completed similar paths as i am hoping. Hope to chat with you all soon!! :)
Have you looked at how your financial aid will be affected by graduating with a bachelors then trying an ABSN? Many times once you already have one degree, there is very little financial aid left for another. Especially if you have already racked up close to $50k in loans.
You will have to have ICU experience to get into any CRNA program. You are looking at a long road. I would switch now.
Well why switch now when I'm graduating with my degree as well as my pre-reqs for nursing. I'm a junior right now I graduate next year from undergrad w all my pre-reqs.
I will have my undergrad degree and then apply for ABSN, and work in the ICU for two years & get everything I need before CRNA. My parents have paid for undergrad so I have zero school debt.
I dont think it will take forever, I feel like I'm on a good path with graduating at age 20 and then taking on nursing the following semester.
I know it's hard work but everything requires a good work ethic!! :)
I don't know of any CRNA school where you can work while you're in it. You will want to work for a few years so you can have substantial savings you can live off of while you do CRNA school.
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond!
i will do ABSN!
And will take our advise if not admitted into ICU as soon after graduation, I will do med surg.
Thanks for the advice.
It is good that you have most prereq's completed and have a good GPA. ABSN schools are very vigorous and historically are difficult (and expensive). It is a ton of information jammed into a short period of time.
Why CRNA?
I am old school and believe every nurse needs a year of med surg or a step down unit before jumping into a critical care area. Get your basic skills. There are very few Critical care units that hire new grads. Since the "secret" has gotten out that CRNA's make very good money there has been a stampede to ICU units and CRNA programs. Unfortunately, Critical care units are being very careful who they hire because it costs a lot of money to train any new nurse to the ICU let alone a new grad just to have them leave in two years for CRNA school. So...I would keep your plans for CRNA a secret once you graduate.
Another thing to consider for your timeline...there is a push in the CRNA world to make CRNA a DNP level degree.
I love your enthusiasm but you are making me short of breath..LOL. SLOW DOWN. Breathe! You are on a good track but you are going to wear yourself out!
Graduate your present degree. Celebrate! It is a great accomplishment. Get accepted to a nursing program. Get good grades. Pass your boards. Celebrate! Get experience! Enjoy....catch your breath. You might find another specialty that will capture your heart.
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Well why switch now when I'm graduating with my degree as well as my pre-reqs for nursing. I'm a junior right now I graduate next year from undergrad w all my pre-reqs.
I will have my undergrad degree and then apply for ABSN, and work in the ICU for two years & get everything I need before CRNA. My parents have paid for undergrad so I have zero school debt.
I dont think it will take forever, I feel like I'm on a good path with graduating at age 20 and then taking on nursing the following semester.
I know it's hard work but everything requires a good work ethic!! :)
I think we are captured by your enthusiasm.....so much so I know I am short of breath....LOL.
I think we all care about you and we know that there are not many ICU's that hire new grads fresh out of school. They KNOW they are being "used" to get experience and leave. It is very expensive to train a critical care nurse to have them leave in two years. We want you to be informed that it might take a bit longer to get that experience. I suggest you find a high acuity ICU like a CTPACU/ post open heart or a heart/lung transplant to get experience with special heart measurements and what to do with them.
I am so happy you are going to share your journey. Take a peek at the student forums where students get assistance with assignments.
Specializes in Medsurg/ICU, Mental Health, Home Health.
One more thing - you might not actually even want to go that direction once you're a nurse. I went into nursing school with my end game being Neonatal nurse practitioner. I've done the majority of my work in acute care with ADULTS and I'm about to start home health with ADULTS. Did my ICU time with grown folks, haha.
Thank you!! I'm sorry, I'm so structured and like to know a straight plan and attack things in an ordered fashion. Lol! When I explain things to medical personnel that I shadow, they all tell me the same thing to slow down and enjoy life haha.
I just want to make make sure I have everything together so I don't experience curve balls or am lacking when it is my time to apply. I am really thankful for you all taking the time to help me and give me guidance!
I have been searchjng all kinds of forums forums on the site and learning more about other options.
I just know i now I love helping others and am so anxious to get in the field and make a difference.
I hope all my eggs are in the right basket so far.
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Thank you!! I'm sorry, I'm so structured and like to know a straight plan and attack things in an ordered fashion. Lol! When I explain things to medical personnel that I shadow, they all tell me the same thing to slow down and enjoy life haha.
I just want to make make sure I have everything together so I don't experience curve balls or am lacking when it is my time to apply. I am really thankful for you all taking the time to help me and give me guidance!
I have been searchjng all kinds of forums forums on the site and learning more about other options.
I just know i now I love helping others and am so anxious to get in the field and make a difference.
I hope all my eggs are in the right basket so far.
But, thanks for taking it all in LOL
Well...you have a nurse mentality so you are on your way. You are like my daughter and I tell her to BREATHE all the time! It's a great site with TONS of information.
You may have already done this, but look into the option of being an "anesthesia assistant" as well (think PA only for anesthesia). It might suit you and be a quicker path, I'm really not sure. But might be an option.
Specializes in Med Surg/ICU/Psych/Emergency/CEN/retired.
You may have already done this, but look into the option of being an "anesthesia assistant" as well (think PA only for anesthesia). It might suit you and be a quicker path, I'm really not sure. But might be an option.
I admit I know little about an "anesthesia assistant", but I do know the CRNA is one of the Advanced Practice roles for RNs, the others being CNS, NP and CNM. All these roles require a minimum of a master's degree in nursing, and some programs are longer and award a doctorate. From your posts, I do not think going the anesthesia assistant route is what you are seeking. Nothing against anesthesia assistants! They are valued members of the OR team.
LovingLife123
1,592 Posts
Have you looked at how your financial aid will be affected by graduating with a bachelors then trying an ABSN? Many times once you already have one degree, there is very little financial aid left for another. Especially if you have already racked up close to $50k in loans.
You will have to have ICU experience to get into any CRNA program. You are looking at a long road. I would switch now.