HELP! Can an OR RN transition to a CRNA?

[MA_RN]

Hello everyone!

I am currently in the periop 101 program at my job, about 6 weeks in. I have always wanted to work in the OR ever since nursing school. I did a year and a half on a tele floor at a community hospital before moving to a big city hospital where I am in the periop 101 program.

Becoming a CRNA has always been in the back of my mind, but seemed somewhat unobtainable. Since I was always interested in the OR, I decided to give the periop position a shot. I'm at a crossroad right now because now that I am in the OR, I find myself gravitating towards the CRNA in the room and just want to be doing/learning that job instead of circulating or scrubbing. I have always had the intention to get my masters degree, but now that I am seeing the CRNA role everyday, I am having serious second thoughts about working in the OR as a scrub/circulator. I am worried that I am wasting my time in the OR in this role, when I could be gaining ICU experience to move towards applying to a CRNA program.

I feel guilty leaving this periop 101 program bc I am 1 out of 7 selected for it at a very prestigious hospital. I know they are spending a lot of time and money on training me, but I just don't know if my heart is in it. I don't feel like a "real nurse" in this scrub/circulator position and feel like I am not using my brain power to my full extent. Everyone keeps telling me it can take up to 2 years to feel comfortable in the OR, but I am 26 right now... I don't want to wait until I'm 28 to figure out if I really enjoy this job or not.

The CRNA role is so important and such a huge responsibility. I give all of you so much credit and admire your knowledge and expertise.

So I guess I am just looking to pick someone's brain about what my next move should be.... do I stay in this position for a year or 2 and suck it up and then try to get into an ICU and move towards CRNA? Or do I throw in the towel and try to get into an ICU now?

Thank you in advance for anyone willing to give me advice!

-- MA_RN :)

[Bluebolt]

If you want CRNA, leave the position for an ICU asap. Getting into the ICU is just the first step on the long road to getting accepted into a CRNA program, don't wait.

[wtbcrna, MSN, DNP, CRNA]

The Council of Accreditation for nurse anesthesia states that SRNAs must have at least 1 year of critical care experience prior to starting nurse anesthesia school.

[Stormy8]

I would be cautious on how to leave your position. You don't want to burn bridges. However I do agree that you do need to get into an ICU. I came from an OR. Was there for two years then got an ICU position in a CVSICU. Been there for 3 years. I'm starting school in the fall. You probably still need to get certifications, ACLS etc. basically I'm saying you have time. You def need to leave the OR. Just figure out when is the best time. Never burn a bridge bc they need to give you a recommendation.

[Spine_CRNA, BSN, RN]

This is a matter of how you spend the hours of this ticking clock called life. Personally, I've spent 2.25 years on a M/S unit that overall I disliked. I suggest you spend time doing what you enjoy. If it's not the OR, then leave it respectfully. If your employer has a problem.. well, that's too bad for them. But apply for ICU's and get in if that's where you want to be.

[Pierce_RN]

Talk with your program director, let them know how you feel. You may be surprised, I left the OR the week I was suppose to finish a 3 month new grad orientation due to a dream ICU job offer. I felt the same way you did about circulating; loved the environment but felt I was loosing my nursing knowledge. I also felt the pull of anesthesia, and began badgering my CRNAs with questions. One of them noticed my interest and told me if I wanted to be behind the drape I had to get out of the OR and into the ICU. After that, I didn't feel guilty anymore about leaving - you have to do what makes you happy. Sure, you don't want to burn a bridge a I get that, but I'm sure your program doesn't want to spend two years of time and money training you for you to ultimately leave anyway.

Take your valuable knowledge of the OR environment, go to ICU - learn everything you can while you're there, and get into CRNA school.