How bright to become CRNA?

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Your thoughts please? I plan to attend the SMRC online nursing program for a diploma in nursing and then additional courses until I can apply for the RN-BSN online route. I'm single and need to work full time so online is my only option. I was more of a "hard worker" then scholar student in HS. I have been very successful due to my work ethic. But with college it seems to be more about being book smart then how hard you push yourself. Is becoming a CRNA just a pipe dream for me? Have any average level students made it through CRNA school? I am not a straight A student. Studying hard will bring me a B. I am bright with most aspects of life just when it comes to books and studying I have always fallen short. I got adderall last week from my family Dr to use it for my rn courses and see if it helps. But honestly I rather not use any drugs at all. Any B students out there that have had success? I guess my issue is it takes me longer then average to retain information. But I'm fairly competent once I get it. Looking for honestly thank you

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Keep working hard but keep in mind that "fairly competent" will not make it in the ICU setting and will be deadly in an operating room. Just being honest here.

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Specializes in CVPACU, CCU, ICU.

Okay, several points to address here:

1. getting your ADD under control will help a TON (I also have ADD)

2. your to far off to predict if you will be a good CRNA or not. I know that folks make decisions way in advance that they are going to nursing school, CRNA school etc but in reality its a bit more complicated. First you go to nursing school (by the way I was not a "standout" in nursing school)- then you go to ICU. Now I will say I was pretty much a standout in ICU because I enjoyed it so much. The CRNA material ICU nurses are the "cream of the crop" folks, the ones that physicians ask for, managers feel safe and comfy when they are on shift, etc.

3. Your work ethic WILL most definately help you in CRNA school. While being intelligent is expected (required) the truth is a lot of CRNA school is just plain ole hard work. Lots of hours, volumes of information, and stamina is mandatory.

4. I say "Go for It!" the worst that can happen is you get thru your RN and find out you dont really want the CRNA or CRNA school is a bit out of your grasp. You will still be a Registered Nurse! RN's have good earning potential, job security, benefits, and lots of options. A wonderful profession which has afforded me a good living and exciting career for many years prior to CRNA school.

Good Luck!!!!!!

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Specializes in CVICU, Transplant ICU, CCRN.
Okay, several points to address here:

1. getting your ADD under control will help a TON (I also have ADD)

2. your to far off to predict if you will be a good CRNA or not. I know that folks make decisions way in advance that they are going to nursing school, CRNA school etc but in reality its a bit more complicated. First you go to nursing school (by the way I was not a "standout" in nursing school)- then you go to ICU. Now I will say I was pretty much a standout in ICU because I enjoyed it so much. The CRNA material ICU nurses are the "cream of the crop" folks, the ones that physicians ask for, managers feel safe and comfy when they are on shift, etc.

3. Your work ethic WILL most definately help you in CRNA school. While being intelligent is expected (required) the truth is a lot of CRNA school is just plain ole hard work. Lots of hours, volumes of information, and stamina is mandatory.

4. I say "Go for It!" the worst that can happen is you get thru your RN and find out you dont really want the CRNA or CRNA school is a bit out of your grasp. You will still be a Registered Nurse! RN's have good earning potential, job security, benefits, and lots of options. A wonderful profession which has afforded me a good living and exciting career for many years prior to CRNA school.

Good Luck!!!!!!

You answered that with a lot of wisdom. I like that

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

My personal opinion is that most CRNAs are a little above average intelligence, but the closer I get to graduation the more I realize it is more about motivation than anything else.

Good Luck in nursing school!

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