ICU(as ADN) for CRNA?

skipaway · Jan 31, 2007

My ultimate goal is to become a CRNA,I'll be starting out with an ADN vs. BSN so I can enter the field sooner.Is it possible and/or would it be better to gain the required ICU experience to enter a CRNA program with an ADN while I'm working on my BSN vs. finishing my BSN first then working in ICU? If so,wouldn't the the 2+ years of ICU experience on my application appear to be better than the minimum of 1 year?:flowersfo

Yes. The more experience you have the better.

CAPRN77 · Jan 31, 2007

I would say that it would be better to gain your critical care experience while working toward your BSN. That is exactly what I did. I am not yet in a CRNA program, but I do have an interview next month so apparently its not imperative that you gain your ICU experience as a BSN. Also, I hear that just barely meeting the requirements is rarely if ever good enough to get into a program. I agree that the two years of experience would look better.

Mags4711, RN · Jan 31, 2007

I think that's a wonderful idea! I am forever amazed how 1 year in an ICU is supposedly enough to prepare you for CRNA school. I guess for some folks it is, but after almost 10 years in an ICU there are times I double check myself and wonder if I've the experience to do it. :)

If you'll be working part-time while you are finishing your BSN, then a couple of years might be what your chosen CRNA program would prefer for experience, anyway. My friend just interviewed and was told that her one year of part-time might not be enough, they'd prefer for it to be a year of near full-time of a couple of years of part-time. She's not a new nurse, she worked adult ICU for a few years, then moved to NICU for about 6 years, and has been back in adult ICU for almost a year to bring her adult experience up to date.

TexasGas · Feb 2, 2007

I'm an ADN in a CRNA program. I had a life science BS before I went to ADN. I would highly recommend that you do exactly what you are doing and once you put in a full year of full-time ICU, you are ready to go if you feel competent and confident. There is one of my classmates (that I know of) that completed her BSN 3 months before school started, but had been accepted while and ADN. Her enrollment was contingent upon her completing her BSN before school started, and she did it.