Interested in becoming a CRNA

[knkata]

Hello all, I am new to the site.

I am interested in becoming a CRNA. Currently I am a CNA and I feel that I have the capacity to be and to so much more. I have kindof been on this quest for quite sometime. I was a music teacher and it wasnt for me so i switched gears and got my CNA license as a backup just in case I couldnt find a job anywhere else (I never completed my degree in education, i kinda stumbled on the position at a private school). I feel like I kinda found something i really like. I am an incredibly resourceful person and I have the ability to separate myself from a given situation and operate objectively from the facts. So i feel that this would be a good position for me.

Here is my plan, tell me what you think

CNA to EMT-Para

Paramedic to ADN

ADN to BSN

BSN to CRNA

I currently work at a hospital and have contacted the head of anesthesiolgy to inquire about mentorship he seemed excited and game me his number to come and speak with him. I want to do the paramedic becuase I found a hybrid course that works well with my schedule (3 l'il ones under 4yrs old!) then there is a para to RN through excelsior that I want to do, as well as their BSN.

Let me know what you think.

[ukstudent]

Not a good plan. You have a lot of wasted time, effort and money in your current plan.

Forget about the EMT-Paramedic idea. Excelsior is not accepted in all States and if in the future you need to move to one of those States you will not be able to work.

In todays hiring climate, not all but several hospitals have changed policy so that they are only hiring BSN's for the ICU. You will need a minimum of a year in the ICU and really you should have several years, in order to get into CRNA school.

[2011NursingStudent]

Why not just skip the EMT and go CNA to ADN?

[ckh23, BSN, RN]

To me it seems like you already have a plan. If it will fit your schedule and you are not in any rush I say go for it. Good luck.

[ImThatGuy, BSN, RN]

I think the paramedic part is great, but some states wont accept Excelsior for licensure. Or so I've read. Good luck. Id like being a CRNA. I rotated quite a bit with them when I was in paramedic school.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Why the paramedic sidetrack? It's really just using up money and time. You need your RN and then to work in an ICU if you can find one that will hire you. You also need to plan for a lot of delay in your plans. There are at least a few thousand newer (and some experienced) nurses waiting to gain employment now. It's a really bad time to be a nurse.

[skimpstah]

I was looking into CRNA as well, but not sure I'd be able to handle all that is involved. I was looking at universities in my area (Chicago) and they are quite particular about accepting students into their program. Basically they want students with a BSN (obviously) and 3 to 5 yrs ICU experience (OR, ED, is NOT considered ICU), letters of recommendations, statement of purpose, GRE scores, etc. Not sure how old you are, but you need to consider the time involved in accomplishing a CRNA. Not sure if bothering with EMT-ADN is really beneficial to your final goals of becoming a CRNA. I am currently looking at the alternatives of nurse practitioner, or midwife, these programs do not require preious experience, so I can jump right in after I finish my BSN. Good luck with whatever route you choose.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

why the EMS route? Seems expensive and not necessary. I would head straight to nursing school.

[seansanf120]

knkata,

Hi there, I have just been accepted to anesthesia school for this fall, and I can tell you that I kind of went along the same path as you. I got my EMT through the Air Force (I was a medic), then got my ADN, later my BSN. I like this because I could work as a nurse while continuing my BSN education. I also had a mentorship in nurse anesthesia through the military, and when I came back home I got a part time job as an anesthesia aide. It sounds like you have a plan in place, and don't give up. Try your best in your classes, shadow CRNA's, volunteer to sit on committees, and when you're a RN in the ICU get your CCRN. I never got this cert but it certaintly helps. Then you'll be well on your way to an interview. Hope this helps.

Sean

[msstepnfetch]

I am by no means an authority on this as I went the traditional BSN route, but all my co-workers who did the stairsteps to BSN voice similar opinions. The resounding consensus that I hear is that it gets tiresome. Your plans sound great, but I would probably nix the ADN unless you want to generate a nurses income a little sooner. I'm not sure the medic cert. is even really necessary unless you want to get some trauma and intubations under your belt. If you were single and free-wheeling, I'd say go whichever way feels right, but I've written this after considering the time factor which is such a precious commodity with small children. I'd say with your family situation to get right down to brass tacks and go straight for the BSN-CRNA route. Whatever you do, best wishes and good luck to you.

[Rabid Response]

Your plan seems a little convoluted. Why don't you go for your BSN first? Or at least an ADN? If your ultimate goal is to be a CRNA, becoming a paramedic seems an unnecessary detour. Additionally, several states (including my own) do not recognize the Excelsior RN.

[PMFB-RN, RN]

Nothing wrong with your plan. The paramedic is absolutely not needed and will just delay the day you get your RN and can start getting the ICU experience required for CRNA school.

I have two pieces of advice for you. The most important thing for you is to get high quality ICU experience. The bigger and higher acuity ICU you can work in the better. SICU with open heart and maybe neuro/trauma experience is best but MICU, PICU, or even CCU will work. Concentrate on being the very best ICU nurse you can be. Be a team player and the kind of nurse that your fellow nurses like to take report from and follow. If you can start out in the ICU in a hospital with a nurse residency program for new grads going directly into ICU. Get your CCRN.

Second if I were you I would never, ever mention your desire to go to CRNA school to anyone who might hire you, or talk to anyone who may hire you. In my experience nurse manager hate to spend all that time and money training qualified ICU nurses only to have them leave for CRNA school. This is a huge issue in my ICU.

Good luck to you!