Interested in becoming a CRNA

Specialties CRNA

Published

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.

Specializes in Cardiothoracic ICU.

why dont you just go straight into a bsn, the way you have that lined up its gonna take many years to become a CRNA.

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I'm echoing much of the sentiment expressed here. If you are able, I would think about skipping the EMT/Para route. Not that the position doesn't come with its own skill set, but after you complete either your ADN or BSN, most hospitals won't hire new grads into the ICU. Most require a year or two of med-surg/tele before being accepted into the ICU. There are also immersion programs that give you training to eventually be in the ICU but keep in mind that the competition is stiff for these programs. I know the programs in my area require, at minimum, one year of MICU or SICU training. CVICU is not accepted nor is ED/OR. Not to mention that CRNA schools are moving to a DNP practice level which means more schooling than the current Master's program. My sister is a CRNA and loves her job and has been trying to convince me to pursue the same route. However, for me, even though I have the experience and grades necessary to apply to CRNA school, decided that this field was not a fit for me. As I say, to each their own. Good luck!

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Hey. I fully understand the plan you have and why you are where you are with your thinking. You need to be able to work and make money sooner than later for your family. I was in a similar situation, and I got my AD in Respiratory Therapy. I am now 16 months away from graduating from my CRNA program, and looking back on everything, I can honestly say that I wish I knew then what you know now...you want to be a CRNA. While being an RRT has proven to be a big advantage to me (airway mgt, understanding pulmonay pathology and ventilation etc), and while I make a very good living toward the end of my years as an RRT, if I could go back in time and go straight into nursing school, I would. There is financial aid available, and you can make it with that assistance and wise financial decision making. I'd skip the EMT program and at the very least try to begin the ADN program ASAP. Honestly, I'd look into getting into a BSN program and supplement your financial aid with your current skills as a CNA. It is definitely possible, and you will be much further down the line toward reaching the ultimate goal. That said, we do not know your entire situation, and if your current plan is a must, go for it. There are plenty of us who will be or have graduated well into their 40's and even 50's, so if you want it, go get it.

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I suggest ADN... work in an ICU while getting a BSN...Worked for me.. I was admitted to CRNA school and started one week after I got my BSN.

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Not to be the wet blanket, but there are at least three programs here in Arkansas that are paramedic-RN, and they can be done as quickly as an ADN could be. Maybe the OP just wants to be different.

I think the Excelsior part is crap though.

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I want to do the emt-p route because the program I am looking at only requires 7 weekends of hands on training in tx and then I can do clinicals here through the hospital that I work for. I really can't go to class at this point. I work nights and have time to study when it is not busy. I have already spoke to the BON in LA and I am aware that I need to get my license in MS first and work there for 6months, by then my baby (10mos) should be2.5 or 3 yrs old so it would be easier on my family. If I wait to start unitl she is that old I feel like I would be wasting time. My other 2 will be in school by then so I think it will work out. The nearest hospital is only 45-55 min away and I would only need to work 3 days a week for the 6 mos. I have done a lot of research about it and I feel this is my best option considering my circumstances. Husband also lost his job and is helping with the babies so that I can work and complete my ADN asap.

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A distance learning paramedic program? No wonder TraumaSurfer is all wound up about paramedic education in Texas. I don't think you'd get a lot out of that personally.

Honestly, I think the paramedic program I went through was a lot more in depth on pathophysiology (including ABGs, CBCs, lytes, etc) and pharmacology (drug classes at least) than any part of my BSN program has been although our focus was of course on things pertinent to us. We've covered more in patient assessment in my BSN health assessment course, but only because we added in things like fundoscopic and otoscopic exams.

I'd say between the two programs the paramedic one was what helped me be assertive, assess patients, and figure out what was wrong with people and attend to them while the BSN program has assisted more with what to do with them a day to a year later particularly with regard to physician ordered treatments and surgery. For those that haven't undergone both programs I've got to say, if you're an intelligent and eager learner, both programs (assuming you're in good ones) really compliment each other very well.

Are you able to apply for financial aid to participate in a "real" paramedic or nursing program? I work for a police department and go to school full-time.

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Specializes in OR, ICU, OR Team Leader.

Ok so here is my dilemma. I have a total of 4 years ICU experience working in a SICU level I trauma center for 1.5yrs, SICU/transplant unit at another teaching university for 3 yrs. I am completing my RN to BSN, but am a little overwhelmed with school work and the 12 hr shifts especially since I live an hour away from my job. This takes a toll on me. I am thinking of taking a job at a small community hospital in the ICU as I study to take the CCRN and complete my RN to BSN. This will make things a lot easier on me physically and mentally. However, how do you think this will look on my application when I apply to nurse anesthesia school? Should I just hold out and suffer through the 2hr daily commute to a 12hr shift high acuity job and college coursework completion of RN to BSN?

I would greatly appreciate any ones advice as I try to juggle and maintain my sanity.

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
Ok so here is my dilemma. I have a total of 4 years ICU experience working in a SICU level I trauma center for 1.5yrs, SICU/transplant unit at another teaching university for 3 yrs. I am completing my RN to BSN, but am a little overwhelmed with school work and the 12 hr shifts especially since I live an hour away from my job. This takes a toll on me. I am thinking of taking a job at a small community hospital in the ICU as I study to take the CCRN and complete my RN to BSN. This will make things a lot easier on me physically and mentally. However, how do you think this will look on my application when I apply to nurse anesthesia school? Should I just hold out and suffer through the 2hr daily commute to a 12hr shift high acuity job and college coursework completion of RN to BSN?

I would greatly appreciate any ones advice as I try to juggle and maintain my sanity.

*** At one of the large trauma center SICUs where I work the nurse manager is very hostile to those who want to go to CRNA school. SHe will either refuse to worite a letter of reference or will write one so bad you wouldn't want anyone to read it. One common stratagy used by several nurses I know is to go to work at one of the small rural hospital ICUs for the express purpose of obtaining a great letter of recomendation. The small hospital ICU nurse manager gets a highly skilled ICU nurse for 6 months to a year they don't have to spend any money training, and the nurse gets a great letter. One small hospital nurse manager in particular actually uses this to recruit experienced ICU nurses away from the big hospital.

I don't know anyone who applied and didn't get into CRNA school. If you have good ICU experience, a BSN with good grades, CCRN, and good letters you will get in. If you don't get in the first time just enroll in some graduate courses and re-apply with 6-9 grad school credits and you will be a shoe in.

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Specializes in OR, ICU, OR Team Leader.

Thanks for the response. This has helped me tremendously! I feel I am on the right track.

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Specializes in Cardiac nursing.
Ok so here is my dilemma. I have a total of 4 years ICU experience working in a SICU level I trauma center for 1.5yrs, SICU/transplant unit at another teaching university for 3 yrs. I am completing my RN to BSN, but am a little overwhelmed with school work and the 12 hr shifts especially since I live an hour away from my job. This takes a toll on me. I am thinking of taking a job at a small community hospital in the ICU as I study to take the CCRN and complete my RN to BSN. This will make things a lot easier on me physically and mentally. However, how do you think this will look on my application when I apply to nurse anesthesia school? Should I just hold out and suffer through the 2hr daily commute to a 12hr shift high acuity job and college coursework completion of RN to BSN?

I would greatly appreciate any ones advice as I try to juggle and maintain my sanity.

I know where you are headed but have you talked with the school you are going. Some of the school advice their students to take some organic chemistry for even them to be competitive. Just throwing it in.

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Specializes in OR, ICU, OR Team Leader.

I have spoken to several of the schools I would be interested in and all seem to agree as long as I will be applying within the next 6 months and along with my CCRN credentials, I should be ok. Thanks for the concern.

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