I wonder if anyone can give me some insight into what to expect really if I choose this route. Did anyone go to school and realize it wasn't nearly as difficult as people made it out to be.
Members are discussing their experiences and tips for succeeding in CRNA school. Some are sharing their schedules and how they balance school with family life, while others are comparing integrated and front-loaded programs. There is also a conversation about the benefits of specific CRNA programs like Drexel University and advice on how to succeed in the field.
I consider myself to have above average intelligence and did fairly well in college (a top 20 private university). Last year, I decided medical school wasn't for me due mainly to the expense (4 years medical school than 3-5 years residency at a very low salary = loan buildup!). I was going to have to pay for any schooling past undergrad on my own, so I decided I could still go into the medical field, but with a cheaper route - an advanced practice nurse.
When I was going to medical school, I planned to either be a surgeon, dermatologist, psychiatrist, or anesthesiologist. I have interest in all 4 fields and would be happy in any of them. As an advanced nurse, I can be a dermatology certified NP, a mental health NP, or a CRNA - making it possible to still follow the paths of my 3 favorite specialties.
I've been finding out what I can about all three, and when I look up CRNA information I always see the same thing: That CRNA Education is a nightmare-ish experience. That it requires 10+ hours of studying per day, etc.
So did anyone find it a bit easier than it was made out to be?
I'm not saying easy...just easier than people let on.
For example, I went to an Accelerated BSN program and all I ever heard was how hard it is from current students. One guy who spoke to us during orientation (a last semester student) said "Get used to B's...B's are awesome. You're never going to see another A again."
It terrified me.
Yet, here I am at the end of the first semester and I've made straight A's with very little studying (2-3 hours before an exam total).
So I wonder if anyone can give me some insight into what to expect really if I choose this route. Did anyone go to school and realize it wasn't nearly as difficult as people made it out to be...perhaps 1-2 hours of studying per day (with extra before exams) as opposed to this 10+ I keep hearing??
I've been a CRNA for 10 years and I believe CRNA school is very do-able. I had a 2.8 gp a(undergrad) and 3.6 GPA (started NP school), 3.8 GPA (CRNA school), 3.9 in DNP. Im not a smart person, Im just very determined and resourceful. If you are determined to pass youll find a way to do it whether it involves studying for hours or writing poems to remember clinical pearls (thats how I did it). I tell students all the time, don't make this more complicated than it needs to be. I hope that helps. The impossible is NOTHING.
A US RN license and US ICU experience is required.
My bad, as I didn't ask the question clearly. I plan to, of course, have my UK degree evaluated by CGFNS, write the NCLEX exam, get my US RN license, move to the US and then work in the ICU. So my question at the point of applying to CRNA school, would my UK nursing degree be accepted?
MCleeezy
28 Posts
I've been a CRNA for 10 years and I believe CRNA school is very do-able. I had a 2.8 gp a(undergrad) and 3.6 GPA (started NP school), 3.8 GPA (CRNA school), 3.9 in DNP. Im not a smart person, Im just very determined and resourceful. If you are determined to pass youll find a way to do it whether it involves studying for hours or writing poems to remember clinical pearls (thats how I did it). I tell students all the time, don't make this more complicated than it needs to be. I hope that helps. The impossible is NOTHING.