Is CRNA school for me?

[jk82]

I've been a peds RN for almost 5 years now. I started to work on my MSN because I wanted something more challenging with my career. I was working on my MSN in administration, and came to realize that it wasn't the path for me to take in my career as a RN. I've been trying to do some self evaluation and figure out where I want to go with my nursing career. I've learned that I like the "hands on" component of being an RN and I like patient care. I am wondering if CRNA school is the path I should take?? I know I will need to get into an adult ICU first and probably retake some pre-reqs. The though of CRNA school is exciting, but at the same time terrifying! I am not sure if I have the confidence need to survive? Any good advice from CRNA's or CRNA student? Can I REALLY do this?

[Summitk2]

Whether you can really do this is for YOU to decide! What did you have in mind when you started your MSN? Did you have a specific plan? I wouldn't continue further graduate studies until you really know what you want to do... you could be wasting time and money.

Do you work in PICU? Or just a general peds floor? I assume you're aware of the ICU requirements for CRNA school (?)... There are some CRNA schools that will take nurses with only PICU experience, so you may not need adult ICU experience. However, adult experience would make you a better candidate.

I think you'd have trouble making it into CRNA school, or at least have trouble finishing CRNA school, if you're not really sure if it's what you want to do. Most applicants are very driven and clear about being a CRNA.

Maybe you just need to change jobs?? Just because you're not challenged in your current job doesn't necessarily mean you need to go to grad school. I think there's plenty of challenging jobs out there for RNs.

Good luck!

[nurselizk]

It's true that a huge amount of motivation and commitment is necessary to endure the sacrifices that anesthesia school will entail. But you can make an informed decision. Shadow a CRNA, more than once. Transfer to an adult ICU or NICU. If you enjoy the challenge of really unstable pts and the critical thinking required, that will help you determine whether anesthesia is for you.