Is it possible to get into CRNA with only 1 year of ICU experience?

loveanesthesia · Jul 28, 2018

It's a national requirement for 1 year of acute care experience for all nurse anesthesia programs. You'll learn more in your first 2 years of experience than you learned in your entire nursing program, especially if you work at it.

PICU-Murse · Jul 29, 2018

Though it's great to see enthusiasm and drive, you seem like you're in a hurry. Which mostly isn't a problem; however, there really isn't anything quick about becoming a CRNA usually.

There is no guarantee you will get into an ICU right away.

There is no guarantee you will get into the type/size of ICU the school likes to see.

There is no guarantee you will score well on the GRE the first time (usually a requirement for CRNA schools).

You have to have your CCRN which typically can be taken at 2 ICU experience (again, usually a requirement for CRNA schools).

And lastly, it sounds like you may be split between nurse practitioner and nurse anesthesia, which is normal. I would suggest you shadow both at least once, if not more. Get your feet wet in an ICU if you can. Like loveanesthesia said above, you will learn more in a couple years as a staff ICU nurse, than you will ever learn in your BSN program. Once you get into an ICU, then you can start making those big moves into whatever specialty of advance practice nursing you want to pursue.

Hobberdog · Jul 29, 2018

Get your 1 year and apply. The worst that can happen is they say no.

loveanesthesia · Jul 29, 2018

The worst that can happen is you get in and fail clinical and are out of a program with a bunch of debt.

Californian Student · Jul 29, 2018

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll definitely take my time (not rush anything) and make sure I learn the most I can in the ICU setting as an RN.