Looking into nursing ---> CRNA

[revolution]

I currently have a BS but not in Nursing so my question is, other than reading the graduate CRNA schools websites, can anyone explain the process or point me in the right direction?

I understand you need 1-2 years of critical care nursing but I also was told the CCRN's is not an entry level position, so where do you start typically and how do you get to the CC position?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[MBCRNA]

There are some programs that allow you to have a BS in another field and you can have an ADN (nursing)- otherwise you'll have to obtain the BSN (Bachelor's of Nursing) degree. You should intern/extern in an ICU (of your choice) while in school. Most places allow you to intern upon acceptance into an ADN program/BSN program. It is best to get started in a large institution. The areas that are acceptable for CRNA school are Medical ICU/CCU, Surgical ICU, Cardiovascular ICU...I would choose among these (as a start). Other areas that are considered appropriate experience: Trauma ICU, Neuro ICU, etc. While working in the ICU of your choice: You should buy a CCRN review book. I particularly like Pass CCRN! by Robin Donohoe Dennison. This will give you the "why" of what your doing. It is a great book. You should obtain the ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Cardiac Life Support (PALS). These are requirements. While obtaining the ADN/ BSN, you should aim for high grades- A's. The minimum requirement is a 3.0, but this requirement is not that competitive. To be competitive, you should try to obtain atleast a 3.5 overall GPA (especially if you are going to be skimming by with the experience requirement). Speaking of the CCRN book, you should obtain that as soon as possible b/c it is strongly recommended (and helps to be competitive). You should also shadow a CRNA in the OR. It doesn't matter if you are done with school or not. There is never a "too early" point. This will be helpful in writing your essay and proving that you KNOW WHY you want to be a CRNA. Also, you need to take the GRE. Most places want a minimum of 1000 score (total). If you already have a BS, it may be a good idea to take this as soon as you feel that you can make a good score. In the meantime, try to excel at everything you do. Keep yourself challenged at all times! Good luck!

[MB37]

Just wanted to add - you don't have to be a CCRN to work in critical care - it's a certification, and you can't sit for the test until you have about a year of critical care experience. Are you a nurse yet? If you have an ADN/Diploma, there are many schools that will accept a BS in another subject (and also many that won't). Some are specific about what majors are acceptable, others will consider you with any major, or even a BA. Still others "prefer" a BSN. I have a BS in Psych as well as a BSN. Many of the CRNA programs that accept non-nursing BS's prefer it to be in a "hard science" - i.e. bio, chem, physics, so I would have had a hard time without a BSN. You will eventually have to go to the websites of at least the schools in your state - it's the only way to know whether THEY will consider an applicant without a BSN. The AANA website should provide links to all of them, when you have the time to check it out.

[loveanesthesia]

You should look into accelerated BSN programs. In one concentrated year, a person with a prior BS, completes the requirements for the BSN and sits boards to become an RN. They are intense programs, but good preparation for a nurse anesthesia program. Then worry about finding a critical care position. While ICUs may not like to hire new grad's, many will. If you can move, you'll be able to find a good ICU. If you are tied to one area it can be difficult, I'd talk to the manager of the ICU you are interested in, and ask them how to get a position. Don't volunteer too much info about your plan to go to a CRNA program. You may change your mind, and it can make it more difficult sometimes to get the position in the ICU.