LTC to CRNA

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Hello!

I'm an ADN who has worked in Long Term Care for 19 years while I raised my son as a single dad.

I started into nursing with the dream of being a CRNA but couldn't pursue that and work and raise a child at the same time.

My son is grown and I have a supportive spouse who is willing to help me in realizing my dream.

I am ready to move out of my job as a night shift LTC nurse but I'm not sure what the next nursing job that would be best for me with the aim of getting into anesthetist school.

What would you suggest?

Thank you,

Steven

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Specializes in Rehab/LTC.

Most CRNA programs are so comptetitive that the successful candidates will have 3-5 yeorificexperience in critical care. And most hospitals will want someone with a BSN to work in critical care units. That would be the first place to start.

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Specializes in ICU.

Get in an ICU, best in a high acuity. Do your BSN at the same time if you can to save you some time.

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Specializes in ICU.

I echo the above. All CRNA programs that I've looked into require at least 2 years (sometimes, rarely, 1 if it's a high-acuity teaching hospital) of ICU experience. Good luck! :)

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Specializes in ICU.

Oh, and also, certain pre-reqs which have to have been taken in the last 5 years to qualify, with a minimum 3.5 GPA. Just from what I've seen.

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.

Here is a link to the AANA and their info

Become a CRNA

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Specializes in Rehab/LTC.

To go from ADN in LTC to CRNA is gonna be tough. As I said earlier, get your BSN, work in critical care (intensive, cardiac, pediatric, whatever!) then apply to a program, get through those two years, then pass THAT exam. Good luck! If you are smart and committed, you can do it!

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i think its doable, it might take a while and it wont be easy, but its very doable. I use to work @ taco bell(17yrsold), now im in anesthesia school (26 yrs old). you miss 100% of the shots you DONT take

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

My first nursing job was in LTC, and now I am CRNA. The biggest obstacle that you are probably going to have is the length of time you have been out of nursing school, and working in LTC the whole time is going to give you a different perspective than what is needed to work in critical care.

Overall, it is very doable you just need to stay motivated.

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gwapo i cant pm you...but thanks for responding. My gpa is pretty low :( but who knows i think the grading system is different here..right? i still have to find out. Did you have yours converted to the US system? And i also wanna know if icu here actually accepts RNs with no work experience yet. Since you know in Phil, we can't work and study at the same time. Is it uncommon? Coz maybe im just being too hopeful and wasting my time lol..

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