Military CRNA Commission

[NBerry]

Hey all,

My name is Nora and I have been an RN, BSN for just 7 months now. I am am ER nurse currently for a Cardiac/ Stroke Magnet Hospital. I am very much interested in becoming a CRNA in the next 5 years or so. This January I will be taking a Bio Chem course while working, since I still need this according to most CRNA programs. I am also a prior service 68W combat medic. I am 31 year old now. My question is, do I have to commission as an RN and then apply to Military CRNA programs or can I get CRNA in my commission (directly) just by meeting the requirements of the program? I plan to complete another year or so as an ER nurse, possibly less if I can get into the NeuroICU before then. After my year of ICU I would like to just walk in, meet the reqs and commission directly to go to CRNA school. Of course, the Army was never that easy to walk into so I'm wondering what the realistic way of going about this would be. :) Thanks!

[Skip219, BSN, RN]

I would talk to an arm or Air Force recruiter specifically for nurse anesthesia . I remember that was a big recruiting tool to get ICU nurses in. The competition was fierce for admission to the chosen. You can get into an anesthesia school then talk to a recruiter. That way you might get school paid for, of course with a service obligation.

Good luck on your career!