Need CRNA info?

Bucky · Feb 8, 2001

If you are a senior in high school, I'd recommend you go to medical school and ultimately become an anesthesiologist.

It is MUCH harder to get into CRNA school than medical school (much more competition for the few available slots.)

To become a CRNA (the most practical way) takes this: 4 years for BSN (don't skip this

step); 2-4 years for MSN (*only* go to an MSN-type of CRNA program!) Inbetween the BSN and MSN you will be REQUIRED to work in some sort of intensive care setting for 2-4 years (program dependent).

Income potentials vary WIDELY. There are new graduate CRNAs earning $60k/yr and some earning $200k+/yr. Like everything else in life, money is negotiable.

Demand vs competitiveness: Supply vs Demand.

Simple economics. Being a CRNA can be very physically and intellectually demanding work. There is very high production pressure and if things go wrong, they can go very wrong. Many CRNAs burn out early and quit. It harbors the highest drug addiction population among nursing specialties (estimated to be upwards of 10%). There is a higher-than-average suicide rate among CRNAs (and anesthesiologists).

If you haven't been deterred, then go the BSN-MSN route and you won't be disappointed.

sleeper · Feb 11, 2001

Originally posted by Nurse Anesthetist:
Senior in High School, Need some info.:
How much schooling does it take to be a CRNA?
Whats the starting salary?
Why is it so high in demand if its so competitive?
Would it be smart to start out at a community college and go through the 1+1 LBN program then the RN program then transfer to a four year university?
NEED SOME ANSWERS: [email protected]

Hi,

I felt compelled to respond to your post. Especially after reading the reply you got. I am a CRNA. There could have been no better choice for me.

I wasted 10 years of my life working at another job before going back to school and landing in the medical profession.

Don't waste time. Ask to go into a hospital and see CRNA's at work. You will find few of us that are unhappy with what we do. Yes, we get stressed out. But the work is rewarding. The hours arn't bad, and the pay, well, I make over 100k before benifits.

Go directly to a four year nursing program. Keep a grade point above 3.25. Get an ICU job, prefferably a cardiovascular ICU or SICU. After completing one year of ICU, start sending out the applications. Do not hold back. Send them to every shcool with a high pass rating on the national certifying exam. (say, 90% or better) Most schools last 27 months average and you leave with a masters degree. You don't need it before you start.

The cost of school is significantly less than that of an anesthesiologist. You can work in a wide variety of places and get there in less time. You have less pressure on you than MD's have, and you can do almost anything they can.

Granted, you will not have the MD behind your name, and you will not have the extensive medical training, but will know anesthesia. Crna schools are getting better and more competitive all the time. Pay is going up and working conditions are improving. Hospitals need cost effective and safe means of providing anesthesia, and we are it. We don't threaten the jobs of MDA's, we all have a role in anesthesia. But I believe ours is the best role.

Good luck,

sleeper

malestudent-bsn · Aug 21, 2001

:) Nice answer sleeper...I too want to become a crna....and you did a great job answering the questions.

EXOTIC NURSE, RN · Oct 3, 2001

SLEEPER:

Thank you for your answer even tho I did not ask the question but I was thinking about going into CRNA. You did not add all the extra stuff like having to get a master's degree first and all that, you were straight forward with the quickest way to do it. I appreciate you doing that.