New BSN Student

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Hi, so I was recently excepted in the nursing program and I am excited! As soon as I opened the letter I began to search for what I wanted to do. I have learned many things since last week and decided to become a Nurse anesthetist. At first I wanted to be a full anesthesiologist but found out that I would not be done with school until my early 30's! No thank you!

Then I found out about CRNA and this is where my complications started. If all goes well, i will graduate in Spring of '18 with a BSN at 23 years of age. I honestly want to be done with school as early as possible but I also want the best education and understand that with nursing "schooling" is never really over and that is fine. I just do not want to be in my 30's and still in school because I (hopefully) want to start a family at 25-28

What degree is best for me? I read that some dgrees practice while others research?When I searched for CRNA schools I realized that some are MSN, DNP, MSNA, or MS. What exactly is the real difference? Can I receive my DNP without MSN? Is it worth it to become a DNP? What exactly is a APRN when considering anesthesiology? What is the highest level of education when considering anesthesiology other than Ph.D?

Is it wise to jump to DNP without MSN straight out with BSN if I have the qualifications?

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While it's god that you are thinking ahead -- sometimes it's just as good to actually put the horse before the cart :)

a Doctorate degree is considered a terminal degree (highest you can earn) DNP = Doctorate of Nursing practice is the route that advanced practice nurses take and yes a CRNA is an advanced practice nurse.. PhD = Doctorate that nursing educators and researchers take.

The DNP is designed to allow students go directly from BSN to DNP.. However, you can still become an APRN at the masters level.

As far as the time frame for CRNA - you would need to finish your BSN and begin working (most programs will require a min of 2 years of experience in an ICU setting).. most high level ICUs require a year or two experience.. so BSN + 2-4 years working + 2(+) years of CRNA school. Should put you just around the 28 +/- years of age mark.

The highest level of anesthesiology would be either M.D. or D.O.

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Yes I know, I am concentrating on school and exploring new ideas as well just to get a start. Thank you for your response!:cat:

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

You may want to slow your roll. GETTING your BSN is not a guarantee. It is tough and requires max concentration. If have plans for grad school then you need to realistically get a 3.6 GPA or higher. If you think that is just a guarantee think again.

Focus on the task at hand. Week by week. I remember in my BSN class there was a girl who talked all the time about "MSN this and DNP that" and she failed out the first semester.

Just focus on the BSN. Trust me..that is PLENTY for now. The rest will work itself out.

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Yes, that is why i said if all goes well. I know it will not be easy at all and I will focus on receiving my BSN with a high GPA. Thank you for your response!

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I honestly would not be surprised if I made another thread during my course about giving up:blink:. I know that things get real and hopefully I get through it with support:up:

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Well, as a child of a couple of academics, I can tell you that in all it's degree-snobbery glory, the PhD is the top of the heap. You d need to write a dissertation where you make a significant, original contribution to your field.

DNPs, DPTs, MDs, DOs, JDs, MSWs are actually considered terminal "professional" degrees. There's no dissertation, no significant contribution to the field, just the acquiring of a skill, although a high level one. With these degrees you typically become licensed to practice something--law, medicine, etc.

i have to agree with the other posters, however. While it's great to have plans, it's really important to focus on the now. About 3/4 of your new student classmates will be planning some kind of future as an advanced practice nurse of some kind. Many may change majors before they get to nursing classes. Nursing school is tough, and graduate programs are becoming more competitive. Focus on your GPA. If that stays high, then focus on getting preceptorship experiences in the ICU, then a job in the ICU, then CRNA training....one step at a time....

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