Hi all, I'm currently enrolled in Nursing I in a hospital based program in the Northeast. I really enjoy nursing school so far, it has pushed me harder and farther than anything else I've ever experienced. My mother is a nurse, and I have been interested in medicine since reading her nursing books at the age of eleven. I'm a male, and seventeen (Hope no one judges for my age, I'm really motivated and have carefully decided my career- have been in college for two years). I've found nursing to be really rewarding even by doing small tasks such as ambulation, it has helped some of my patients out enormously! I will graduate my associate program and two years and plan on going right into ICU, and when ready and mentally prepared into my bachelors (which I hope to get in biochemistry- I LOVE physiology, A&P II was my favorite course).
You can probably tell where I am going with this- I eventually do want to become a CRNA, but I hear so many people say how hard it is to get in- deep down inside I know I could go for anything I wanted, but I'm really anxious for it. I have a 4.0 currently, and my nursing grades are all at least 90's ( except for the first test, was totally unprepared for NCLEX styled questions and bombed with a 72). I know the requirements for CRNA school- and I know I can complete a bachelors program with relative ease- but I'm a book student, and if there is one area I'm lagging it is in clinical. My instructors go at a much faster pace than me and I feel as though they get a little annoyed that I don't rush around (I get nervous if I go to fast for myself, and the last thing I want to do is mess-up something for my patients). I just want a feel for what getting into CRNA school is like, I know I can get the grades.. but its obviously more than that.
Sorry for the jumbled mess of a post, I guess I'll give a TL;DR version:
I can get the grades, and am really motivated- but rather afraid for the unknown things people look for to get into CRNA school- I want enlightenment. :)
PS: If you fellow procrastinators/last minute students have advice, I'd love some tips!
If you want to say something about my age and your opinion, that is fine- just please let it be constructive and useful to me. I don't think anyone would have an issue though, my fellow classmates and instructors are just fine with my age and really like me. =]
Specializes in Flight, ER, Transport, ICU/Critical Care.
how do you eat an elephant?????
one bite at a time! ba-dum-pum!
seriously - slow down, ease up on yourself. i think having goals is very important - it lets you chart a path and work toward success. the problem with getting too caught up in the future is that you are never really in the spot where you want to be.
take one day and experience at a time. speed will come - no one here ever knew all and could do all in the beginning.
you have a long road ahead and at 17 (although you seem to be very driven and mature for your age) you will have some "growing up" (not being offensive, it is just the way it is) to do. you will make mistakes - but, the key is to make new mistakes (meaning never repeat one!).
you appear to be on the right path. stop and be present where you are. having goals is great, but keep your plans quiet for now. (i can't explain it - but, there is a nasty little deal in some circles where a few folks get their value by another not getting something - sucks but it can happen and these rotters are hard to spot in advance) work hard and dedicate yourself to being the best you can be. you have plenty of time. just work hard and your reputation will build over time and as you become good - your abilities will speak for themselves. but for now - focus on today and if you are doing it right, it will be a natural progression.
crna realities - tough programs, competitive admissions, bsn generally required (though a very few may accept any bachelors), high end critical care experience required.
confidence comes from experience and the only way to get experience is to do the job and grow - take advantage of every opportunity to learn as much as you can and , if possible, take the "sick" patients.
Thank you all for the support. I do understand that many programs have a requirement for a BSN, however I have searched from several schools that will accept bachelors in related science programs. I should probably slow down, I just get excited (in a good way, and a little anxious). Very helpful advice here.
I am a nurse from the Philippines and I'm currently residing here in California not working as a nurse but as aupair.....In the following months/years I am looking forward to work my degree here in the US and it's quite tough for me because our hospital setting from my homeland is little bit different from the setting that we have here. So imagine the big adjustment that i need to do prior entering nursing job here. I always wanted to become a CRNA like you. As far as i understand from what you wrote on your post, you are good in theoretical and not comfortable of your clinical performance. You know what, I am the clumsiest person you would ever meet. I get nervous everytime I do something. I'm not that confident doing one task 'coz i grew up having this notion that everytime i do something, i always get fail, i always get nagged, i always make mistake. What I do is always not enough for them. But that didn't stop me from dreaming what i wanted to become someday. even if it seems like i couldn't make it, i still gave it a try (*cross-finger*). So everything paid off when i became a nurse and pass the licensure exam 2 yrs ago. I can say that I'm not good in theoretical either,i just give my best shot at the clinical area. I just always give my best shot in everything i do hoping that i can conceal my weaknesses w/c is the theory... and i hope if things happen according to my plans, i would want to pursue anesthesiology program. i know how hard it would be entering into anesthesiology program, but if you're more than willing to give it a try then you're better than a genius person who just live to do their own thing.:)
You're only 17 and you already have career goals and are making them happen!! That is awesome!! Its great to see someone young be so mature and be excited about nursing. Most young people fit the description of "immature teenagers" but you are "breaking the mold". Being successful and young is a great thing. I mean, I'm 20 years old and the youngest of my friends but I've got RN behind my name already and they're all still in school.
You sound like you've got a lot going for you and have some great goals. Keep pushing on and your clinical skills will improve with experience. Always remember: Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something...you can always do it if you put your mind to it. Good Luck to you in your future and I hope all your plans work out for you.
even if it seems like i couldn't make it, i still gave it a try (*cross-finger*). So everything paid off when i became a nurse and pass the licensure exam 2 yrs ago. I can say that I'm not good in theoretical either,i just give my best shot at the clinical area. I just always give my best shot in everything i do hoping that i can conceal my weaknesses w/c is the theory... and i hope if things happen according to my plans, i would want to pursue anesthesiology program. i know how hard it would be entering into anesthesiology program, but if you're more than willing to give it a try then you're better than a genius person who just live to do their own thing.:)
Medic/Nurse, BSN, RN
880 Posts
how do you eat an elephant?????
one bite at a time! ba-dum-pum!
seriously - slow down, ease up on yourself. i think having goals is very important - it lets you chart a path and work toward success. the problem with getting too caught up in the future is that you are never really in the spot where you want to be.
take one day and experience at a time. speed will come - no one here ever knew all and could do all in the beginning.
you have a long road ahead and at 17 (although you seem to be very driven and mature for your age) you will have some "growing up" (not being offensive, it is just the way it is) to do. you will make mistakes - but, the key is to make new mistakes (meaning never repeat one!).
you appear to be on the right path. stop and be present where you are. having goals is great, but keep your plans quiet for now. (i can't explain it - but, there is a nasty little deal in some circles where a few folks get their value by another not getting something - sucks but it can happen and these rotters are hard to spot in advance) work hard and dedicate yourself to being the best you can be. you have plenty of time. just work hard and your reputation will build over time and as you become good - your abilities will speak for themselves. but for now - focus on today and if you are doing it right, it will be a natural progression.
crna realities - tough programs, competitive admissions, bsn generally required (though a very few may accept any bachelors), high end critical care experience required.
confidence comes from experience and the only way to get experience is to do the job and grow - take advantage of every opportunity to learn as much as you can and , if possible, take the "sick" patients.
good luck.