New RN wants to work in the U.S. as a CRNA

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Dear Nurse Beth,

I have always loved nursing and working in America was a TARGET for me. I would very much like to advance my career and do a PhD, and I also have a minor certificate in molecular biology and genetics. I've been doing research on agencies that I can come to America for a while.

What would be your suggestions for a relatively new nurse who wants to advance academically and who is new to the American healthcare system? I am very interested in ER nursing, but I have doubts about career steps. Also, I always wanted to be a CRNA before (before nursing school I was an anesthesiologist assistant in my country). For this, I need to gain significant experience in intensive care and this makes me think a bit, but I learned in this working experience that anything can be accomplished with a good team.

I have one year of hospital nursing experience. half of it is in the general intensive care unit and the other half is on the medical floor with medical/surgery + pediatric patients. (we can take any kind of patient but mainly low acuity cases) . However, when needed, I work all over the hospital. Including ER. I enjoy monitoring the condition of patients, giving advice and managing the situation. However, I do not like to constantly clean the stool.

How would you recommend being an NP or CRNA in the future, coming from such a background, and a nurse who is in love with biological sciences? Should I work in a hospital in a big city? Could smaller cities be better for me? Should I be in an academic center? Which clinic? Is there a nursing agency you can recommend?

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2 Answers

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Future NP or CRNA,

It's great to hear about your passion for nursing and academic aspirations in the American healthcare system. Pursuing aPh.D., specializing as a nurse practitioner (NP), or becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) are all excellent career paths that can offer growth and opportunities.

To advance academically, here are some general steps you can consider:

Research educational requirements. 

Look into the specific requirements for Ph.D. programs, NP programs, and CRNA programs in the United States. Determine the necessary prerequisites, coursework, and admission criteria for each.

Read How do I become a nurse anesthetist?

Gain relevant experience.

Building a solid foundation of clinical experience is crucial. Consider working in critical care or intensive care units (ICUs) to gain the experience required for a future career as a CRNA. Working in the emergency department (ED) can also provide valuable experience if you are interested in pursuing ER nursing or becoming an NP in acute care.

Pursue additional certifications.

Look into obtaining certifications that align with your career goals. For example, critical care certifications like CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) can benefit both CRNAs and NPs working in acute care settings.

Choose the right setting.

Consider whether you prefer working in a hospital in a big city or a smaller community. Both settings have their advantages and provide different experiences. Big city hospitals may offer a wider variety of cases and resources, while smaller community hospitals can offer a more close-knit environment and opportunities for greater responsibility.

Explore academic centers.

Academic medical centers often have research opportunities, access to cutting-edge technology, and collaborations with universities. If research interests you, working in an academic center may provide more opportunities to engage in scholarly activities and collaborate with researchers.

Connect with professional associations and networks. 

Joining professional associations, such as the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), can provide you with access to resources, networking opportunities, and continuing education. Engaging with these associations can help you stay updated on the latest advancements in your field and connect with like-minded professionals.

Regarding nursing agencies, several reputable agencies in the United States can assist international nurses with employment opportunities. Some well-known agencies include Adex Medical Staffing, Cross Country Nurses, and Emerald Health Services. Researching and comparing different agencies to find one that aligns with your goals and offers the support and resources you need is essential.

Every nurse's career journey is unique, and it's essential to tailor your path based on your interests, goals, and strengths.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Specializes in Pediatry , Med/Surg , Anesthesia Tec,MBG.

?thank you for answer Nurse Beth 

ı'm grateful.

I'm open to hearing all ideas.I would be grateful if you would like to give suggestions.

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