Nurse Anesthetics

iLovemyJackRT · Aug 1, 2007

Jels, your applying in a year to a program you know absolutely nothing about ? you really need to do alot of research before you apply !

vikichck · Aug 2, 2007

oh no i'm not applying yet at all. thats not but 2 years from now. I'm just starting to get interested in it. It has been hard finding info on it so i was posting on here.

shandsburnRN-CRNA · Aug 3, 2007

Hey vikichck,

I can answer some of your questions since you seem to be quite new. First of all, its nurse anesthesia, anesthetics are one of the type of medications we administer :-)

As for an online CRNA program, plainly....no.

Yes, its is competitive, the most competitive nursing specialty there is, only the top applicants are admitted. The program I was just accepted to had right at 300 applicants and 72 were admitted.

If you would like to find out more on what a CRNA is and does check out these websites...

www.aana.com (american association of nurse anesthetists)

www.barry.edu/anesthesiology (this is the program I am in, has some pretty good info, will give what basically all CRNA programs look for in an applicant)

-Work in an ICU, i.e. SICU, MICU, CVICU, I worked in a BICU (Burn ICU) for at least one year, some programs prefer the ICU be in a Level I facility.

-Get and keep your CPR, ACLS, PALS and CCRN current, get instructor certification in as many as you can.

-Get your BSN if you haven't already, be strong in your science, especially chemistry, specifically organic and biochem.

-Take the GRE, most programs like to see at least 1000

-Last and maybe most important, shadow a CRNA for 2, 3, or more shifts so you can see exactly what it is a CRNA is and does.

I don't start school until Janurary, but yes it is going to VERY challenging, but extremely rewarding. Fun and exciting? Its what you make of it, but yes I anticipate it to be both.

Good luck to you and your future. If you have any more questions, just ask. I have always gotten really good advice on this forum.