path to becoming a crna in CT

Hi everyone!

I am currently a nursing student and will graduate in May 2009 with my associate's degree. It is my absolute dream to become a CRNA. I plan on continuing on to my bachelor's degree upon graduation which should only take 1 year. I currently work at St. Vincent's Medical center in Bridgeport CT as a student nurse tech- I've been on the medical floor since January and I will be transferring to the OR in a couple weeks. I've been told by many nurses that everyone should have at least 1 year experience in med-surg before applying to the ICU, and as everyone knows you need at least 1 year experience in the ICU to apply to crna school. My question is is it absolutely necessary to have that med-surg experience if your ultimate goal is to go to anesthesia school? I really want to continue on with my education right away, and the 1 year in med-surg will put me back a little bit more not to mention the at least 1 year in ICU. Also, do many hospitals in CT hire new grads into the ICU? And do you recommend being a new grad in the ICU? Also, anyone who is/has attended any of the crna schools in CT- how hard was it to get in? how do you like the program you are in? What path did you take to become a CRNA? Thanks everyone!

-Diana