goddesscomplex

I live in North Carolina, near Charlotte and I found only 1 program so far that offers a BSN program. I plan on applying over the weekend (dreaded essay and all) and then talking to an admissions counselor to see what will transfer and what won't. I hope to be done by 2010, but it depends on how quickly I can finish my prereqs, if I can take some core classes (not nursing) over the summer, and if I get accepted in the fall. It is a fall only start, so if I don't get in, I can spread my classes out more and start in fall of 2009. This will put me at grad in 2011. This actually works for me. It looks like my Associate's Degree would have been done in Fall 2010 anyway, so what is one more semester for a Bachelor's degree instead. But, thanks again for the help. I'll let u know. VeeGee

I would love to get my BSN instead of my ADN, but I don't have a previous Bachelor's degree and am not a registered nurse (ADN OR LPN). Every program that I have looked up in my area seems to be an RN-BSN program. Am I looking in the wrong places? Any' links besides this one which may be helpful? Going for BSN probably won't be shorter on time, but better on cost and overall effectiveness. Thanks in advance. Veegee ps. I have found a school by me that does offer a BSN program. It would take me about two and a half years to complete with my previous college credits '93. This would put my grad date into 2011 with having to refill my science and take some other core reqs. This actually does save me time since it looked like it was going to 2011 when I got my ASN anyway. Then I can work for the 18 months to 2 years needed for my CRNA program, and while working, I can decide if that is the path for me as well as researching MSN and NP degrees. Thanks for the suggestion....You are my new angel Friggle, and I am glad for that. I honestly never even thought about that possibility before. Thanks again.

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Gee, that's not very nice to be "sceptical". It is a long road that includes many steps and I wouldn't want to miss any. And besides, this is an INFORMATIONAL forum, is it not? Here I can gather the information, talk with other CRNA's, all the better to make an actual decision. I have been researching this topic for a year and feel it is what I would love doing. I've been in the healthcare field for 11 years, and my FAVORITE times are when I get to go the OR, esp. the CVOR. But, as someone who is not a CRNA and who is just beginning to gather information and go to school, I wanted to gather the appropiate info. I don't want to make a mistake that could hold my progress up by a longer time than necessary. So, anyone else who wants to be helpful and give me actual information, feel free. I appreciate it. VeeGee

No, I don't have my Bachelor's degree yet. Like I said, I am just starting out.... And to the other poster, thanks for the advice and all I quoted was the minimum reqs. for the program I wanted. I certainly hope to do better than 950 on the GRE. As for work exp., I do plan to apply at 18 months, but I have 9 years in the health care field right now, so I hope that helps. Thanks again. Veegee

Thanks so much. I am going to have to add that to my TO-DO list. VeeGee

OK, so I have been reading the posts and am just now starting on the path to my ADN....But, I would like to get an idea of what I will need to prepare for apllication and enrollment to a CRNA program. I like having my ducks in a row. I will list what I have seen so far, but if I miss any, let me know so I can add them to my list. 1) Basic Life Support (CPR, BLS) 2) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) 3) Pediatric Advance Life Support (PALS) 4) Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) {Is this one test inclusive for adults, peds, and geriatric? Or are there seperate tests for each sub specialty?} 5) My Graduate Record Exam (GRE) I know I need 18 months ICU experience, three letters of recommendation {2 from RN's}, two transcripts, 3.0 GPA, 950 on my GRE, and a really good essay. If I have missed anything, please LET ME KNOW. I want to be ultra prepared! Veegee

:idea:I am just now starting down the road to my CRNA. First associates degree, then bachelors, then CRNA masters. I should be done in the next 6-8 years. Just wondering if someone can give me more details on what a CRNA does everyday. Something more than "administers anesthesia and monitors patients" would be nice. Is it a grueling, back breaking work? I am not afraid of hard work, but would like to know what I am getting into. Right now, I am a registered Echo Tech and my favorite time is when I get to the OR. I would love to ask the surgeon to let me take over for a minute (hehehe) Maybe in my next life that is what I will be. Anyway, I find the OR fascinating and I think it so powerful and amazing to literally be responsible for a patient's life. It certainly would hardly ever be boring, depending on the cases. Anyway, I need data......Anyone know any CRNA's in NC that would let me interview and shadow them as I start down this road? And by the way, I am 33....I don't think any age is too old to start over, but I am a little concerned about my ability to this work into my forties and fifties. ny thoughts on this..... I guess that about covers my questions for right now. As I think of more, I will post them. VeeGee