jamieblu

I had the same questions when i started, so maybe I can help you out. There are multiple degrees awarded for differing CRNA programs. So many initials, it gets confusing. The best way to narrow it down is by determining if you have the slightest interest in teaching or continuing your education. From what I can gather there are three types of programs. 1. University based within a school of nursing: MSN You need this if you are ever planning to obtain a doctorate of nursing, DNP or PhD 2. University based within a school of medicine: MSNA, MSA, etc. You can still go back and get your DNP, etc with this, but you will have to go back and take all of those MSN nursing core classes. 3. Non university based; Hospital programs: MSA, MSNA, etc. The most important thing with these programs is to make sure the program is regionally accredited! If not, the degree will not transfer to a university at all. The program may be accredited by the COA/AANA but the degree will not be 'recognized' by a university. Basically, all the programs = CRNA Again, it all depends on your goals. I chose the MSN path, because I want to continue my education one day, and like the idea of my program being within a college of nursing. There are some great programs out there in each of these categories, it just depends on what fits you. Hope this helps

I think it really depends on the school. Some weigh the GRE very heavily, while others do not. Call the schools you are interested in and ask.

Congrats!!!!! :balloons::balloons::balloons:

Agree... The rationale for giving bicarb in a code is to correct acidosis. No breathing, means too much acid--bicarb can help correct this (in addition to ventilation). Hey SFRN-- Just out of curiosity, I would like to move to SF after school (many moons from now). Is there a demand for CRNA's in SF?

yumyum, No need to be concerned. I was in the same position. Just do your research on each school you apply to. If the program is through a university that is regionally accredited and also accredited by the AANA, you should be fine. Another thing to consider: If you are planning to get your PhD or DNP (nursing doctorate) you may want to apply to programs that offer a MSN with a concentration in anesthesia as opposed to all of the other degrees (MSNA, MSA, etc.). This will save you a step and keep you from having to take all of those MSN core classes after you graduate (which you will need to begin your doctorate). All of the degree information and programs can be found on the AANA website. Best of luck, jamie

This is not exactly true. Gooding Institute in Panama City FL is not a university based program. There are no universities in the area. They are approved by the AANA to grant the MSNA only as a single degree institution. The degree is not a university degree or regionally accredited so the major difference is that when you graduate you will be able to take boards like every other program and practice as a CRNA, but you may run in to trouble transferring credits, and most colleges would not consider the masters degree legitimate in terms of completing your doctorate. I don't know of other programs like this, but I'm sure they exist. Basically, if you EVER think you may go back for a doctorate, etc. you need to attend a university based program. If CRNA is your goal and you know you will never go back to school, a hospital based program would be just fine.

Alex, I work in the north tower ICU which has a medical, neurosurgical, and surgical section. All of the nurses rotate to each unit so you get a great range of different experience. I have known people that have worked in the CVICU/CCU on the other side and have gone on to CRNA school. I really couldn't say which side is better, but it seems like the school I will be attending liked the fact that I had a broad range of skills. Each side has pros and cons. We don't see any IABP, swan ganz but do get the sick as he*l trauma patients. I graduated from athens tech with my adn in 2006, finished my bsn with mcg this last spring and start crna school this january. I have worked in the icu since graduating so all in all it will be a little over two years experience upon entering the program. This seems to be about the norm for length of experience. I have also worked over the last year busting my behind on multiple committees, CCRN, GRE, etc. I have known one girl who has gotten in with one year experience off an alternate list, so it can be done. Two years experience is a safe bet if you have everything else in line. It has not been an easy journey to get to where I am at, but totally worth it. Once I started shadowing, it all fell into place for me and I knew it was where I belonged. Anyway, sort of rambling on here... I will be glad answer any questions you may have. I think (professor) is taking me to lunch after the lecture, so it's possible I may see you. Please pm me for email. I probably won't see you if you only have one clinical day in the icu, but if I'm there stop by and we will chat. I mostly work weekends

Oh BTW, I will be speaking on the "nursing panel" on September 15th 10-12 for the incoming junior students. I would be glad to speak with you about my journey to SRNA-dom. Let me know if you will be around and I will be on the lookout for you. -Jamie

Hi, I work at Athens Regional in the ICU. I am not a CRNA... yet. I have been accepted to ECU's CRNA program and start this January. I waited until I had a little ICU experience before shadowing, I think you may get more out of it this way. Plus, you will meet some CRNA's along the way, just grab one and say "hey can I shadow you?" Most of them are more than happy to. Good Luck. I loved SONAT and all of their professors. I completed my BSN there.

SadieC-- I see you are from Athens--do you live there now? I work at ARMC in the med-surg ICU and start ECU's CRNA program this January.

You should definitely consider taking the CCRN. It will give you brownie points for sure. As for the GRE, if you don't do well the first time, study and take it again. The second time I took it I did 50 pts better without even studying. Maybe because I was less nervous? Who knows... I also would call the director at MCG to ask what you can do to make yourself a better candidate. It's a good way to find out exactly what they are looking for while making your name known. When application time comes around the PD will know your name. Good Luck:twocents:

I will be attending a front loaded program which is very mac friendly, so by Spring 2010--I may need a new phone anyway. Good luck with your new pda. It will be hard to say goodbye to the little iphone guy...

I have an old iphone (not the 3G). I downloaded the new software and it has Epocrates Rx, but that's about it. Hopefully in time the programs will become available. Ideally this will happen before I start school in January. I am too attached to change to a PDA!

The only advice I can give you is to shadow both. Once you see what a CRNA and an FNP do, you can make a decision. ICU is a great place to start as a new grad. ER offers good stuff too, but you learn like crazy in the ICU setting. You will have excellent experience no matter what field you decide on. In my opinion, if you decide not to do CRNA, go the NP route. Why be a PA when you will never be able to practice without a physician or have prescriptive authority? Everyone hears those comments that you speak of regarding CRNA practice--but if it's what you want to do, who cares? Just my opinion as a pre-srna... You will need experience for both, so use the time to squeeze in some shadowing and good luck!

I applied to WCU, Samford, ECU & Duke. I haven't heard from WCU, Samford or Duke--but it doesn't matter now because I accepted a seat at ECU! Wooohooo!