Strontium

Thank you everyone for your advice...lots to think about and all of you have very valid and good points.

Happy2learn- they are telling me that I can't apply until 2013....yes it makes no sense...but alot of these classes require other classes before that one, for example Anatomy and Physiology are only possible after taking Gen Bio and Intermediate Algebra, same with Chemistry and Microbiology...also at this Community college, they only offer these classes at certain times of the year, making it even more challeging to finish earlier.

Yes, I thought about that..and it may be a good possibility. However, I went into the ADN/ASN program with intentions of being able to work sooner and get my BSN, while working. I will have to decide by the end of August what I plan on doing...thank you for replying anonymurse

Hi Everyone, I'm in a difficult dillemma and need some advice cause all this worrying is about to burn a hole in my brain. I'm 28, and for the past ten years been in the travel industry with no health care experience. In 2009 I was laid off, and decided to go into Nursing as its always been a proffesion I admired; but never had the balls to do it until the devastating lay off. Jan 2010, I enrolled in a community college and recieved full financial aid. That spring semester I took 13 credits, all pre-requisites towards the nursing program for application later on. Over the summer I took 6 additional credits (all pre-req) and this fall looking into 18 more credits. Now, this is my dillemma... The state in which I live in requires us to do all pre-requisites before applying into the Nursing program so that when in the program, all concentration is on the Nursing curriculum. Keep in mind that most of these pre-requisites are very time consuming because some courses require pre-reqs of their own. After meeting with my advisor, I was told the shocking reality of how long it will take being a full time student to even apply into their Nursing program. We are talking not until 2013! Once in (if you get in) it's an additional two years. This is ludacris. I don't know if its just for the state of CT or what, but they are telling me, that I will be prepared to appy for Nursing school in 2013, and then an additional two years tacked on? So, to get my Associates Degree a two year program, really will take me 5 years? When employers see my ASN....they have no idea as a full time student I actually spent 5 years at that community college. Not two years. Now..what should I do? I'm unemployed. I have a mortgage, and barely getting by. I have invested full time into school, and know that I cant do that for 5 years and survive. I have a protective fiance who is covering the expenses until I graduate, and he knows now the reality of how long that will take. I noticed that Florida Keys Community College, I'm not sure if there are any others out there that are the same as FKCC, but They tell me that I can apply into their Spring 2011 Nursing Program, because I have fulfilled their pre-requisite requirements. CT requires about 15 or so pre-req's while FKCC requires 3. Should I do it? So that I could finish faster? Most of the classes I have taken in CT are fulfilling their requirements so thats less time wasted. Living in Key west should be easy for me, as I lived there for four years before, so I understand how expensive it can be, but you make great money waitressing part time. Thats how I did it before. Fiancee not too thrilled about this option...but then I could start working as a Nurse sooner...than sitting around here for 5 years. By the way CT...sucks for jobs right now...cant find didly squat. Perhaps I should do the CNA course in the fall, and then move to FKCC for the spring courses? I need your help, this is so fustrating... I appreciate those of you who have read my whole story.

Thank you to the individual who emailed me. I'm all set with writing my paper now, very much appreciated!!

I think it depends on the school your applying too, in regards to holding a BSN vs. a B.S. in Biology. They have an accelerated program for those holding a Bachelors, to obtain a BSN. You would have to talk to a school's advisor, and find out about that program and work it within your schedule, if thats the path you must take. Since you have your ADN, you can work while you obtain your BSN, and most employers will work with tuition reimbursement. As for CRNA schools, especially in Connecticut, the candidate must have at least 2 years ICU/ Critical care experience before applying. (This you can do while fullfilling your BSN requirement if needed) They must also have 2 professional letters of recomendation, and I also know that during the interview process they will ask any questions pertaining to your knowledge in an ICU enviroment, (In regards to procedures and drips etc). I hope I helped you in some way, at least.

Hi everyone, I'm somewhat new to allnurses.com as far as posting anything. Although once in a while I would type in a question into Google and allnurses.com would have the answers I have been looking for and I bet I may have an answer to this question too. First off, let me apologize to anyone if this has been posted before, although I doubt it unless an individual that posted was in the same class I'm in now. I'm in search of a CRNA that could help answer some questions (Interview Style) for a paper I must write for my Nursing class. Personally, I do not know any CRNA's but I know many post on here and this is why I'm trying. The students in my classroom can choose any type of Nurse, but the profession that I'm striving for is a CRNA, so I thought it would be appropiate to interview one. If you're interested, and I would be so grateful for your time; please email me the response, or just post in response to this one as there may be others needing this information as well someday. It's up to you. Below are my questions that I would ask you. 1. What are your daily responcibilities as a CRNA? 2. What is your educational background? 3. Why did you choose this particular path, and what educational/professional development activities do you attend? 4. Did you have prior Nursing jobs? How did you end up in yours now, and would you do anything differently? 5. Identify 2 professional challenges as a CRNA or within your nursing profession. Thank you so much for your time (Those who chose to participate!!):)