JoYang

I was at a bookstore the other day and noticed US News and World Report has published 2007 ranking for CRNA programs. However, in the magazine, they only listed #1-#10 schools. Anyone has any ideas what the rest of list looks like?

When I interviewed with the schools, I had only 9 mo. experience (yes, including the required 3 mo. orientation period). I got in 3 out of 5 schools I applied, and waitlisted for 1. If the school thinks you are ready, they will accept you. That's why there is an interview process. The requirements for admission are clearly spelled out on the school's website.

I got an e-mail too. I am deciding among UMDNJ, Georgetown, Samuel Merritt, or waitlist at Kaiser... this is more stressful than interviewing...

Thanks everyone for the reply. I still haven't decided if I want to become a CRNA, following traditional path or not. The purpose of my post is to find out the pros and cons of being a CRNA. Could any of you CRNAs/SRNAs let me know why you initially decided to go for it and why you stayed with it? and are there any negatives in this profession? Columbia, the school I applied to, told me there is an intern period after BSN to let the students get some acute care experience. I was surprised when I first found out unlike other programs I found, one year nursing experience wasn't required. Unfortunately, there are only 8 spots per class.

There are very few schools with a 3 year BSN-MSN in nurse anesthesia program. I am sure that Georgetown and Columbia both have this type of program. I think there is a third school which I can't remember the name of right now. That program requires students to obtain 1-2 years of critical care experience after BSN, the go on to the MSN phase.

I have volunteered in ER and OR, and also worked in a pediatric clinic as a medical assistant. Even though I am working as a scientist/chemist right now, I am also on call as an ER tech. I am certain that I want to take on nursing as my career, but not certain what specialty I should go into. There are master programs (usually three years) out there for people with a non-nursing BS/BA degree and wish to become a nurse. After the first year of the program I am accepted into, I will be given a second BS (i.e. BSN). The second and the third year is the second phase, for the master degree. So I am just looking for some advice from CRNA's to see if CRNA is a more interesting career than ACNP. Could you tell me why you find your work enjoyable and fulfilling? Thanks for the reply.

Hi everyone, My name is Josephine and this is going to be my first post on this board. I have a BS in Biochem and was accepted to Columbia's master program for non-nursing BS/BA holders. My first choice of specialty is Nurse Anesthesia. Unfortunately, I was put on wait list but was allowed to pick any other specialty. So, I am trying to decide if I should go for another specialty (e.g. Acute Care Nurse Practitioner), or should I somehow get into a CRNA program (wait and reapply, defer 2nd phase and work for a year then apply to other schools, or apply for post-master cert. after this program). I would love to know why you decided to become a CRNA, and what job satifcations you can get from working as a CRNA that other careers cannot offer. I know CRNA makes good money, but I don't want money alone to determine what I want to do. I would also like to listen to your honest opinion on any down side of being a CRNA. Thanks in advance for your reply.