Shayna24

I also have two semesters left in my BSN program, with my goal to become a CRNA. I have noticed the exact same thing at my university! Every other type of advanced practice nurse is recognized in our textbooks, lectures, etc. except for CRNA's. Our textbooks seem to be the worst on this, especially because they are representing nursing. I am young also but from reading and talking with a CRNA realize the "attitude" out there and that some nurses think CRNA's are leaving the profession. I really do think that a small part of it is that many nurses may not fully understand what it is. Several times in the hospital during clinicals or whatever nurses have asked what I want to do when I get out of school. I have told a few that becoming a CRNA is my goal and a couple asked what that was. You know if I had said an ARNP they would know exactly what type of nursing that is. If you ask this question at the national student nurses asso. post the answer they gave ya!

Thanks everyone for sharing your knowledge---I am much more educated now!!

I was just wondering...I know it is standard to have at least a year of ICU experience before applying to a CRNA program, but is any one better than the other? From what I have read on this forum ICU's w/vasoactive drips, swans, hemodynamic monitoring, vents, etc. are great. I am just trying to figure out which type of ICU would give me the best of this experience. I am a senior in my BSN progam, so I am still very green The major trauma hospital in my area has may types of ICU's--Surgical ICU, Burn ICU, Coronary ICU, Cardiothoracic ICU, and Neurosurg. ICU not to name them all. Would any of these be a better learning environ. and give be more expereice when applying to a CRNA program? Thanks in advance for the info!

Oh my, I am still so grateful I found this site--I have learned more here in ten minutes than in the last several months trying to find answers. Thanks for all the great info. For those of you applying to CNRA school, SRNA's, or working as a CRNA now, did you have children while going through the program? I guess this may be a silly question as I am sure many of you have, but how did you do it? I know it is pretty impossible to work more than per diem when in CRNA school--did your spouse/significant other support you and your kids? A lot of loans or help with childcare from family? I think this would be difficult especially if you had to move out of state where you many not have any family or friends. Just wondering, as I am thinking maybe I shouldn't have children until I get out of school or I am almost done--I am in my young 20's. Not that life ever goes as planned though! I was just curious how all the rest of you made it w/supporting kids. Oh also I was wondering--I have around a 3.0 or better for all my science grades (Micro, Human Anat., Physiology, Organic Chem.) and a 3.75 in my BSN program so far. I took a introductory cellular biology class early in my college career and did extremely poor--2.1. I didn't really know what I wanted to do at this time. My nursing program didn't even require this class. I am just wondering if it would be a good idea to retake this class before I apply to a CRNA program, when I am getting my ICU experience? I would love to hear your opinions--thanks :)

I am currently a senior in a BSN program and my goal is to become a CRNA. I want to prepare now, and I was wondering are their any associations/volunteer experience, etc. that would look good when applying to CRNA school? I am going to shadow a CRNA this upcoming year, and I am going to try to get into the ICU as fast as I can, but is there anything else? I am trying to build for my application now! Any info. would be great--thanks :)

Thanks for the info! I am planning on looking into the hospital I want to work at which is a teaching hospital.

I am currently a senior in my BSN program and work as a nursing technician on a med surg unit, and am committed to working there a year after I graduate. I am thinking about cutting my year early though because I want to work in ICU and that is what really excites me. I was wondering for you experienced people out there, do you think it would help me get a job in ICU if I had some certifications, classes, etc. that are related before starting? If I took some EKG classes, got my PALS or ACLS certification, etc. before getting into ICU? I am just trying to set myself up so I will be able to go straight into the ICU after having about 6mo. experience as an RN. Any suggestions?

Thanks for the information :)

Hi, I just posted some questions about CRNA programs a couple day ago on this forum and got the best information yet!! (TraumaNurse's response was great) I am so excited I found this place:) I still have a few questions for any of you experienced people-- 1. What is the difference between a front loaded CRNA program and integrated program? 2. What are the pros/cons or differences between a university based program and a hospital/anesthesia school with a university affiliate? 3. Is a MSN more prestigious than having a masters in another field w/a major in anesthesia? 4. If you take the GRE and do bad for whatever reason, and try applying to a CRNA program that does not require the GRE do you still have to show them your scores, or will they have access to them? Thanks

I am currently a senior in a BSN program and I also have staffords but needed more help, so I took out an alternative loan. I applied for mine through citibank and have been very happy with them so far. Their website for student loans is: www.studentloan.com Also looking into different scholarship oppertunities through your school or through outside programs is always good though this can take a lot of time and effort.

Hi, I am currently a senior in a BSN program, so I have a long journey ahead of me to become a CRNA, but I am up to it, I hope! I am going to try to get the best ICU experience I can, and work hard to keep my GPA up and get good GRE scores, etc. What I was wondering though is how did you who are SRNA's or going to be applying to programs decide which ones to apply to? I believe there are around 80 or so schools in the nation, and that they are all a bit different. I live in WA state, and there is only one CRNA program that only admits about 7 people a year. Crazy--I won't even apply there with those odds. So no matter what I will have to move out of state, and think it would be fun to live in a different part of the country for a couple years. Sooo pretty much any of the continental states would be fine with me except for maybe a few midwest ones.Are there any web site that lists all the CRNA schools in the nation, compares them, gives the focus of each school, each schools requirements, etc? Are there some schools that would be better to apply to if your strength is your GPA or not? If you have high GRE scores, or if you have lower ones? Some schools that don't lean on years of experience as much as others? It would be a huge project to individually research even 30 or 40 schools, but maybe that is what I'll have to do. Any suggestions? I know I have a million questions but would love to hear from people who have gone through the process:)