berms123

That is great that you have an understanding of all of that. That is something I did not do and wish I had. As in regards to the flight class III, I was not trying to make you worried. It was nothing "physically" that I would worry about. It was just a long, extensive exam and I was told by others that it is pretty much the barrier between people being able to fly or not. Specifically, it is just way more in depth than your typical MEPS physical. I can't really think of anything specifically that would disqualify you, especially since you have seemed to cover your bases. There is a lot of info on the web talking about class III because its pretty widely used by most flyers. If you have anything else you would like to know, let me know!

Hi! I can give you some first hand advice since I did what you are planning on/are doing right now. First thing I would like to say is make sure the command of your unit understands that you are planning to attend CRNA school. I ran into big problems when I decided to do this. Most likely they will prefer you hold off of school until you have finished all of the required training (orientation, COT, flight school, SERE, etc..). Even after you are finished with training, they may not like the thought of you in school because flight nurses are not usually like a "typical" reservist. You need to keep up to date with certs and flying hours. So at the minimum plan on attending CRNA school up to a 1 to 1.5 years after you're assigned to your unit (the time needed to finish training can vary due to certain school dates and slot available). That's IF they allow you. They may not want you to do it at all, so if you accept the 3 year bonus (if its still the same) they pretty much make the call. Also, one of the more important things is actually passing the flight class III physical if you have not done that yet. This can make or break your goal of flying. You are still pretty early in the whole process so I would really think about your long term goals before you commit to anything. That is everything in a nut shell for you, if you would like anymore info or advice let me know! Good luck with everything!

I am currently a SRNA and I went into a large university hospital neurosurgical ICU out of school. It was not easy and was a huge learning curve, but it definitely can be done. Many people in my class did it as well. I applied to school about 1-2 years after and got in. I was in the same boat as you, I loved my experience in the ICU and the valuable experience I gained, but I had a goal and such an interest in anesthesia I thought it was time. As for anything else special in regards to making yourself more applicable...Grades, of course, are always important but they are not everything. Get certifications in your field (CCRN, TNCC, etc...), get leadership experience if you can (Charge nurse, hospital committees), and make sure you do as best you can in your unit. Also, showing the school you have an interest in them by emailing them, calling them, or going for a preview day can also go a long way. Anyway you can stand out from the other applicants is something you should consider. Good luck!

Most programs do not care where you completed your coursework or how rigorous other programs may have been. I know from experience and will agree with the other posters that it all can vary. I have had very hard CC professors in the past and easier professors at 4-year universities. That being said, it really varies from program to program. Grades are very important but they are not everything. A lot of programs, if not most, will consider you as whole. Meaning personality, extra certifications, committees you have joined at the hospital, experience, etc...But it ultimately it will fall on the people interviewing and what they take into consideration. I would recommend finding what schools you are interested in, emailing the directors or appropriate person and ask them what they look for.

wtbcrna- I too would like to attach to a special operations team if I were to join. I also searched the internet with little information. Would you happen to have any advice where to gain some info? Or possibly some one to contact? I have a lot of information I would like to gather, but searches have come up somewhat empty. Thanks!

SRNA4U: Hi! I know this post is a little dated for this year but it seems you would have the knowledge for the situation I am currently in. I recently was commissioned to be a flight nurse in April. I have not been through COT and I recently was accepted to CRNA school. I talked to my CO and he stated that he does not believe that I will be able to accomplish both school and my commitment to the unit. He mentioned of possibly dropping my commission. I would still like to stay within the military and I am looking for anyway to do so. I had a few questions. Would I be able to possibly transfer to another unit with possibly less time commitment where I could accomplish both? Is there any other program that I could be in while I school then possibly have a contract for when I graduate? Any help would be much appreciated!

I would if I could! Sorry the site will not let me.

I received a phone call yesterday as well! I will be starting in fall of 2014

I actually got a call yesterday and they offered me a spot!

Thank you for your response! Were there any complications? Or did you unit commander get upset? Could you kind of give me the timeline and process you had to go through for everything?

wtbcrna, Hi, I noticed you had information in AF nursing on a previous post but it was an old post so I figured I would try and contact you here. My question is concerning CRNA school and the AF. I have recently commissioned into the AFR as a FN. I have not attended COT, SERE, FN school, etc...as of yet. My question is this. An opportunity has come up where I may be able to attend CRNA school this upcoming fall, but as you can probably see my dillemma is that I have yet to complete all of my training and doubt that it will all be done by the time classes would begin. Is there anyway around this? Or any options or advice you could give me? I would really appreciate any advice! Thank you!

micaelap sorry this is so late. I honestly do not recall. I did a lot of research and pretty much searched everywhere. Emailed random people at times to see if they could direct me in the right place. I think you are confused about the difference. There is UIC and U of C, I am at UIC. Hope this helps!

Mercy RN sorry the site will not let me message you because I have not had enough posts but here is what I was going to send you Hi! Sorry to get back to you so late I have not been on here for a bit. My advice is perseverance to be honest. I know that sounds very cliché but it is the truth and has pushed me through a lot in everything. I was in the same boat you are. I applied to hundreds of jobs (seriously) all ICU. I know I did not want to be on a regular floor unit. Of course everyone wants to be at the big university jobs in Chicago but sometimes that’s not going to happen. Apply to everywhere you can. Then once you gain experience and network yourself, apply to other hospitals you are set on going to. Also consider researching for the contact info for directors of units. Email them, not begging for a job but telling them you are more than a piece of application paper and have much more to offer. Even if you could meet to just talk it will help. On regards to CRNA, I actually just received my first offer to interview. This was much harder than finding work. A lot does depend on grades, scores, etc… But to be honest my grades are not stellar and I got sick of hearing that and am not one to take no or failure as an option, so I did what I did with work. I emailed and emailed for months directors of programs asking what I can do to stand out and that is exactly what I did. Took graduate courses, got amazing ICU experience, and just passed my CCRN, along with other miscellaneous resume boosters. If there is anything else you need do not hesitate to ask me!!

Kika, Hi, first let me say do not get discouraged. When I finally had my ICU clinical and internships in nursing school I found out how much I loved it and that is what I wanted to do, then eventually pursue my goal as a CRNA. I know a lot of experienced nurses will frown upon a new grad entering the ICU but I could not see myself being happy in a med-surg unit. I applied to well over 100 ICU jobs (I am from Chicago) and kept on getting turned down so I took the matter into my own hands. I started to research directors in the large teaching hospitals in my area (Rush medical center, University of Chicago medical center, Northwestern University, University of Illinois) and explained to them that I am more than a piece of paper and would like to simply talk with them. This got their attention. I got an interview at the University of Illinois Chicago and eventually was hired a week later in a very high acuity and stressful Neurosurgical ICU and as of now we get a lot of regular Surgical ICU patients. One thing that stands out in my interview my boss told me that there were over 500 applicants for 1 position and what stood out was my email. Or else he would have never even taken a second look at my application. When people say that we should not be allowed to start in an ICU, I disagree. Yes, there is no substitute for experience and wisdom, but you can learn a great amount of information from a great preceptor. I am very successful in my unit being a team leader in our hospital wide task force and being charge nurse. It does take a great deal of hard work and keeping calm under pressure, but if that is your dream go for it and do not let anyone tell you any different. The best of luck to you! If you have any questions let me know!