MGoldRN

Thx for the feedback all. I actually registered to start from square 1 with the chem. I kinda figured this would be the route I had to go. Just wanna make sure I'm prepared for the advanced topics later on.

So, I've been a longtime lurker on allnurses, specifically the CRNA forums. I'm looking for a bit of insight regarding my situation. After several shadowing sessions with a few CRNAs who I work with, I have decided to pursue my dream to become one. I am currently an ICU nurse w/ 5 years of experience (MICU/SICU). I am in the process of studying for my CCRN (hopefully will take the exam in the near future), and I plan to study/take the GRE shortly after. I have researched all the schools available to me here in CT. But, I am curious about the chemistry requirements. Since I first started college, I obtained my nursing degree in a bit of a "roundabout" way. Specifically relating to my chemistry requirements. The chemistry that I took (CHEM 111 - Principles of Chem), allowed me to complete both my ADN & BSN. Now that I look at prerequisites for CRNA school, I notice that gen chem & orgo are a must. I planned to take an orgo at a local community college, or even attempt one online w/ an online lab. However, these courses usually require that gen chem 1+2 have been completed. I did speak with an advisor at a local community college who stated that exceptions for admission to orgo can sometimes be applied. However, I do not want to take a course that I will likely do poor in due to my limited previous chemistry studies. Due to this unique situation, I do not think applying to CRNA school for would be feasible. Also, if I do have to start from square one with my chemistry studies, I may be looking at a long wait just to satisfy those requirements. On the plus side, a year of prep would allow me more time to bank as much money as I can before applying. If you were in my shoes, what would you do? I know that anesthesia has always interested me. The shadowing experiences solidified my assumption that I could see myself in that setting. Is anyone else in a similar situation/have you experienced this? I know it's not particularly a race to the finish line here. But, I am certainly not getting any younger, and my other science credits will most likely need to be refreshed. I almost feel like I waited a bit too long to begin with. I'm just looking for the most direct route to apply without wasting anymore time.

Cliff, This post really cracked me up. I love browsing through this site to see the various insights of the nursing field. I'm just getting past my first year of nursing on a cardiac/telemetry floor (which has now seemed to turn into the dumping grounds, med-surg, dementia, nursing home, cardiac, telemetry, behavioral health, and hospice floor). I can definitely say that I relate to a lot of the things you mentioned. I have to keep telling myself something has to give, and perhaps I am just in the wrong care area. I am in the process of transitioning to CCU with the hopes that my boss and fellow co-workers will make the job a little more pleasurable. However, until that point in time I have to keep fighting with what's left of my sanity, emotional stability, and job satisfaction. I can't truly say that I HATE nursing, as hate is particularly strong word. I do however feel that I have a sour attitude toward nursing in general. I don't quite regret my decision to go into the nursing field, seeing as I probably would despise a "corporate America" job. However, bedside nursing, micro-managing, attitudes from co-workers, the "I don't give a **** morale", and just about everything else you listed, does make a person question their job satisfaction.

Sure, I feel it is necessary to quickly state the patient's current hospital course (even though some shift care summary reports will state the admitting dianosis). Code status is definitely a must. The patient's mentation is important. Pain is relevant to know. Any kind of tubes that you mentioned. Skin status is often overlooked, and I feel that it is important to note. Ambulation status is sometimes overlooked as well. However, I often think of ambulatory status as an important factor. Relevant labs and whether or not measures were taken to rectify them. A quick overview of the patient's plan is always helpful. I always try to think of it this way, do not sound like a verbatim account of the patient's chart. Just let the report flow naturally and make it systems-oriented just like an assessment. The emergency dept in the hospital I work at has an awful time reading the patient's ED chart verbatim while giving report. On many occasions, I have had ED nurses tell me, "Hold on while I pull up the chart so I can read it to you." I had to stop one time and tell them this isn't nursery school, and I do not need bedtime stories read to me. I told them to please tell me about the relevant interventions you have provided in the ED, and if you are unable to do so then please just send the patient up. I don't know if this particular style of report has to do with our ED practicing in "team nursing." Which is essentially one nurse never has a full assingment, they all swap tasks and mingle between rooms. Call it chaotic if you ask me.

Thank you, I'm sure a little luck and a lot of optimism go a long way :)

Thought I would chime in on this topic since giving report is done so many different ways. At the hospital I work at, management is making the push to eliminate nursing station reports. The new drive is to do bedside report with SBAR style folders/worksheets. Some units are doing better than others with compliance. The telemetry unit that I work on is probably the least compliant. The folders that we use for patients often have incorrect information, outdated notes, and lack sufficient SBAR quality. Some of the nurses attempt to do bedside report, but it usually does not work out too well for us. Unfortunately, most of us are creatures of habit, so we enjoy a good verbal report. However, while I do enjoy verbal report, I am a huge advocate for eliminating unnecessary information. One of my biggest pet-peeves is when a nurse receiving report expects a full h & p. As some of the other posts noted, I find it relevant to communicate a brief synopsis of the patient's status, how they ambulate/toilet, iv site w/ meds, telemetry strips, relevant labs, plan, code status, skin integrity, and any other relevant information. I think it is redundant to speak about every single XRAY the patient had, the full history, and what the patient ate. I get so frustrated when people bend my ear for 15 minutes about information that I can clearly read myself.

Appreciate the response. A few years ago I had an experience shadowing a CRNA during a clinical rotation to the OR. Instead of following the circulating nurse, I chose to follow the CRNA. The type of responsibilities and actions of his job intrigued me. I definitely take heed in what you stated about picking a specialty that best fits your personality. Thanks for the tip

Hey all, So I have browsed allnurses for quite some time, but never made the decision to join until recently. I have some questions regarding the path to becoming a CRNA. Perhaps I am looking for a bit of guidance from people who have already completed this career movement. A little bit about me: I am 24, and I really never thought I would become a nurse. Hell, come to think of it I never thought I would graduate high school. Anyways, I began my schooling in a community college geared toward an AS degree. It wasn't until my last year of AS that I started to develop a love for biology. One of my bio instructors mentioned that I would be a good nurse. So, I started taking classes to fulfill pre-reqs and the rest is history. I completed my AS with a 4.0, then my ADN with a 3.9. I am employed on a cardiac telemetry unit at a community-style hospital. I have been on this unit for almost a year now, and it has given me the opportunity to become ACLS and telemetry certified. I am currently enrolled in my online RN-BSN, and will be finished next year (thanks to all those nonsense classes I took during my first AS degree). The unit that I am on is closely linked to our MICU. We are the only unit allowed to float to the ICU, and most of us eventually get cross-trained. I have seriously been considering the road to CRNA. My goal is to transfer up to the ICU by the fall of this year. I plan to keep hitting my studies hard for my undergrad, and obtain my CCRN when I am eligible. I have always been somewhat of an above average student. However, I do need to brush up on my interviewing skills, seeing as I tend to be more of the introvert type. When I finish with my undergrad, I plan to use the time to absorb as much ICU experience I can get. I also plan on taking some of the chem and bio courses that may be required prior to the application process. So, there you have my life story and my current goals. I suppose I haven't really spoken to many people yet, and I currently lack the guidance/support. Does this sound like a feasible plan? Any recommendations or things I should keep an eye out for?