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If your patients in the LTACHs ICU are as described (basically, sick and unstable) then I see no reason why it should not count towards the ICU requirements for CRNA school. However, the patients in the LTACH ICUs in my area are not like that at all. While they do have multiple comorbidities, they are not on pressors and are considered relatively stable. Pretty much the only reason we send patients to an LTACH is we haven't been able to get them off then vent, and even then, only if that is the only reason the patient is still in the ICU. The LTACHs here also regularly turn down patients because they are considered too unstable. With that being said, LTACH ICUs could be totally different elsewhere, that is just my impression of the ones in my area. I hope that helps

The only way to raise your GPA is to take more classes and get A's. Take graduate level pathophysiology, pharmacology, and statistics to show programs you're capable of handling grad work. There are others ways of improving your application such as obtaining certifications, excellent critical care experience, etc.

I don't think you'll have a problem getting in somewhere if you get good ICU xp,good GRE score, CCRN, and take grad classes like pathophysiology and pharmacology. While it is possible that some schools will toss out your app just bc your cumulative GPA is less than 3 I think they typically look at the whole application. If you keep up the good work it will be quite obvious to the adcom that those early grades are not reflective of your competence and commitment now. Also, there are a number of schools that only look at your last 60credits.good luck!

I have a friend that was accepted to UAB with a much lower GPA but otherwise similar stats. Just make sure you pass the CCRN and don't bomb the interview and you should be fine.

From the little research I have done on the matter, it seems as though the anesthesia programs that award a MSN degree w/ anesthesia concentration require a BSN whereas the programs that are a "master of science in nurse anesthesia" frequently just require a bachelor's degree

I don't know anything about UPenn, but if I were in your position now, this is what I would do: 1. Finish BA/BS in Biology and make sure your grades are stellar. Also finish taking nursing prereqs. 2. Enroll in Accelerated BSN program (they last anywhere from 12-16 months). At the school I went to there was no difference in cost between aBSN and traditional BSN but I'm sure it varies school to school. I don't know anything about the difference in financial aid if you have bachelors vs not having one. If you have good grades and are willing to do the work, there are frequently many opportunities for scholarships (I think I actually made money off nursing school) 3. Get a job in an ICU and become the best ICU nurse you can be. 4. Apply to anesthesia programs.

Stay at home Mom -- If your ultimate goal is to become a CRNA there is NO benefit in first becoming a NP. Anesthesia programs typically recent ICU nursing experience. If you work in the ICU then become an NP by the the time you apply to NA programs your ICU experience most likely won't be "recent". If you become an NP then apply to work in the ICU as an RN you likely won't get hired because why would an NP be working as an RN? There are no "distance learning" options for nurse anesthesia (as far as I am aware). Nursing prereqs can be taken online. While there are distance learning options for MSN and BSN, they still require "live" clinical experiences which would likely need to be completed in a facility that meets certain criteria. I have no idea if an international hospital would fit the bill. First step -- get your BSN. Focus on getting the best grades possibly as NA programs are fairly competitive. Start working in an ICU and then decide whether the NP or CRNA route is better for you. The amount of time required to become a CRNA is highly variable and depends on many factors. BSN -- 15-24 months (depending on whether its accelerated or not) ICU experience -- 12-24+months (required for CRNA) MSN in Anesthesia -- 24-36months Good luck

I guess out situations are somewhat different in that I am a guy. My wife and I considered getting pregnant during the program but decided against it for a variety of reasons. I know people have had children during school and have done fine, but it wasn't something we were willing to risk. We all hope for normal and healthy pregnancies, but that is not guaranteed. What if you decided to get pregnant during school but after six months you were placed on bedrest or your baby was premature and required time in the NICU? Anesthesia school is a big enough sacrifice as is, and I personally do not want to risk not being able to complete the program for whatever reason. I simply cannot afford it. I too, am applying to out of state programs and it will definitely make it harder not having the family support (that is something schools like to ask about). I think it will depend a lot on your spouse and the role he's going to take when you start school.In the absence of other family members, it could make of break you. My program is 28 months. I like the idea of a DNP (and will eventually get one), but at this point I need an income, so an MSN will have to do.

I'm in almost the exact same boat as you. I will be starting school in January, at which point I will have a 20 month old and a 3 month old. We too wanted to have a second child before school so that they wouldn't be so far apart in age. It's going to be very difficult, but I don't think waiting a few years would make it any less difficult. Bottom line, it's going to require a lot of time and sacrifice, but I think it will be worth it. At least if you go to school while they are young they won't remember it. Good luck

CPhT2RNstudent -- it appears as though don't have enough posts to be able to send PMs, but I think I can receive them. Would you be willing to PM me your email address so I can't ask a few questions? Thanks!

I'm planning on applying to ASU's program for the Jan 2015 start date. I've read a lot of great things about the program, and it sounds like the clinical experiences prepare graduates to work independently. With that being said, most of the threads about ASU are a few years old and my understanding is that ASU has a new PD (in the last few years). Are there any current ASU students (or very recent grads) out there who would be will share their thoughts on the program? Any and all information regarding clinical experiences, faculty/staff, or overall impression of the program would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!