srna0126

Think of it this way: If there IS an anesthesia school that would accept a small, largely non-acute ICU as adequate experience, would you want to attend there, or graduate from such a program? You want to be in the most successful environment you can place yourself in, to get into a successful program so that you in turn are a successful CRNA. Get into the largest, most acute ICU setting you can. Spend at a minimum one year in that ICU. CT, Trauma, Medical, makes little difference. Those with more cardiac experience need to learn more medical complications and treatments during school, and vice versa.

I'm a srna who just started school this summer, and will start clinical work this fall. IMHO, if the University you are attending will allow you to hold up and jump in with next year's class, I would seize that opportunity. I have a hard time giving this advice as I am a male who only has to deal with this issue in that: my wife and I had our first child before I got accepted. VERY glad that I did not start school until now; baby is 2 y/o and vastly easier to deal with. I was more exhausted the first two days and weeks after the baby was born than the entirety of my intense studying thus far for school. In your case - again it sounds like less stress is good for you due to your history. Best of luck in your decision making, and in your endeavors in school!

Some schools will offer a standardized scholarship to their anesthesia students to offset costs. Where I am from there is an expensive school who awards all their candidates who gain entry a scholarship. The school I was accepted to is much more economical and less expensive - but no scholarship. So it just depends on the school itself. I would contact the director of the program to find out what students typically do to make ends meet. Some schools will partner up with facilities and are able to offer their students stipends throughout the duration of the program contingent upon an x number of years contract upon graduation with that facility. In my personal situation: I am looking at around 35 K in loans upon graduation. Not bad considering what I stand to earn upon passing boards. The rewards of being a CRNA (I have been told again and again) are immense. It's up to you alone what will or will not stop you from achieving that goal. Best of Luck!