Qualities of CRNA - sorry so long

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Specializes in Cardiac and Medical ICU.

I've been on this board for years. I started asking questions when I started as a fast-track student in a BS-BSN program. That was back in 2007. That program was more difficult than I thought it would be. I finished with a 3.6 GPA but more notably, it beat the dream of becoming a CRNA right out of me. It was probably the fact that I was a full-time student and poor at the age of 26. If I thought undergraduate nursing school was difficult, I couldn't imagine what it would be like in a CRNA program that's designed to take you to the breaking point. I graduated in December 2008, passed the NCLEX the first time in 75 questions and started Jan. 2009 in a Cardiac ICU. Now, as a new grad in an ICU, it has been difficult but a great experience. I'm always learning something new everyday. I'm surrounded by an outstanding network of RNs for support. I have found myself truly enjoying learning pathophysiology, anatomy, pharmacology, and disease processes.

Two nights ago, I was talking to a new hire that had worked in the OR for 2 years as a circulating nurse then start in my unit to gain experience to apply for CRNA schools. She knew first hand what all a CRNA does, so I started asking her questions. I knew they had autonomy but didn't realize how much. I didn't realize the skills they used in the OR, i.e. inserting art lines, intubating, and on some occasions floating swan-ganz catheters. My eyebrows perked up. Next thing I know, I find myself in the exact same position I was in prior to nursing school - researching the role of a CRNA. I come to this site a lot for advice and to read questions I have and, more importantly, to gain insight from those that are already in the role.

With that said, I know that CRNA school is tough and you have to have incredible work ethic to make it. While doing a fast-track program and working part time, I'd like to think I have that work ethic. I know it's a huge financial sacrifice, if I decide to go on further with this idea, that will be something I and my wife will have to discuss. My question to this board: What other qualities do you think are necessary to become a GOOD CRNA. I've never been the type of person to just "get by." If I do anything, I do it to the best of my ability. I bought a nursing managment book for ICU patients that I keep outside my patient's rooms. On my slow nights, you will see me reading up on how to manage my patients and how to best care for them. (God knows on night shift, it's more the nurse than it is the resident on-call) I've found myself loving a&p more and more. I can't seem to get enough. That seems to be the only way I understand new concepts. I want to go to grad school and I know I have it in me to do so. I'm now debating on CRNA route or MSN/MBA route (my previous degree is a bachelors in business administration.) Seeing what a Nurse manager does on a daily basis makes me want to stay closer to direct patient care.

So I'll end by repeating the question. What other qualities do you find it necessary to possess when being a CRNA? Thank you for your time in reading and answering my post.

Rich, RN

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Specializes in Cardiac and Medical ICU.

Perhaps I asked a bad question or worded it wrong.

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No its not that, it takes a little while to get responses on this board. Be patient. I too, am looking forward to the replies as this is something Im interested in knowing. Try posting this same thread on the CRNA inquiry board. There are more CRNA's hanging out there, and you'll get a response sooner an much more of them. Use the same title. Qualities of a CRNA but... don't go into too much detail as a non CRNA or your thread will get bumped back into pre-CRNA inquiries.

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Specializes in Neuro & Trauma ICU.

I will be starting my CRNA program next month. I can tell you that I interviewed at 2 schools, both of which would looking for similar qualities in the candidates.

1) Experience: no matter how literate you are, it's the hands on experience that counts most. Someone who has aggressively sought a high paced critical care environment & then used that experience to their advantage to learn all about invasive monitoring, vents, gtts, etc is the type they want.

2) Personality: assertive but not aggressive; one of the questions asked of me since I was a 18+ years ICU nurse- "How will you handle going from expert to novice?" They want people who are able to step back from that leadership role in the ICU and be open minded, willing to try new things, and not be argumentive when they don't agree with their preceptor/instructor. For instance, if you are the OR with a preceptor & they ask you to give a med dose that in the ICU you would NEVER give, you wouldn't want to argue but rather ask them to explain the rationale so that you can better understand because anesthesia med admin is completely different from ICU med admin.

3) Flexibility: e.g. a instructor has drilled one method of doing something in your brain, then you go to the OR and your preceptor wants you to do it their way which is totally opposite of what you were taught in class. Being flexible enough to understand that there are many ways to do things.

4) Time management: you must be great at time management in the ICU before considering this career.

5) Endurance: though I'm not there yet I have friends who are & know that it will be the most mentally & physically challenging role of my career.

6) Financial responsibility: yes, they will ask you about this! Work is strongly discouraged & you obviously must be able to get the financing for school. Unless you are independently wealthy you can be guaranteed that you will need to take out private credit based loans in addition to your government students loans in order to meet tuition. For fall & spring I had to take a additional $12,000 in private loans to meet tuition above & beyond my Stafford. There will be more to come after that.

Hope this helps you.

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Specializes in Cardiac and Medical ICU.

hypnos,

Thank you for taking time to read and answer my question so thoroughly. It's extremely helpful information. Good luck with CRNA school.

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