Questions for recent CRNA students/Grads...

[GoalFocused1]

Hello All,

I am a first year student in a BSN program. I have another BS degree prior to this. Up to this point, I have shadowed several CRNAs, an anesthesiologist, a cardiac ICU, spoken with more CRNAs over the phone, and contacted my state CRNA association in order to learn about the profession. From what I have seen and learned, I am driven to enter this field after I graduate and perfect my skills in an acute care setting. Right now I am working to achieve high marks, and applying to externship programs in acute care settings. My questions for the newly admitted student, or recent grad are:

1. What other things/activities did you do (or wish you did) to be best prepared for, and competive for entry into a program?

2. I have heard different things about what acute care setting is best for preperation. Who has been successful with what and why?

3. Other than cost and location, what have people found to be the primary differences between programs?

Any information that people are interested in sharing is very appreciated. Any other bits of info of course are welcome.

Thanks for looking/responding!

[loveanesthesia]

Hello All,

1. What other things/activities did you do (or wish you did) to be best prepared for, and competive for entry into a program?

2. I have heard different things about what acute care setting is best for preperation. Who has been successful with what and why?

3. Other than cost and location, what have people found to be the primary differences between programs?

1. Get at least 2 years of experience in a busy ICU, some programs may only require 1 year but you will be glad you have more than that once you start in the clinical area. Really understand the content in the core sciences in undergrad, if you have any C's repeat the class. Save some money and get your bills paid off, working a lot of OT in the ICU will help all around. Show some leadership by being involved in unit activities and/or professional organization activities.

2. An ICU in a teaching hospital is nice, they tend to have high acuity patients and the residents are learning and you can learn a lot in that environment. If the ICUs are very specialized, ie neuro, transplant, etc, get into the float pool as soon as you are comfortable in your unit. You'll add to your knowledge base, and the manger will like you for being a team player and hard worker. Good for the upcoming reference request.

3. Focus on the clinical experience available, ask if students share cases?how much regional, pediatric, OB etc experience is available? Wll you be able to rotate to sites with a variety of practice arrangements? Also investigate the attrition rate, some front loaded programs tend to loose a lot of students in the didactic portion.

Good-luck and soon you'll be on here giving advice to the next student!