Quickest Crna Route

Hello

I'm a junior in nursing school...and I'm 25 (spent some time in corporate america before I decided on nursing) --- this means I'll be 27 3/4 when I graduate with my BSN and my goal is to become a CRNA.

I'm noticing that some programs require up to two years of intensive care experience while others only require one year of experience. Also, as far as the CRNA program itself...I'm seeing them range up to 36 months!!!

Does anyone know the SHORTEST crna program out there? Are there any programs out there that transition directly from the undergrad level?

I don't want to be barren when I graduate LOL

PLEASE HELP!!!

Also the shortest programs are not always the most touted and solid programs. DOnt short change your CRNA education. You want to be confident with a solid foundation when you start your first job. In my opinion 2-3 extra months of clinicals in school def. cant hurt anything. Again making a descision on a program by the length of that program is ignorant. 2-4 extra months is nothing.

Oh yes! I certainly have taken the time out to shadow a CRNA --- I wouldn't be thinking about making such a time and financial investment if I didn't know for sure :)

Honey, I'm going to be 54 when I become an RN.

You are VERY young. Calm down, slow down, and enjoy the journey. Get into the right program, not the quickest.

I was in your situation a few years ago and was privileged to have had 3 interviews after graduation but each institution preferred I had just one extra year of icu nursing even though I had 13 years of previous medical experience in respiratory therapy. I was so focused on attaining my goal I became divorced over that by not wanting children before I was done with school. Believe me, I know how bad you want to just be done with school and start in your new career but like others have said, slow down, take as much information in as you can and dont forget to have fun, it will only help you in the long run.

I'm in the same boat as you, practically the same age. I chose to go to a 2 year school first and get my associate's so I could start working as an RN sooner. I plan to transfer to a university and get my BSN while I'm working on my experience in ICU. I've had mixed opinions on this route, but some have told me it is possible. Even if I don't get into ICU when I graduate I still won't mind working another year or two after my BSN. Just look at it like this, you can put aside money for CRNA school while you work. This way when you become a CRNA, you won't be $100,000 in debt.

I completely understand where you are at. I knew after a few months in nursing school that I wanted to become a CRNA and after talking to a CRNA and shadowing only futher solidified my goal. I graduated last yr. w/my BSN, I am in the ICU now, and at 24 yrs. old I don't want to be barren either when I am done with my schooling :) People tell me I am young and have so much time, but I don't always feel that way since I want to wait until after CRNA school to have kids. It is tempting for us goal oriented people (most of us I am sure) to only see the end in sight. I have had to remind myself to slow down, and that solid critical care experience while learning as much as I can now is essential for nurse anesthesia. Remember to have fun too! Even though it could initally be tempting to look only at how long the program is, this should not be a factor--there are many more important questions to be asking.

:idea::idea::idea:OK I need help. I am 28 years old. I have finally decided what I want to be which is a crna. The problem I am having is I think I may be too old to pursue this now? I am currently a financial planner and I hate it.. I shadowed a crna at BJC in Saint Louis MO and I loved it!! I am starting from scratch so I do not have any college credits or anything because I did not need it for my current position just licesnes. I want to do this more than anything but dont want to be 40 years old and just having a family or career. Any ideas what I should do? Am I too old to start from scratch? Please feel free to message me or replay on here. I appreciate all the help.

Thanks,

Bob

Bob,

You're not too old to start. There are CRNAs out there that started their nursing career in their 50s. It only takes desire. ADN=2-3 yrs depending on school and prereqs, BSN while working in ICU=1-2 years, CRNA school=3 years. Total=at most 8-9 years. Not too bad of a sacrifice of you really want it.

I heard its almostimpossible to get into crna school. Is that true?

CRNA school is difficult to get into for sure. Much more so than your average nursing program. Impossible? No. Difficult and competitive? Yes.

I heard its almostimpossible to get into crna school. Is that true?

Oh good lord people! it WILL be impossible if you NEVER APPLY because you think it's impossible. . .

I know rejection is horrible and sometimes you just would rather not try, but come one! if you want it bad enough you will do whatever is necessary to get in. I say all this with a smile

I'm 32 (dang, that looks old when I typ it!), and finishing my first semester of a 30month program. I had just under 2 yrs ICU experience when I started the program, so about 18months or so when I interviewed.

Get good grades or take some classes to improve grades if you're completed a degree already. Get good experience. You will need it! Do good in GRE. Get CCRN, ACLS, PALS for sure. I don't know what the magic number of yrs experience is. It's different for everybody and for every school, and by that I mean there is no magic number. Once you have a yr, or when you know you will have a yr by the time a prospective program would start, of experience you can apply. I say this all the time, but really, the worst that can happen is you don't get an interview, but all your stuff is together and ready for then next year when you have another yr of experience behind you and you are an even better candidate. If you keep telling yourself you can't do it then you are right, because you'll never do it.

Good luck! study/work hard. Shadow some CRNAs, decide if you really want to do it and then start taking the steps you need to get there --CRNA school or whatever it is you want to do.