Quickest Route Possible

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Was anyone out there able to become a CRNA via the quickest route possible? 4 years BSN, then hired into an ICU as a new grad and working for 12 months before being accepted. I realize this is tough, but I'm just trying to find out how possible it is.

I also planned the FAST route. I had a BA in psych/sociology and decided I wanted to be a CRNA (never desired to do bedside nursing, just wasn't my thing). Worked as an ER tech for 6mo before starting a 1 yr accel. BSN, couldn't get into ICU as a new grad so worked ED for 8 mo and got my ACLS/BLS/PALS. I was finally hired into a Level 1 ICU, re-took Chem 1&2, worked for 6 mo before applying CRNA schools. I recorded interviews to both schools in my first round of applications, and accepted to the first one that accepted me. I started 4 mo later and am now the end of my 2nd semester.

I agree that more experience is better, however the extra time was not something I personally desired to give up. I am very driven and a "go-getter" so I intend to increase my experience base by taking on extra cases during clinical, because I know this area is important.

I wish you he best of luck whatever path you take! Just remember, if you do want the fast route be aggressive in attaining ANY and ALL extra certs/classes/shadowing/ect available to make up (on pqper) the lack of experience.

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Hello, I have a B.S. Biology, do I need to still have a BSN before applying?..I am planning to apply to an associates program or BSN..Unfortunately, my bachelor gpa is not great. Does the program look at your bachelors gpa and your nursing gpa combined?..Thank you for your help!!

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I believe so. There may be a school or 2 out there that don't require a BSN, but none I know of off hand. Every school is different in the way they view your GPA. When I was researching CRNA schools I found that some used every class you've ever taken into account, some only used your last 60 cr, and others viewed certain classes higher such as your science GPA.

This website gives an overview of schools and those with exceptions, like if they take low GPA's, ER exp, bachelors that isn't a BSN, ect:

http://www.all-crna-schools.com/

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Thank you so much!!...today I challenged and passed my CNA both exams. I want to get some experience before I apply to nursing schools, I am aware the CRNA route can take some time before applying. I only know that my goal and dream is to be involved in the health field if eventually is being RN, CRNA or Pa..I will be happy either way:)...thank you lovescoffee!!..:) thank you for the info!!..

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Specializes in Transplant/Surgical ICU.

Yes it's doable, my experience is very similar to SRNA 2011, but I knew of two people from my old unit that got in with 6 and 8 months experience (at time of acceptance). The one with 8 months worked in public health prior to nursing, no certs, but they may have had really good grades.

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Thank you so much!!...today I challenged and passed my CNA both exams. I want to get some experience before I apply to nursing schools, I am aware the CRNA route can take some time before applying. I only know that my goal and dream is to be involved in the health field if eventually is being RN, CRNA or Pa..I will be happy either way:)...thank you lovescoffee!!..:) thank you for the info!!..

sil2012, you're very welcome and congrats on the CNA exam! Experience and exposure are great before starting school. I remember in my RN program the people that hadn't been a CNA/tech/ect took longer to get acquainted to the in-hospital setting. Feel free to PM or email me if you have any questions! :yeah:

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