RN, BSN, and CRNA?

trixietl · Aug 24, 2008

Your easiest route would be to apply for a 4 year nursing program (BSN) instead of getting an associates in nursing and then a bachelors. I don't know what classes you took, but some you may get credit for to apply towards your nursing degree. An associates program is 2 years, the BSN four years. The only way I would do the other route (associates, then BSN) would be if I needed to work asap. That way you can get your associates (takes 2 years) and start working while you are taking classes to complete your BSN. There are also programs out there that are RN-MSN, meaning you can get your 2 year associates, start working as a nurse, then enter that program to take you the rest of the way through.

A LPN (licensed practical nurse) is obtained in one year. You have much less responsiblity than a RN, and the pay reflects this.

The route I am taking: I am a Diploma RN. That is a 3 year program usually offered by the old hospital nursing schools.They are dwindling quick and I don't recommend doing this because now I am almost done with my BSN but I had to take alot more classes than an Associates. You would think having 3 years of schooling would make this the opposite, but Diploma nurses spend alot more time in the hospital at the bedside than in the classroom. Anyway, I am completing my BSN online (this I do recommend, only be sure the program is accredited). I will be done in February. Meanwhile, last January I started the process of applying to the Army anesthesia program. I was accepted conditional upon completion of my BSN. Before you can apply to a CRNA school, you have the take the GRE (graduate entrence exam). You need to study for it. These scores are looked at by the schools. Also, each anesthesia school is unique, but all require that you work at least 2 years if not more in the critical care setting. Competition is fierce because many of the applicants have 5-10 years of critical care experience. I have 15 years, all critical care and open heart. Also, having your CCRN will help. This is a certification in critical that requires you to take an exam. You need 2 years of critical care experience before you can sit for the exam. Hope this helps.

sarahneeyah · Aug 26, 2008

Go for your BSN. I have my AAS in nursing, and I am presently working on my BSN. If you can afford to , and does not need to go to work right away, go for your BSN instead. Some of the classes you will need , you already have now. I was an LPN for 11 years before I became an RN. I worked in NJ, so I was making as much as $30h, but I had no benefits, and I worked like a dog. After 4 years of not seeing my pay go above $30 an hour, I knew that I would be stuck with that 30 bucks for the rest of my life, and I was getting bored. So, I returned to school, and became a RN. I am already bored because I am not being challenge enough, and CRNA school is my next challenge. Don't waste time with your LPN if you don't need to, go straight for your BSN, you will be glad you did in the long run.

MB37 · Aug 28, 2008

I have a BS in psych, and I went directly for a second BS in nursing. I went to an accelerated program, an option you won't have since you have an AS, but there is no need to get an ASN first. Many first time in college students major in nursing from the get go and earn a BSN by 22. There are many reasons people choose to get an ADN instead of a BSN, but it certainly isn't a requirement. If you want to become a CRNA, you'll need a BSN at some point for the majority of programs.

APwips · Aug 28, 2008

Also, each anesthesia school is unique, but all require that you work at least 2 years if not more in the critical care setting. Competition is fierce because many of the applicants have 5-10 years of critical care experience. I have 15 years, all critical care and open heart. Also, having your CCRN will help. This is a certification in critical that requires you to take an exam. You need 2 years of critical care experience before you can sit for the exam. Hope this helps.

Most CRNA programs require you to work a minimum of 1 year ICU and you can take the CCRN after about 1 year full time work (1750 hours). Check out the AACCN website for more info.

Also, Most BSN programs don't go through the summers, so the summer before you graduate is a great time to take the GRE. And as soon as you meet all the requirements, just go for it and apply. These programs are competitive but there are lots of people on this board who have gotten in with minimum time requirements.