Routes to CRNA

Riburn3, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP · Dec 21, 2009

The fastest route would be to finish your current degree and apply to an accelerated BSN program. It usually takes 1 year to 18 months to finish the accelerated BSN, and it largely depends on the options you have available. For example, there are three universities where I live with accelerated BSN programs for people with degrees, and two take 12 months and one takes 16 months. There isn't a way to become an RN before the BSN if you go this route.

You should also check the schools you are applying to because many don't require a BSN to apply as long as you have a bachelors in a science field, and will be perfectly happy to accept an ADN trained RN with a chemistry degree (TCU for example). The problem with the ADN route is there aren't too many accelerated ADN programs, and it actually might be faster to become a BSN if you have the option for the accelerated route.

After that just try and get onto a unit where you get to take care of patient on vasoactive drugs, and preferably a unit where you get to do lots of hemodynamic monitoring like a CVICU or SICU.

mohamma1 · Dec 22, 2009

Thanks for the reply.

I thought that the best idea would be to do an accelerated BSN program. I figured a BSN would be more beneficial in the long run. So lets assume that I graduate with my BSN. After I graduate, I take the state exam to become and RN. Then I work in and ICU unit for a year. And apply to a MSN in Nurse Anesthesia.

Right?

One year good enough for the school requirement, but in terms of being prepared should I work in an ICU longer than a year before applying to a MSN program? Because I've read some people suggest 3 years. Even though my goal isn't to complete it as fast as possible, I don't want to spend alot of time doing something that is unnecessary.

mohamma1 · Dec 22, 2009

Thanks for the reply. Are you a CRNA?

After I get my BS in chem, at that point wont getting my ADN and BSN basically require the same work [the nursing aspect]. I feel like a BSN will be more valuable in the long run.

I've read some people recommend 3 years of ICU work, is that really necessary? I'm sure you get more accustomed to the work, but in 1 year should I attain the necessary skills/experience?

murse04 · Dec 22, 2009

If I were you I wouldn't even worry about getting a nursing degree at all and go the Anesthesia Assistant route. Same job, same pay, but I am not sure if you would have as much autonomy. Something to look in to though since you are not a nurse yet. If I had it to do all over again that might be the route I would have taken.

loveanesthesia · Dec 23, 2009

Same job, same pay, but I am not sure if you would have as much autonomy. Something to look in to though since you are not a nurse yet. If I had it to do all over again that might be the route I would have taken.

Are you serious? In a handfull of practices it's the same "job" with the same pay, but it is definiately not the same career. If you want a career in anesthesia then CRNA gives you that. Many AAs ask how they can become a CRNA, but you'd be hard pressed to find a CRNA who wants to become an AA. AAs have a limited number of states where they can get a job, CRNAs can practice in any state. AAs can get a job in only an ACT, CRNAs have a variety of practice arrangements available to them from the ACT to an indenpent solo practice. The days are numbered for the ACT, it is financially and logistically impractical. More and more CRNAs will practice independently as employees of an anesthesiologist. That type of practice will survive because it makes sense when you look at the bottom line, and money drives pratice.

mohamma1 · Dec 24, 2009

Sorry for the double post, I didn't think I sent the first one.

But anyway, I agree with loveanesthesia. I had previously read about AA's and I feel like the time saved in school is quickly overcome by becoming a CRNA. Besides I feel like I'm short changing myself if I became an AA as opposed to a CRNA.

But what's your opinion about my above question about time spent in the ICU?

murse04 · Dec 26, 2009

WoW! loveanesthesia, I knew that AA's had less autonomy but I didn't know about the ACT, thanks! So I guess that AA would be the bad way to go then I suppose. I was also just told that CRNA's get a lot more respect compared to AA's becuase usually AA's are for people who didn't get in to med school...I dont' know. I am currently working on getting in to anesthesia school, just got hired in a SICU where they get tons of open hearts (sweet!) I am hoping to learn all that I can and definitely plan on speding at least two years in there before applying...we shall see though...To the origional person who started this post I wish you the best of luck in you endevor and it sounds like you have got your priorities straight :)

loveanesthesia · Dec 26, 2009

As for the amount of ICU experience, I think at least 2 years is worth it. It takes at least 6 months to get into the swing and start getting the complicated patients. If you then are leaving for anesthesia school in a couple of months you'll often start getting assigned the chronic patients so they can start training the person that will need to take your place. Another way to look at the time spent in ICU is enjoy the time, take some great vacations, save some money before you get into the intensity of an anesthesia program.

As for the AA role, in the recent past there has been renewed interest in promoting AAs, partially due to the fact there was such a shortage of CRNAs. Now we are graduating many more CRNAs than 10-12 years ago, we've gone from 900/year to double that number. Some in the CRNA community are concerned it's too many, but one consequence will be it removes the most compelling argument to promote the legal recognition of AAs. There must be some misleading information on the internet about AAs, I just had a similar discussion with a HS student who had a lot of information about AAs but was completely unaware that they couldn't work in our state, and any nearby state.