Scared to mention even the slightest interest in CRNA progams?

kristou · Jul 16, 2010

I am a pre nursing student and I feel the same way. I make those people my motivation to make my dreams come true. Good luck to you.

blondielocks · Jul 17, 2010

Sorry for barging into your forum, but since you were wondering why nurses in general make those condescending remarks, I think I can give it at least a partial explanation.
Unfair though it may be, there are enough pre-CRNA or students who make it very clear to us that the only reason they are going to nursing school at all is to get their ticket punched on the way to CRNA status, that something of a reputation has formed. We aren't here to crush anyone's dreams.
It can be summed up in the following, "I don't want to be a nurse. I want to be a CRNA." Nurses, especially those with decades of experience, know that the advance practices were developed out of a strong foundation as a registered nurse, and it is irritating as hell for ICU nurses especially, for it to be so openly regarded as a set of nuisance hoops one must jump through to get to the pot of gold.
I don't see why you would avoid posting or asking questions, though. There is so much random verbiage here you have to wear hip-waders, but the real-time networking and support is difficult to replace. Ignore the naysayers and move right along! Best wishes.

Thank you for your well spoken and civil response. Makes more sense when I look at it from that perspective. :)

kvisintine, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2010

Nurse156,

Thank you for such honest feedback. I can definitely appreciate your perspective. I know that if someone came into my work environment and declared that they were only there to gain experience to move onto something different, I would not have much patience or respect for him or her.

It is a dilemma, for those of us who are pretty sure that becoming a CRNA is what we want to do... unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any other path. Any suggestions on how one reaches their goal without offending others in the process??? Nursing (as well as becoming a CRNA) is a profession that I feel pretty strongly about.

I lost my son to cancer after a 6 year battle. As an infant he spent close to 3 months intubated in the PICU... I became very familiar with the PICU and oncology floors and developed close relationships with several of his nurses... during this time, I began to think that nursing was where I belonged and considered switching careers. After my son's death, I researched nursing and waited 3 more years until my youngest was in school to ultimately make the decision to go back to school myself. My experience with my son's the NICU, PICU and surgical teams shaped my opinion on what specialty I wanted to focus on.

I interview this fall for an opportunity to complete my BSN through an accelerated program. I was told not to even mention my goal to the school interview panel. I was also cautioned not to mention my goal to anyone after graduation when I go to look for a job. This negativity and rejection from the academic and professional community has my doubting whether or not it is worth it to switch my career paths. These roadblocks that may be difficult to overcome, because they are based on emotions and perceptions, and no amount of skill or ability may change that.

I am 40, with a family who is committed to supporting my choice to change careers, and by my calculations, if all goes right, with waiting list times included, at best, I will be 48 when I graduate. I am already in a job where I make close to six figures (engineering)...so it is definitely not just about the money. I worry that if the wrong person were to find out what my goal is, they may have the ability to decrease my opportunity by either not admitting me into the school of my choice (even though I have great grades), or by not allowing me to have the chance to gain the experience I need to move on. This perplexes me, because for a change this big, into a career this challenging, I think one would be foolish not to already have their long term goals developed.

Sorry to vent, my frustration is not directed at anyone in particular, but the system in general. I am just wondering how to successfully navigate the system, to reach my goal??? The intentions of those of us who truly want to become CRNA's shouldn't have to be so secretive.

shandsburnRN-CRNA · Jul 18, 2010

I too once stood in front of my nursing class and shared my intentions to become a CRNA. I did this as a Paramedic coming into a nursing program, so I was already seen by some as an "invader" and when CRNA spewed from my mouth, I painted a target on my back in somes eyes.

Today, after an ADN program, 2.5 years in a Level I ICU, a BSN program and my Masters program for anethesia training I call myself a CRNA. I never kept my mouth shut about my intentions. I didn't run around and "brag" about what I wanted to do, but if it came up in conversation I never hid it. Now that I am a CRNA I feel no different, if that is your goal, why should you hide it.

Look at it this way. When a high school student or college undergrad voices intentions of medical school people applaud them. Why should it be any different for a RN voicing intentions of becoming a CRNA. As far as someone becoming a RN to get their "ticket punched" for CRNA school, this is no different than an undergrad college student in a "pre-med" track. What else are we supposed to do, to become a CRNA you have to become a RN first, and if you talk to a sincere, professional CRNA they will tell you, we are a RN first and then an anesthetist. We never stop being nurses, we have just specialized our nursing career to anesthesia.

So to all of those who aspire to become CRNA's good luck to you and be proud of your choice, don't worry about the haters. To all of those who have experienced a pre-CRNA student with a big ego, don't worry, IF they get into school they will quickly be put into place.

allnurses Guide · Jul 19, 2010

QUOTE=kvisintine;4421222]Nurse156,
Thank you for such honest feedback. I can definitely appreciate your perspective. I know that if someone came into my work environment and declared that they were only there to gain experience to move onto something different, I would not have much patience or respect for him or her.
It is a dilemma, for those of us who are pretty sure that becoming a CRNA is what we want to do... unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any other path. Any suggestions on how one reaches their goal without offending others in the process??? Nursing (as well as becoming a CRNA) is a profession that I feel pretty strongly about.

First, I am so sorry for the loss of your son. I was also propelled into nursing via a family member with cancer. My little 4 year old bro had (has?) was diagnosed with ALL, so I have some idea of how it can take over your life. It was the nurses at Children's Hospital who inspired me to make a reality of it, and the place I went to work as a new grad.

My brother was treated with what was a new protocol back in 1974, and he is now 40 years old. It felt good to know it was a success, and hopefully put countless other children with that type of leukemia on the road to recovery.

I hope you wouldn't change your plans because of a bunch of snide comments from people, that's for sure! They will only be in your life for a short time, and you will have a career for yourself when all is said and done, and they can yammer at the next person who comes along.

It seems to me that CRNAs get it from both sides (staff RNs and anesthesiologists) but they are your goals, and you have no obligation to share that if you don"t want to. Best wishes !!!:)

mildcigar_2001 · Jul 20, 2010

I hate to advocate the cowardly route (but I will). I would keep my mouth shut about CRNA hopes/dreams until you have graduated nursing school and have a year or two of ICU experience under your belt. It is sad to say but nursing tends to eat its young (and having expressed a desire to be a CRNA will not endear you to many fellow nurses). As staff nurses we have limited "power" and what power we do have, some of us use to excess. For example, at the ICU I work at there is generally a two visiter at a time policy and couple of bitter RN's make it their life work to strictly enforce the rule (even on other people's patients). As a general rule as long as it does not tire out the patient or impede my work, I could care less about the number of visitors. But the nurses I mentioned feel they have so little control over things that they have taken things overboard in this one little area they can control. With that in mind I would keep my dreams to myself or to my friends (early in your nursing career).