Should I finish my BSN before or while working OR/ER?

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Okay, let me explain my question quickly:

I want to become a CRNA. I just got accepted into nursing school, where I am pursuing my Bachelors in Nursing. The same university also offers the CRNA program I plan to attend. I am trying to make up for lost time, as I took a wrong turn in my first decade of adult life and chased after an unrelated career that is going nowhere. The CRNA program requires a Bachelors, plus at least a year's experience in the OR/ER.

In my jurisdiction, I am allowed to take the boards and begin practicing after getting an Associates.

So, here is my question for nurses with experience on the ground:

  • Should I concentrate on just blasting through my Bachelors and getting a job in the OR, waiting a year, then applying to the CRNA program?
  • Or would it be wise (remember, I'm trying to make up for lost time) to take the boards after the Associates portion and begin working the OR/ER so I can immediately apply to the CRNA program upon completion of my Bachelors?
  • Do nurses with only the Associates portion get treated differently or have the support that full BS nurses have? It's not that I can't take the heat, I just don't want to divide my efforts if it's not worth it.

I am working full-time at my day job and studying full-time at night. I am desperate to get out of my day job as soon as possible, as I feel very strongly that the company I work for is about to go out of business. My wife is very supportive of this career shift, but she has only been able to find a part-time job in this economy, so that's a factor too.

Any input would be appreciated.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

I think as long as you are doing well in your classes that you should start working right after you get your associates.

The COA requires a minimum of one year of critical care experience, so I am not sure how your school is letting students in with a year of OR or ER experience.

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Thank you very much for making that important point. I am not sure why, but the CRNA program here makes no distinction; it asks for "One year experience as an RN in intensive care, OR, or ER." The program is COA accredited, according to their brochure. This is a link to it: http://www.arecibo.inter.edu/programa/anesthesia_brochure.pdf.

I will definitely bring up your question to my professor next time I see her.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
Thank you very much for making that important point. I am not sure why, but the CRNA program here makes no distinction; it asks for "One year experience as an RN in intensive care, OR, or ER." The program is COA accredited, according to their brochure. This is a link to it: http://www.arecibo.inter.edu/programa/anesthesia_brochure.pdf.

I will definitely bring up your question to my professor next time I see her.

This is a new requirement in the last year from the COA. I would contact the school and see what they have to say.

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