am i smart enough for a CRNA?

Published

I really want to be a CRNA. I am just wondering how smart you really have to be to be successful as a CRNA. I feel im am average or above average in intellect. I have heard the material isnt really THAT difficult its just a lot. can anyone give me some insight as to what the program really entails. thanks!

you wouldnt be saying that if you met a nurse i work with over in general preop...this nurse had half a brain...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, CPICU, RAT, Current SRNA.

Once you complete all of the CRNA prerequisites, you will have an idea if you can cut it intellectually. After all, the prerequisites are there to test whether admission boards believe you have the work ethic, intellectual capacity, and personality to be successful in their program

With that being said, you are thinking way too far into the future. You need to graduate nursing school (BSN) with at least a 3.5 on 4.0 scale, pass the NCLEX, get hired onto a critical care unit at a respectable hospital and work there for a few years, obtain your CCRN certification, and get a respectable score on the GRE before you even apply to graduate school. Certain programs may require you to take organic chemistry or biochemistry prior to application. I know this is difficult, but you need to slow down. At a minimum, you are 6-7 years ahead of yourself.

One step at a time. Focus on getting accepted into a good nursing school (BSN program) right now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care and ED.
Once you complete all of the CRNA prerequisites, you will have an idea if you can cut it intellectually. After all, the prerequisites are there to test whether admission boards believe you have the work ethic, intellectual capacity, and personality to be successful in their program

With that being said, you are thinking way too far into the future. You need to graduate nursing school (BSN) with at least a 3.5 on 4.0 scale, pass the NCLEX, get hired onto a critical care unit at a respectable hospital and work there for a few years, obtain your CCRN certification, and get a respectable score on the GRE before you even apply to graduate school. Certain programs may require you to take organic chemistry or biochemistry prior to application. I know this is difficult, but you need to slow down. At a minimum, you are 6-7 years ahead of yourself.

One step at a time. Focus on getting accepted into a good nursing school (BSN program) right now.

This. It's getting there that's the hard part. Experience in critical care, a certification or two, and a perfect GPA, and THEN think about being a CRNA. By all means aim for it, but immerse yourself first in the experience of getting there, not make it the only goal. Use the time to learn as much as you can about critical care and being a good critical care nurse. Just getting a job in ICU is often the stumbling block. You can achieve anything you want, and i hope you do, but that takes dedication, sacrifice, humility, hard work and determination.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MSN, FNP-BC.

Your experience as a CNA translates very little to the experience you will get as an RN. Being a nurse is much MUCH more than you lean in nursing school.

Why not go get your nursing degree (BSN would be preferred), work as a nurse for several years and take this time to hone your skills, increase your knowledge, and become the best damn nurse possible. THEN think about CRNA school.

If you have to ask now if you are smart enough....the answer is no.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MSN, FNP-BC.
This. It's getting there that's the hard part. Experience in critical care, a certification or two, and a perfect GPA, and THEN think about being a CRNA. By all means aim for it, but immerse yourself first in the experience of getting there, not make it the only goal. Use the time to learn as much as you can about critical care and being a good critical care nurse. Just getting a job in ICU is often the stumbling block. You can achieve anything you want, and i hope you do, but that takes dedication, sacrifice, humility, hard work and determination.

yes Yes YES!!!!!!!!! The critical thinking skills that you learn in an ICU cannot be taught in school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MSN, FNP-BC.
Well I used to work as a CNA but currently work as a cardiovascular technician in a medical center where I do diagnostic testing of the heart. I have done my research on what a CRNA does. I do plan on shadowing a CRNA in the future but earning my BSN in my priority right now. Ive been reading forums on the course work for the programs and I know they differ from state to state so I guess I will just have to wait and see.

Here's an example of what a nurse should know with the experience that you just stated you have.

It's great that you can do this but do you know what it means?

OH crap! My patient is having frequent PVC's.......what am I worried about that could happen next and what am I the nurse, going to do about it? WHY is my patient suddenly having PVC's? What arrhythmia do PVC's lead to? What kind of orders do I expect from the docs? Labs? WHY? If my patient goes into that next arrhythmia, do I run for the crash cart?

What is the effect of PVC's on the heart such as Cardiac Output and Stroke Volume?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion