So, why do you want to be a CRNA?

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Specializes in Anesthesia, ICU, Oncology.

So, why do you want to be a CRNA?

I am looking for what people answered to this question and what they are planning to answer. It is kind of like asking why do you want to be a nurse. Aaaaa, I like to take care of people. Really, what would you answer?

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So, why do you want to be a CRNA?

I am looking for what people answered to this question and what they are planning to answer. It is kind of like asking why do you want to be a nurse. Aaaaa, I like to take care of people. Really, what would you answer?

I am guessing you are referencing the interview question. Just be honest. They will be able to see if you are sincere or not. My reason was that all of the aspects of my job that i like are in anesthesia + some. More independence, more responsibility, hopefully less mess! :) They asked me directly about the money also. I was honest and said I think anyone would be lying if that weren't a factor. I want to have a more secure financial future....etc.

Just think about it and you will find the reasons that you want to do this. I liked critical care nursing, the things that I like are a part of anesthesia (monitoring, titrating, etc)...the things i didn't like are bye-bye.(poop, crazy families, crazy patients, etc) At least they may be crazy, but not for long! Hope this helps.

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No offense, but this thread subject sure gets asked a lot. It just seems like people know they want to be a crna before they know why, lol :smackingf

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No offense, but this thread subject sure gets asked a lot. It just seems like people know they want to be a crna before they know why, lol :smackingf

Good point!

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It's hard to verbalize this kind of thing sometimes. I STILL don't think I can tell you why I wanted to be a nurse. I can tell you why I wanted to be a CRNA though. The admission process demanded that I know that, both for myself and for the interview committees.

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So, why do you want to be a CRNA?

I am looking for what people answered to this question and what they are planning to answer. It is kind of like asking why do you want to be a nurse. Aaaaa, I like to take care of people. Really, what would you answer?

Well, when I finally get there...I'm planning on telling them about my personal experience as a patient. I've had to have multiple surgeries (on my back and my feet) and starting having...umm I guess you would call them reactions to the anesthesia, or the surgery. I scream incoherently and have excruciating pain afterwards. The anesthesiologists I have had :stone (I know they're very busy and all...) shoved pills at me and sent me out the door..well that's what it felt like anyway. The last time I had an awesome CRNA. When I had my usual reaction, she stayed with me, calmed me down, dampened my pain, and got my vitals back to normal when I was beyond scared. I figured she had a pretty awesome job:cool:

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I STILL don't think I can tell you why I wanted to be a nurse. I can tell you why I wanted to be a CRNA though.

Haha, so true!

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Specializes in Ortho, surgical, ER, ICU, Transportation.
It's hard to verbalize this kind of thing sometimes. I STILL don't think I can tell you why I wanted to be a nurse. I can tell you why I wanted to be a CRNA though. The admission process demanded that I know that, both for myself and for the interview committees.

LOL!!! That's awesome :rotfl:

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Specializes in ICU.

I think most of the nurses entering anesthesia (who already work in the ICU) do so for similar reasons:

Wanting to take the next step to advanced practice nursing

Looking at the options available

Finding out that CRNA's work autonomously from physicians

Realizing that CRNA's take ICU nursing to the next level (hemodynamic monitoring, IV gtt's....)

Becoming excited about learning to do more invasive procedures (spinals, lines...)

Feeling that anesthesia is a natural progression from ICU nursing

Find out how much money CRNA's make...

Apply

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I am so glad you asked this question! I thought I was the only one who had a hard time answering this in a detailed manner. I feel like saying, "I just know that is what I want to do. Why does there need to be some long drawn out answer?" I would love to hear other people's answer. I would also like to know what CRNAs like about their job. Every CRNA I have ever met absolutely loves his/her job. There are not many people who love their job...it makes me wonder if they are being completely honest.

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I recommend shadowing a CRNA. I did this a few times and it really helped me come up with an answer to that question that was honest and personal to me. It also prepares you for the "what is inside the scope of a CRNA's responsibilities?" or "what all does a CRNA do?" questions.

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It is so cool reading ALL of the above responses. I have interviews coming up for several schools and think about everything I am going to be asked, including, the above question. It is kind of funny because I feel that becoming a CRNA would fulfill my dreams and is almost like a calling. Is that ridiculous? That is the best I can sum up in 1 sentence versus 100. I love challenges, the whole titrating drips, working with hemodynamically (if that's a word) unstable patients and fixing them.....Reading and hearing all these responses just keeps motivating me. Good luck to everyone!!!

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