1st semester as a SRNA

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Just wanted to find out what the new SRNAs think about their 1st semester. How are things going? What is the hardest part so far? Just curious, I do not start until the fall.

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Specializes in MICU & SICU.

In two words; life-altering. I think that no matter how hard anyone tells you something is, you can never appreciate really what that means until you assume that position yourself. Besides every program is different, front-loaded, back loaded, class with clinicals, clinicals and no classes. I have learned that Grad school comes at you at almost two times the pace and depth than undergrad. Adapt quick because if not you will make climb on the mountain that much tougher.

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Specializes in critical care.

My first semester as a SRNA was unpredictable and fun...So many emotions from excitement, fear, and the thought of having to be a student again...The transition from ICU RN to student is weird...you are remodeled into a person making decisions from a person that followed them out...

It is also VERY tiring! You and your class have high expectations of yourselves as well as your instructors..Getting to know each other and creating bonds in study groups is very important. Finding a good study strategy on saving time and studying effectively was hard...There never seems to be enough time. Theres always more material to learn.

The frustrating thing is that there are soooo many books to choose from as sources...to complete school work. All of the books are right...the doses are numerically different but ranges close. It is hard trying to apply things before going to clinical...Pick a few sources you like and stick to it..It is hard to focus when there are so many options and ways to do things.

Second semester physiology gets even harder but now clinical is happening...APPLICATION of first semester classes like principles,pharm,anatomy,physiology, physics is kicking in...Wahoo! SO FUN!

First intubations and experiences in the OR range from mindboggling to life altering...now I am just in a sweet torture of being so tired and happy to be in clinical...time is going by fast. The weekends just fly by! The school work is hard but pays off if you keep at it. The education seems to layer on top of itself. The more you study in the beginning (first semester) it will help you as the classes go on...It also shows in clinical.

Balance is key to having fun and thriving in school. There is a reason why nurse anesthesia school is so hard but, just trust the process there have been many before us that have done the same thing...

Hope this helps...

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Thanks for posting! I start this fall and can not wait to get started. What program do both of you attend?

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