Starting a Plan to be a CRNA

[Angela.CRNA2B]

I have been reading over all the post and I have a couple of questions. 1. Working While in School. I am a single Mom and I will have to work. I can pick when I want to come in but I want to plan where it will not affect my classes. Any Suggestions? 2. How long from start to finish does it usually take to become a RN-NA. I have planned to get my BSn from the same school I plan to apply for NA school (which is 30 months). I have been working in healthcare in the Critical Care field as a AIde just to get my feet wet and see first hand the health care environment and I love it. Are there areas In a hospital I can work to be exposed to CRNA's or should I ask them if I can shadow?

I am trying to stay very organized and make a clear path so when I have obsticals I won't be so discouraged or surprised! 3. I was planning to become a MD but I fell inlove with CRNA's and what they do as for as getting ready for CRNA school like you prep for MCATS for 4 years join organizations get experience volunteer, is there anything I can do to make my chances of getting in better? besides grades, are there any books or sites that will help me along like Pre-Meds have Med school prep books are there any out there for those of us who want to be CRNA's?

Thanks A Million!!!

[Jbrock718]

Angela,

If you haven't already you should read the 'sticky' post here:

https://allnurses.com/certified-registered-nurse/read-first-crna-26690.html

Read in particular the sections on working and paying for school.

Most, but not all, CRNA schools require GRE (Graduate Record Examination)scores. It is a general test but one that a person can prepare for.

Hope this helps.

[Jdog19s]

Some programs do not mind there students working during the first year when it is all didactic work, but when clinicals begin for the next 2 years, it is a full time job. I have heard of some people working per diem through an entire program, a day or two a month. To make that first year easier though, you should take some of the CRNA classes at the school that you want to go to to get them out of the way. Most programs allow you to take 9 to 12 credits so that the first year of school is that much easier and you can work more often.. after that, just sign those loans because it is all worth it when you get into a program.

[webmansx, ASN, RN]

Baby steps, first lets get the RN..then go from there, it much less overwhelming when you take little steps at a time.