CRNA school hopeful!

allnurses Guide · Oct 19, 2010

Hi, I am a 24 yr old registered nurses looking to eventually become a CRNA. I currently have my BSN (graduated with a 3.2 gpa), I have 18 graduate credits for ANP ( currently with a 3.8 gpa), I have 1 yr critical care experience and 2 yrs med surg experience, I will be taking my GRE's next week and I also plan on taking my CCRN in 2 months. I also have PALS, ACLS, and BLS certification. I plan on applying to atleast 10 different schools in the upcoming year and I'd like to know if there is anything else that might make my application stand out. I know the more experience the better , but I was thinking by the time I start the program I d have 2 yrs critical care experience. Please let me know of any suggestions. thanks alot

You may think about getting your TNCC and becoming an instructor for ACLS and/or PALS.

Since you plan on applying to 10 schools I can tell that you really want to goto nurse anesthesia school, but you may not have all the facts about the different nurse anesthesia schools.

1. Do you want to go through an MSN program (through a nursing school) or a Masters in Anesthesia program (your degree is through a non nursing school so no nursing theory/nursing research etc.)? Both have their pluses and minuses, but in general going to a non MSN program your studies are more focused on anesthesia instead of "nursing fluff" classes. The problem with not going to non MSN program is if you ever want to get your DNP this may cause problems later on. Otherwise it will have no impact on your day to day job as a CRNA.

2. What kind of CRNA do you want to be? Do you want to be an independent CRNA with no anesthesiologist guidance/control, something in between, or just a "stool monkey" doing whatever the anesthesiologist tells you to do while writing down VS all day and getting paid well.

3. Are all the programs going to teach you enough regional neuraxial and peripheral blocks to become proficient by graduation? Don't be fooled by programs that say you will learn that after graduation, because most employers will not have the time to teach you or it won't matter because the anesthesiologists are doing all the blocks. Are the programs going to teach how to do stim and ultrasound guided regional techniques?

4. What is the difference in the tuition and fees at all these different schools, and are you going to be able to afford the tuition no matter which school you get into? You should plan on being out of work the entire time you are in school.

5. Have you looked into the stats (passing scores, attrition rates etc.) at all these schools? Have you been able to talk to former and current students at all these schools to determine if this is school you want to devote every waking hour to for next 2-3yrs of your life?

These questions aren't just for you, but anyone looking to pick out a nurse anesthesia school. Most people usually narrow down to 3-4 schools they really like and go from there.

I think you are on the right path.

loveanesthesia · Oct 19, 2010

1. The problem with not going to non MSN program is if you ever want to get your DNP this may cause problems later on. Otherwise it will have no impact on your day to day job as a CRNA.
quote]
There will be no probems with getting a doctorate-DNP or other-with a MS in Nurse Anesthesia

allnurses Guide · Oct 19, 2010

1. The problem with not going to non MSN program is if you ever want to get your DNP this may cause problems later on. Otherwise it will have no impact on your day to day job as a CRNA.
quote]
There will be no probems with getting a doctorate-DNP or other-with a MS in Nurse Anesthesia
The DNP programs that I have looked at require an MSN for admission.

loveanesthesia · Oct 20, 2010

If you contact them, most will accept someone with a MS in nurse anesthesia. I know 3 people currently in doctoral programs with a MS in nurse anesthesia.

allnurses Guide · Oct 20, 2010

If you contact them, most will accept someone with a MS in nurse anesthesia. I know 3 people currently in doctoral programs with a MS in nurse anesthesia.

Still the stated requirements are to have an MSN. Whether it ends up being a real problem or just limiting your school choices for a DNP is hard to say it is just something to consider in the long run.

MCleeezy · Oct 20, 2010

I am ready to devote the time and effort to become a CRNA, ive been planning for it since i began nursing school. Ive been saving a huge chuck of my paychecks for the past 3 yrs just so I'd be able to pay for CRNA school with out and debts and still keep the same lifestyle that Im use to. besides being a CPR instructor, is there any thing else that any one could think of to make my application stand out?