Path to CRNA??

Nursing Students SRNA

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I am currently in the middle of an Acute Care advanced practice program which does not offer CRNA certification. I am planning on getting the prerequisite experience in an ICU environment when I am done with this program, so I can get into a CRNA program elsewhere. Is this a long-winded way of getting there, or does my plan look about right, given the circumstances (i.e, no prior RN experience).

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
I am currently in the middle of an Acute Care advanced practice program which does not offer CRNA certification. I am planning on getting the prerequisite experience in an ICU environment when I am done with this program, so I can get into a CRNA program elsewhere. Is this a long-winded way of getting there, or does my plan look about right, given the circumstances (i.e, no prior RN experience).

Check out the pre-crna forum. It should answer your questions. Also, check out the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists web site. http://www.aana.com/BecomingCRNA.aspx?ucNavMenu_TSMenuTargetID=103&ucNavMenu_TSMenuTargetType=4&ucNavMenu_TSMenuID=6&id=110

There is not a quick way to becoming CRNA.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Thread moved to Pre-CRNA forum.

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Specializes in CVICU, CCRN, now SRNA.
I am currently in the middle of an Acute Care advanced practice program which does not offer CRNA certification. I am planning on getting the prerequisite experience in an ICU environment when I am done with this program, so I can get into a CRNA program elsewhere. Is this a long-winded way of getting there, or does my plan look about right, given the circumstances (i.e, no prior RN experience).

What program are you in? I thought acute care NP programs usually required prior experience... (?)

Anyway, the answer is yes--you are taking the long way. You're spending more time in school than you really need to, but perhaps you'll benefit in your knowledge. Perhaps you'll also be a more competitive applicant. You would need RN "bedside" experience even if you were pursuing an acute care NP position, so you'll end up in the same place after school either way.

I think your only other option would be to drop out of your program, but I would only do that if they have already awarded you a BSN (which I believe most of these programs do not--you have to completely finish to get a degree of any kind). It seems like your plan is the best for your position.

Best of luck! :D

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