Scared to mention even the slightest interest in CRNA progams?

inspiredRN10 · Jul 3, 2010

Don't worry! I have felt the exact same way...I am not sure why so many people have the same negative response? But however, I have learned just to do as much research as possible. And in fact you can actually "shadow" a CRNA, which I have learned is the best option for finding stuff out on your own. Other than that, I am just as curious as you are! :)

AbeFrohman, BSN, RN · Jul 3, 2010

Been there. Just keep your mouth shut and head down. Keep reading everything you can from different programs websites and the stuff on here or other forums for nurse anesthesia and you'll learn everything you need to know without asking.

ucan2ccrn · Jul 4, 2010

Don't worry about the haters, let them be your motivator. You create your own destiny, not anyone else.

bucknangler · Jul 4, 2010

Who cares about what other people think. A few years ago I stood in front of my nursing class and told the class I was going to be a crna. The haters were among the group, same response within my ICU family, and from this board a time or two. They all got silenced real quick when I passed my CCRN with 89% with only one year working and got accepted to a great school (will be starting this august). Remember, there can only be one person to live your dream :).

BULLYDAWGRN, RN · Jul 4, 2010

i think alot of the issues would be taken care of if the op's would do a little research of their own before asking elementry like questions. whenever someone gets on here stating that they have always wanted to be a crna but yet ask a silly question of "do crna's clean code browns" it shows that they really are not very sincere. also a pre nursing student or even a nursing student questions may draw some irks from folks cause they have yet proven that they can be competent safe critical care nurses or a crna candidate. though, i am all for people doing or going into a field that draws their intrest but seriously some of the past questions posted on here made me question if the op had any idea about nursing muchless a crna.

alinasept · Jul 4, 2010

I've also seen that kind of lecturing and critical response when people ask questions about the job of a CRNA, and not just on allnurses. I tend to do my research quietly and check out the discussions of current CRNAs to learn more about the ins and outs of the profession.

I can understand the frustration many feel when someone comes on and posts a general question that can easily be answered by doing a quick search, but many times the responses take on a condescending tone that is really offensive. Sometimes a poster will ask a genuine question, but particularly when it comes to salary, the responses often do not answer the poster's question, but instead lecture the poster on not to going into the career for the money, or inform said poster about all the steps needed to become a CRNA, which the poster was likely already aware of.

That said, I do appreciate when responders give an answer to a poster or direct them to a thread that has the answer. Many times I have similar questions or would like to know the answer just for my own knowledge and it is helpful to read a thread that has answers.

ibjuken2 · Jul 5, 2010

Many of these people have given up their dreams for fear of failure, or even worse, for fear of success. As they say, misery loves company and it makes them sick at the thought of someone else being happy and attaining their dreams and goals. Please do not ever give up on your dreams! As mentioned in another reply, let those discouragements drive your ambitions and determination even more. As someone who has learned the hard way, I've come upon many road blocks; you just have to go through them and don't look back. You will come to realize who your friends really are. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors, keep your head up and don't let them bring you down to their level.

kvisintine, BSN, RN · Jul 5, 2010

I too am a future BSN student, but already have my sites set on my CRNA. I have already spent 20 years in the working community as an engineer and engineering executive... and I am still employed. Based on my current employment position, to be dedicated enough to quit my job, go back to school and start over should quite an inquires as to whether or not I am in it for the money. I have researched this career path, and from my preliminary findings it seems to be a good fit for me. I am interested in the O.R., and I am set on pursuing an advanced degree.

I will be the first to admit that I am clueless when it comes to the in depth details of the profession, and I have run up against a lot of negative feedback whenever I bring up the topic or try to ask questions. I find it interesting that it is acceptable for a pre-med student to discuss their dream of becoming an anesthesiologist when they have very little detailed knowledge of the day to day requirements, yet a nursing student cannot aspire to become a CRNA without criticism! Isn't that a double standard, even from our own potential peers????

I agree that the best course of action is to keep your head down and stay the course! We will all get there! My biggest concern at the moment is the fact that most CRNA programs are moving towards a PHD degree, rather than an MS... I am afraid that I will not have the required experience prior to the transition date, which I believe is 2015?? Does anyone else have any info on this deadline?

blondielocks · Jul 6, 2010

Thank you everyone for your positive feedback. I think you all are right. I will keep my head down, strive to do well right now (in pre-nursing, then in NS, then while I am actually working) and slowly but surely following the path I want.

@kvisintine - The AANA supports DNP for 2025. I'm not sure where the 2015 came from, maybe someone else knows, but if you go to http://www.dnap.com/ it lists the AANA (American Association of Nurse Anesthetists) position. Also, if you didn't know, DNP is different from Ph.D - I am pretty sure the DNP is more clinical skills based, whereas the Ph.D is more scholastic/research based.

allnurses Guide · Jul 6, 2010

Sorry for barging into your forum, but since you were wondering why nurses in general make those condescending remarks, I think I can give it at least a partial explanation.

Unfair though it may be, there are enough pre-CRNA or students who make it very clear to us that the only reason they are going to nursing school at all is to get their ticket punched on the way to CRNA status, that something of a reputation has formed. We aren't here to crush anyone's dreams.

It can be summed up in the following, "I don't want to be a nurse. I want to be a CRNA." Nurses, especially those with decades of experience, know that the advance practices were developed out of a strong foundation as a registered nurse, and it is irritating as hell for ICU nurses especially, for it to be so openly regarded as a set of nuisance hoops one must jump through to get to the pot of gold.

I don't see why you would avoid posting or asking questions, though. There is so much random verbiage here you have to wear hip-waders, but the real-time networking and support is difficult to replace. Ignore the naysayers and move right along! Best wishes.

AbeFrohman, BSN, RN · Jul 6, 2010

It's proposed moving to the DNP by 2025. I doubt anyone is even sure it's going to happen, only time will tell.