The Road to RN to CRNA in So Cal

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Mar 23, 2015

First of all: You do realize that you cannot complete a BSN completely online, right? There are hundreds of hours of clinical rotations associated with becoming an RN.

guest769224 · Mar 24, 2015

CristianD,

CRNA's work 55+ hour work weeks in many cases. Don't be fooled into thinking that CRNA will whisk you away from long, grueling work hours. You make mention of online schooling, just know that if you are based out of California, you are likely surrounded by BSN nursing programs, as compared to ADN programs. You cannot do a BSN online. You must go to an actual brick or mortar program.

This will be tough as you remain employed at the restaurant. You will be managing your restaurant, your clinical hours at hospitals and nursing homes, your actual classes, and study time for school exams. Many working parents have done this and succeeded. Just know it is demanding.

With CRNA school admission becoming more competitive with each passing year, 1 year ICU RN experience will not weigh as heavily as you are hoping. In the chance they do accept you with that minimal experience, you would more than likely need to stand out with a very high GPA, shadowing hours, a high GRE (if applicable), etc.

You mention working while in a CRNA program. You are likely to fail out of the program if you do. I know people personally who tried it and failed. The minimal acceptable passing score for many programs is near 82% or higher for each class, and don't kid yourself, the material is immense and challenging. All programs strongly discourage it. The alternative? Save up as much as you can now, and many student CRNA's end up living off loans to survive until graduation.

Certifications after CRNA? I don't think that is necessary and have never heard of that, wouldn't know what you would certify in. If you graduate a master's program, I suppose you could go onto a doctorate degree if you wanted to say, manage a CRNA practice.

I want to mention, it is difficult to get into an ICU as a new grad RN. You will need to apply to ICU residency positions if you choose this route, and if you are in California, this will be a competitive endeavor. I suggest you start networking with appropriate people as early as possible, to get you a shoe in, or perhaps work as an ICU tech (which I am currently doing).

Here is a bit of info I previously gave in another thread for you to skim:

Each school will have different requirements for admission. You will need to apply and interview for each one. They base acceptance off of things such as: GPA, interaction with peers, leadership/councils/committees while practicing as an RN, your response to scenario questions, and how high of quality ICU experience you are presenting with.

Ideally, look to work in an ICU in a Level 1 trauma center hospital, and obtain your CCRN (critical care registered nurse). These are not required, but they will look impressive to the admissions crew.

Also, please be aware that every CRNA program nationwide will transition to a DNP (doctorate) by January, 2022.

Good luck dude! We are all happy to answer any further questions you may have.

RNDude2012 · Mar 25, 2015

Fellow SoCal resident here. Get good grades because RN programs are competitive here! Also, don't settle for anything less than ICU. Be willing to commute. I settled for SDU because the job was close. I'm just now getting my ICU experience because the pay here is pretty good and I got comfortable with my pay! Also, crna programs are insanely competitive so get good grades!

jerxrn · Mar 25, 2015

My 1st post too:)

Get your BSN 1st and go from there. CRNA is step 3 or 4 which is years from now. Go for it!!

gunrock · Mar 26, 2015

Here's an aprox timeline for you:

Since you have a high school degree you need to either

A) get your ADN (2 years) if you don't have to complete any pre-requisites before. -> do a ADN to BSN bridge program (this can be done online).

B) go to a 4 year university and hopefully get into their nursing program.

Once you are a nurse, you'll need at least 1 year experience in an ICU (this is the MINIMUM. Most will have 3-4 when they apply). On top of experience you'll need to be active on your unit, get certified (CCRN, CSC, etc).

From where you are now you're probably looking at 6 years (1 year applying to schools + 4 year college + 1 year of experience) + 2-3 years in CRNA school.

Also keep in mind that California is one of the hardest states to get a job in as a new grad, especially in an ICU. You will not just walk into a hospital after graduation and get a job.

I'm not sure how much you've thought your plan through, but realize you have a LONG road ahead of you, and this is the ideal plan, if everything works out.

But if you are serious about it, then get started. Feel free to ask any questions.

anderst2 · Apr 5, 2015

ChristianD,

There have already been some good comments on your post so far, particularly from ICUMan regarding BSN programs. I'm not sure if this is an option in CA, but in PA some of our universities offer an adult learner track to get your BSN. The adult learner track typically has classes/clinical in the evening, so you could work during the day.

Concerning working while you're in CRNA school, this is not an option. I'm currently in CRNA school at the University of Scranton, and it was strongly advised that we do not try to work because there is a good chance of failing out of school. I've also heard of some schools making your sign a contract saying that you will not work in CRNA school because the coursework is so rigorous.

I had a similar mindset and plan when I initially planned to go to anesthesia school. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you want to more advice with developing a plan to achieve your goal! Good luck!