Thinking about future

MHaffer · Mar 20, 2009

I have had the same concerns, and would love to hear from some CRNAs or SRNAs who know enough to answer your question. From all that I have heard, CRNAs are supposed to be increasing in demand over the next decade or so. But who knows, that's what they say about RNs, too, and it seems like RN jobs are harder and harder to come by.

One thing I have thought about is that although it seems like EVERYONE wants to be a CRNA, only a select few will get into CRNA school each year. There are only so many openings. So perhaps the graduation rate is in closer proportion with the demand than the amount of RNs who would love to be CRNAs is to the available jobs??? Just a thought.

My_brain_hurts · Mar 24, 2009

I to am on my way to becoming a CRNA. Will start classes at the end of summer.

My BSN class of about 90 or so had about 10 people who let it be known they wanted to be CRNAs. At the time, I wasn't one of them (didn't know I wanted to be one!). Lots of people say they want to be CRNAs, not all of them understand what the job is, not all of those who do will seriously persue it, and then those that do still have to get into a school.

There are a lot of schools around the country, and I know the class sizes are different from school to school. My school takes around 15 a year, give or take one or two. Another school I applied to usually took 25 a year. Both of those schools said they had record numbers of QUALIFIED applicants, but still they have a limited class size. Soooo, I guess what I'm saying is that even though lots of people say they want to be CRNAs, they won't all make it, or at least they won't all make it at the same time. A lot of people apply to several schools and/or over a few years before they finally make it in.

It's competitive, so plan early if you think you might want to apply some day. Worst that can happen is you decide not to and have a really nice academic record and work history anyways Find out as much as you can about the profession and decide if you want to do it. I'm really excited about starting classes and I can't wait to be working as a CRNA (seems like a loooong way off and there's a whooooole lot to learn in the mean time). Most programs are 24 to 36 months long, so it is a time committment, but not bad, about like a lot of other grad programs. There's lots of information on line, and on discussion boards. This is a great place to start finding info. Good luck in whatever you decide to do. That's what's nice about nursing --lots of options!

Sarcolemma · Mar 27, 2009

I wouldn't worry about jobs as a CRNA. check out gaswork.com for just a taste of who's looking for CRNA's.

Right now the demand is much bigger than the supply, and with the baby boomers coming, along with certain healthcare revamps, the demand is only going to grow.

as for the timeless "is it worth it" question...the answer is an emphatic YES.

most people that idly say they want to be CRNA's don't actually stick it out and do it, for one reason or another.

If you bulldoze towards it, you have a great shot at accomplishing it.

Here's what I did (I was accepted 2 years out of school):

Get your CCRN ASAP (remember - its hours worked, so you can feasibly do it in under a year). Start studying for the GRE/take it NOW. Get your PALS NOW. Take classes in IABP, LVAD, CVVHD NOW to put on your resume. Join the rapid response team. FLOAT TO OTHER UNITS/ER to put down on your resume NOW.

First and foremost, don't just say you're going to apply. work at it and do it. most people never get beyond the talk stage.

scarcity21 · Apr 8, 2009

I wouldn't worry about jobs as a CRNA. check out gaswork.com for just a taste of who's looking for CRNA's.
Right now the demand is much bigger than the supply, and with the baby boomers coming, along with certain healthcare revamps, the demand is only going to grow.
as for the timeless "is it worth it" question...the answer is an emphatic YES.
most people that idly say they want to be CRNA's don't actually stick it out and do it, for one reason or another.
If you bulldoze towards it, you have a great shot at accomplishing it.
Here's what I did (I was accepted 2 years out of school):
Get your CCRN ASAP (remember - its hours worked, so you can feasibly do it in under a year). Start studying for the GRE/take it NOW. Get your PALS NOW. Take classes in IABP, LVAD, CVVHD NOW to put on your resume. Join the rapid response team. FLOAT TO OTHER UNITS/ER to put down on your resume NOW.
First and foremost, don't just say you're going to apply. work at it and do it. most people never get beyond the talk stage.

Hey im gonna be graduating from an ADN program next spring, so I have to get my BSN...i do have a BS in Biology. When do u think I can start studying for the GREs? in conjuction with my BSN classes?

loveanesthesia · Apr 12, 2009

Quite a few nurse anesthesia programs will accept an RN with a Bio BS. Look for the programs that are not in a College of Nursing (do not grant a MSN)

Simpson1980 · Apr 15, 2009

If you really want to to do it, don't let anything stop you. I graduated BSN in a class of 45 and nearly half made it known they would like to pursue anesthesia. Likewise, the work population is also similar. Many people like the IDEA of becoming a CRNA. I kept the fact that I had applied to schools very low profile. In fact, only those who wrote my reference letters knew. When I got my interview it slowly began to leak into the workplace. When I was accepted....it didn't matter. Now even more co-workers like the IDEA of becoming a CRNA. My point is, keep focused on what YOU want to do, don't worry about the jobs, they are out there...everywhere. Good luck in the future :) I start in June of 2009 and couldn't be more excited!!!