Trying my hardest to become a CRNA! Advice please??

[lbamberger]

Hi everyone,

while I realize this post is a bit premature-because I don't yet contain a bsn or even an rn, I want to feel as though I have a direction so I dont get lost. Obviously I have questions about several different specialities within nursing, but something about becoming a CRNA seems fascnating. I am currently at a community college, and transferring to Alfred State College's nursing program this fall. I plan to get my rn, and work in an icu whilst finishing up my bsn. Ideally, I would like to go to Columbia University. My question though is when can I apply? Can I apply while starting off in the icu (because by the time I actually go to Columbia, I will have completed a year). This summer I am actually shadowing a CRNA, and I'm not even in nursing school yet. I think its best to have a plan, so any advice or guidance ppl may have would be greatly appreciated. Also, I've been going crazy insane trying to weed through all the posts and threads to learn about columbias crna requirements/gpa expectations, but have yet to see anything concrete.

[manusko]

Hi everyone,

while I realize this post is a bit premature-because I don't yet contain a bsn or even an rn, I want to feel as though I have a direction so I dont get lost. Obviously I have questions about several different specialities within nursing, but something about becoming a CRNA seems fascnating. I am currently at a community college, and transferring to Alfred State College's nursing program this fall. I plan to get my rn, and work in an icu whilst finishing up my bsn. Ideally, I would like to go to Columbia University. My question though is when can I apply? Can I apply while starting off in the icu (because by the time I actually go to Columbia, I will have completed a year). This summer I am actually shadowing a CRNA, and I'm not even in nursing school yet. I think its best to have a plan, so any advice or guidance ppl may have would be greatly appreciated. Also, I've been going crazy insane trying to weed through all the posts and threads to learn about columbias crna requirements/gpa expectations, but have yet to see anything concrete.

It should be as simple as looking at your school of choice's website. Should have all the info you need. I would believe that you will not be able to apply until a 1-2 yr minimum work experience in ICU is achieved. Very doubtful you would get an interview even if you would have 1 yr in the ICU by the time school starts. Think about this: what would happen if you didnt finish your 1 year, got fired or something? You would probably not do well at the interview when asked about clinical situations as those with experience.

[love-d-OR]

As Morificeko stated, you should look at the specific school you are interested in, however there are some general requirements which you shoudl inform yourself with by doing research as you have so far.

By the time you would be admitted to a nursing program and have worked on a unit, some things may have changed i.e DNP requirement. Also, keep in mind, that the nurse anesthesia profession is VERY POPULAR now among nurses, nursing students, non-nursing students... this makes for an abundant applicant pool (read competitive), so the 1-2 years may NOT cut it! Keep your eyes closer on a BSN, get good grades and be active in the nursing community. At the same time, inform yourself of different specialties in nursing, including advanced practice.

Good luck