Undergrad freshman seeking advice

[Lissyann]

Hi. I am fresh out of high school attending my first year of college in the midwest. Having applied as undecided, my general interest is a career in the nursing field.

I am thinking about a CRNA career. Are there any special preparations I should be taking during my undergrad years, specific courses or programs, etc?

Also, when the time comes, how does one request to work specifically in an ICU setting? Is there a waiting list of applicants? I'm curious of how long it takes between graduation and application to CRNA school since ICU is a prerequisite.

[MB37]

Are you at a university that has a BSN program? You need to look up the entrance requirements online and set up an appointent with an academic advisor. If the nursing program has information sessions, attend one. It often takes two full years to take all the BSN prerequisites if you're starting from scratch, followed by two more full years, sometimes including summers, to graduate. You need a minimum of 1-2 years out of orientation in an ICU before you apply to a CRNA program, as well as various certifications, GRE, etc. that vary by school. Some hospitals hire new grads directly into the ICU and others prefer a year of med-surg experience first. It's a process, so the sooner you find out exactly what's available and what's required in your area the sooner you can get started. Good luck!

[nclexwarrior]

If you are in a diploma or ADN prgram, there really isn't anything extra you can take for your future CRNA endeavors. If you are in a BSn program, i would reccomend chemistry courses (biochem, organic chem). Some schools like an intro to pysics course as well. You need to see what the CRNA schools around you require.

You will also need at least one year of critcal care experiance. this is the minimum, a lot of schools like you to have more. Some schools also like when you are CCRN certified ( critical care certification). Other certifications I have seen listed that schools like are ACLS, PALS, CEN, and TNCC. Again, check into what your schools will require.

As the poster before me said, a lot of schools require the GRE test as requirement for entrance into the Masters Degree programs.

[Lissyann]

Thank you, MB37, for replying!

The school that I'm attending does, indeed, have a BSN program. I'm scheduled to meet with my advisor next month. Your suggestions will give me a better range of questions to ask her so I thank you for that.

I live in Wichita Kansas. We have three major hospitals within the metropolitan area as well as many satellite medical facilities. There is also a CRNA program here thru one of our private universities. I don't know how that compares to other cities; I hope it's in my favor.

Again, thanks so much.

Lissy

[Lissyann]

Thank you, nclexwarrior, for the chemistry tip. I seem to excel in everything - except chemistry. (sigh!) The subject takes longer to click with me, but I am persevering!