What is the Best Road to the CRNA Programs

loveanesthesia · Oct 11, 2008

My ultimate goal is to get into the CRNA program, and I already have a degree (Bach of Arts, non medical related) and without wasting time(I'm up there in age), what is the best route prepare me to my goal?
I truly have a "do whatever it takes" attitude. I don't care for cutting corners. I JUST WANT TO BE WELL PREPARED.
Does the accelerated BSN program truly prepare a person for the Nursing Board exam or anything I will have to face in my future? If not, I am willing to take the longer route to ensure my sucess. I am terrible at Online courses and is better at interactive learning.
When I interview for the BSN, I would like to have some kind of experience to be able to present to them, should I get my RN or LVN and work for a year? Just to get real life experiences? I just want to better my chances into getting into the BSN program and eventually to CRNA.
If there are any CRNAs who could share things they would do differently or made a decision that they are extremely proud of, I would appreciate their thoughts.:redbeathe

Accelerated BSN graduates have done well in my experience. I don't know the quality of the programs in your area, but they are intensive which is good preparation for a nurse anesthesia program. They tend to attract highly motivated people and my impression is the pass rate on boards is good. It may help to get some nursing assistant experience if that is available prior to applying, I think motivation and academic ability are most important. Once in a nursing program get A's in the sciences, and maintain your GPA at least above 3.0, 3.5 is more competitive. If you go the ADN route to get your RN, don't worry about getting into a BSN completion program. Those are not competitive at all, I think many will take anyone who is an RN. Also you may not need to have a BSN, depending on the nurse anesthesia program you attend. A BA with an ADN will work for some programs. A BSN will give you the option to apply to any nurse anesthesia program. The waiting list for an ADN program can be a barrier. The 3rd option is to go a traditional BSN route, you probably have many prereq's, and possible could complete one in 3 years. Either way, get at least 2 years experience in a high acuity critical area once you are an RN, 3 can be better. This is where you don't want to cut corners. That experience is very important, remember your goal is not to get into a nurse anesthesia program, but to finish a nurse anesthesia program. And then to be able to provide great care to your patients. By the way, I laughed when I saw your age and that you are "up there in age". You have a few good years left!

gluck · Oct 14, 2008

Yeah the age thing is funny and your advise is good Love. I would encourage the accelerated BSN program. In my area, they are very competitive to enter and the nurses coming are well prepared didactically. But they have had less clinical experience then students in 4 year programs and may need a bit more on the job training. So Experience as a nurses aid in a hospital or work on an ambulance may help your application, help during school, and help your transition into actual nursing.

If you can't get into an accelerated 2nd degree program, i would first consider a 4 yr program and hope that you can shorten it a bit by transferring credits. I would discourage the ADN route because you already know you are thinking of advanced degrees and many of the NA programs require at least a BS if not a BSN.

JenRN30, BSN · Oct 15, 2008

Okay, I'm not a CRNA or SRNA, but I am in an accelerated BSN program so I can reply to that part of the question. The program is very intense, but I am learning so much. Our school has a 98% pass rate on the NCLEX, so I have every confidence that I'm getting what I need out of my classes. Clinicals are okay, but you're so restricted in what you can actually do with the patient that I don't feel like I'm getting much out of them. I've heard from many people that you don't actually learn how to be a nurse until you start working. If your goal is quickest route to CRNA, don't get your ADN first. It's just a round-a-bout way of getting the same degree. I want to get done with school as fast as I can, pass the NCLEX, and then learn how to be a nurse. When I feel confident that I know how to be a nurse, then I will apply to CRNA school. That's my plan anyways. Good luck with your decision!!

Riversurfer · Oct 15, 2008

Accelerated BSN graduates have done well in my experience. I don't know the quality of the programs in your area, but they are intensive which is good preparation for a nurse anesthesia program. They tend to attract highly motivated people and my impression is the pass rate on boards is good. It may help to get some nursing assistant experience if that is available prior to applying, I think motivation and academic ability are most important. Once in a nursing program get A's in the sciences, and maintain your GPA at least above 3.0, 3.5 is more competitive. If you go the ADN route to get your RN, don't worry about getting into a BSN completion program. Those are not competitive at all, I think many will take anyone who is an RN. Also you may not need to have a BSN, depending on the nurse anesthesia program you attend. A BA with an ADN will work for some programs. A BSN will give you the option to apply to any nurse anesthesia program. The waiting list for an ADN program can be a barrier. The 3rd option is to go a traditional BSN route, you probably have many prereq's, and possible could complete one in 3 years. Either way, get at least 2 years experience in a high acuity critical area once you are an RN, 3 can be better. This is where you don't want to cut corners. That experience is very important, remember your goal is not to get into a nurse anesthesia program, but to finish a nurse anesthesia program. And then to be able to provide great care to your patients. By the way, I laughed when I saw your age and that you are "up there in age". You have a few good years left!

loveanesthesia or anyone else,

i am also 29, but male and only have one year left of my BSN program. The CRNA route has captured my heart. I think my biggest concern right now is getting into the biggest, nastiest ICU I can find upon graduation. The "popular" idea I've heard quite a bit seems to be "Get a job in med/surg for a year for the experience." I'd like to not waste time and get right into the ICU. Is this realisitic on my part? Any suggestions for navigating the job search? I'm willing to go anywhere to get the right job in the right atmosphere. Any advice and suggestions would be nice, especially from CRNAs. Thanks

loveanesthesia · Oct 16, 2008

loveanesthesia or anyone else,
I'd like to not waste time and get right into the ICU. Is this realisitic on my part? Any suggestions for navigating the job search? I'm willing to go anywhere to get the right job in the right atmosphere.

If you are willing to relocate, you should be able to find an ICU position. Does your nursing program have hospitals contact them? I would think they do. Or look in Nursing journals, online etc and set up interviews. Also if there is an geographic area you are interested in, contact the hospitals directly. Look for a good oreintation program. I don't think finding an ICU position shoud be a problem, then be prepared to be overwhelmed. I think the best way to learn is to just jump in, and work as many hours as possible. That serves two purposes, you catch on quicker and you can save money with the OT for anesthesia school.

gluck · Oct 16, 2008

Its a point of huge contention as to whether new grads can/should work in the ICU, ER, PACU, etc. and I bet there are threads you can search here on the topic.

First impressions are hugely important and some nurses will never get over the fact that you skipped a step and may never accept you as a colleague. Unfortunately, It's not just about having thick skin or being enthusiastic, it's about being able to work well with colleagues that won't respect you or your skills.

If you choose to go straight to critical care, try your best to find out the true atmosphere and attitudes of the nurses you will be working with and not just the attitude of the person hiring you (she or he already thinks it's ok to hire a new grad and may be desparate to fill the slot)

And, of course, look closely at the quality of the orientation program. You might even do some research as to what constitutes a good orientation for new grads in critical care. I've seen journal articles addressing the topic in critical Care

SurfaceToAir · Oct 16, 2008

Bigsky- go right to the ICU. Of all my friends from nursing school who wanted to work in the ICU, they went right into the ICU after graduating and have all done very well. Going to the floor first is not necessary if you are motivated and want a challenge. You may hear from some more experienced nurses and teachers/instructors that its a good idea and thats the way it should be...I completely disagree. I mean yes- anything in nursing is good experience but don't delay your advancement to do what everyone USED to do. When the nurses who trained me started in nursing, I dont think a single one of them started in the ICU. But now we all do and are becoming good critical care RN's. Good luck and have fun with the challenges ahead!

Summitk2 · Oct 17, 2008

cili - I took the path of accelerated BSN and I'm applying to CRNA school this year. I highly suggest this path given your BA, especially if you choose a BSN program 14 months or shorter. You will come out way ahead in terms of time in school. The downside is that it's more intense and it doesn't stop; however, so is anesthesia school. Find a program with equal clinical time as their traditional program. Get all your prerequisites done (none "pending") with all A's if possible--these science grades will be scrutinized all the way to anesthesia school, so do well! Also get some healthcare experience, either volunteering or as a nursing assistant; it will help you get into the BSN program and also inform you that this is really the right decision. Nursing school gives you a foundation for nearly any type of nursing, but as a result, it's true that you'll find yourself learning WAY more about critical care when you graduate--especially if you go straight into the ICU. I suggest going straight into the ICU after graduation if you can handle it--it can be too much too fast for some people and that's ok. Get some kind of ICU clinical experience while in your BSN, then find an ICU with a good orientation or internship program after you graduate. And finally, don't apply to anesthesia school before you're ready--just because you meet the minimum requirement, doesn't mean you're qualified. If you're not sure, ask a peer who knows you and whom you respect.

Good luck!

aCRNAhopeful · Oct 17, 2008

And finally, don't apply to anesthesia school before you're ready--just because you meet the minimum requirement, doesn't mean you're qualified.
Good luck!

That is an interesting point and one that I haven't thought of. I'm going to graduate with my ADN this summer and will have my BSN the summer after that. I will have then met the minimum requirements for CRNA school and should have a competitve GPA. My thoughts have always been apply as soon as I can and hope for the best, then, if I was unsuccessful, enroll in more classes and do other things to boost my resume until I finally get accepted. I never really thought about not being ready for a CRNA program. Does anyone else agree that one can be accepted to CRNA school too early?

cili123 · Oct 18, 2008

Thank you so much for all of your input! I feel so much more aware than before.

Riversurfer · Oct 18, 2008

It seems to me that the application and interview process is thorough enough to weed out the applicants who are not ready. In other words, I think you won't get accepted if you aren't ready, but you can still apply. If you know you're not ready, why go through all the time and energy of applying. My gut feeling is that you'll know when you're ready to apply. As I've heard from some CRNAs, you need to have that "fire" in your belly where nothing else much matters except anesthesia school. That feeling should help to let you know when you're ready.

I'm still in a BSN program, so I'll be interested to hear what others think.