What do I need to get ready

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OK, so I have been reading the posts and am just now starting on the path to my ADN....But, I would like to get an idea of what I will need to prepare for apllication and enrollment to a CRNA program. I like having my ducks in a row. I will list what I have seen so far, but if I miss any, let me know so I can add them to my list.

1) Basic Life Support (CPR, BLS)

2) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

3) Pediatric Advance Life Support (PALS)

4) Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) {Is this one test inclusive for adults, peds, and geriatric? Or are there seperate tests for each sub specialty?}

5) My Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

I know I need 18 months ICU experience, three letters of recommendation {2 from RN's}, two transcripts, 3.0 GPA, 950 on my GRE, and a really good essay. If I have missed anything, please LET ME KNOW. I want to be ultra prepared!

Veegee

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That sounds like a good start! Just make sure that you visit the websites of all the schools in areas you would be willing to live, and see what they specifically require - my list says "GRE >1000" for example for a couple schools. They also might want you to take a few specific courses within a certain time frame before applying like 1-2 chem courses in the last 5 years, or a grad level statistics course. Not every school requires the CCRN, but it certainly won't hurt your application. If you're just starting an ADN program, you still have a lot of time to research. It's great that you're starting now though! Oh, and remember that like your ADN program, the listed minimums don't guarantee admission - if you have only 18 mo. of experience, a 960 on the GRE, and a 3.02 GPA, your chances of getting in won't be good most places.

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Specializes in SRNA.

Do you already have your Bachelor's Degree?

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No, I don't have my Bachelor's degree yet. Like I said, I am just starting out....

And to the other poster, thanks for the advice and all I quoted was the minimum reqs. for the program I wanted. I certainly hope to do better than 950 on the GRE. As for work exp., I do plan to apply at 18 months, but I have 9 years in the health care field right now, so I hope that helps. Thanks again.

Veegee

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Specializes in SRNA.

I got my ADN first and then got my BSN, and if I had it all to do over again I would just go straight through and get my BSN. Although you might have perfectly legit reasons for doing what you are doing. I'm just telling you what I wish I would have done. I would probably be done with anesthesia school by now instead of just starting.

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Specializes in ICU, currently in Anesthesia School.

Ok... I'll bite- what do you do in health care now that gives you any idea that you want to be a CRNA? Just a little sceptical of someone who is trying to get ducks in a row before the first RN class or first day of ICU time. Not that it is not possible, but a little like putting the cart before the horse, No?

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Ok... I'll bite- what do you do in health care now that gives you any idea that you want to be a CRNA? Just a little sceptical of someone who is trying to get ducks in a row before the first RN class or first day of ICU time. Not that it is not possible, but a little like putting the cart before the horse, No?

Gee, that's not very nice to be "sceptical". It is a long road that includes many steps and I wouldn't want to miss any. And besides, this is an INFORMATIONAL forum, is it not? Here I can gather the information, talk with other CRNA's, all the better to make an actual decision. I have been researching this topic for a year and feel it is what I would love doing. I've been in the healthcare field for 11 years, and my FAVORITE times are when I get to go the OR, esp. the CVOR. But, as someone who is not a CRNA and who is just beginning to gather information and go to school, I wanted to gather the appropiate info. I don't want to make a mistake that could hold my progress up by a longer time than necessary. So, anyone else who wants to be helpful and give me actual information, feel free. I appreciate it.

VeeGee

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******* It got posted twice*****

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Specializes in SRNA.

You're doing the right thing. Just take your time. Make good grades, and don't let anyone get in your way. You know what you want to do, so go out there and do it. You have the right idea. I still say that you should just get your BSN instead of your ADN. Hopefully I'll see you in the OR some day.

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You're doing the right thing. Just take your time. Make good grades, and don't let anyone get in your way. You know what you want to do, so go out there and do it. You have the right idea. I still say that you should just get your BSN instead of your ADN. Hopefully I'll see you in the OR some day.

I would love to get my BSN instead of my ADN, but I don't have a previous Bachelor's degree and am not a registered nurse (ADN OR LPN). Every program that I have looked up in my area seems to be an RN-BSN program. Am I looking in the wrong places? Any' links besides this one which may be helpful? Going for BSN probably won't be shorter on time, but better on cost and overall effectiveness. Thanks in advance.

Veegee

ps. I have found a school by me that does offer a BSN program. It would take me about two and a half years to complete with my previous college credits '93. This would put my grad date into 2011 with having to refill my science and take some other core reqs. This actually does save me time since it looked like it was going to 2011 when I got my ASN anyway. Then I can work for the 18 months to 2 years needed for my CRNA program, and while working, I can decide if that is the path for me as well as researching MSN and NP degrees. Thanks for the suggestion....You are my new angel Friggle, and I am glad for that. I honestly never even thought about that possibility before. Thanks again.

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Where do you live? Maybe some of us know/can find a BSN program in your area.

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Specializes in SRNA.

I'm living in Panama City right now. I'm going to The Gooding Institute of Nurse Anesthesia. I'm from South Louisiana and there is a BSN program there in Thibodaux at Nicholls State University.

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