Why is BSN required for CRNA?

Nurses General Nursing Nursing Q/A

I'm working on my RN and plan to go to CRNA school. I've noticed that a few CRNA schools will allow you to have a bachelors in other science areas, as long as you are an RN. But the best school seem to require a BSN. Why is that? Why is an easy, relatively useless, easy to obtain degree required over something like a bachelors in chemistry?

Specializes in Critical Care.

So what are all of the science prerequisites typically to become a CRNA? Because I know some people going for CRNA and they say they haven’t taken organic or biochem

12 minutes ago, ArmyRntoMD said:

So what are all of the science prerequisites typically to become a CRNA? Because I know some people going for CRNA and they say they haven’t taken organic or biochem

Each school is a little different. Most require organic and inorganic chemistry. Some require Biochemistry , physics, genetics, and microbiology as well.

14 minutes ago, ArmyRntoMD said:

So what are all of the science prerequisites typically to become a CRNA? Because I know some people going for CRNA and they say they haven’t taken organic or biochem

Each school I’ve looked at requires at least organic chemistry. Not sure how they are getting away with not having that.

Specializes in Critical Care.
13 minutes ago, Minn_RN said:

I want to start off with wishing you good luck in your journey for CRNA school. Like many other posters I find many issues with your initial statement.

First yes BSN is very important and essential to become a successful SRNA student/provider. You may view these classes as useless, but they are the cornerstone of the profession. Those courses that are more then likely viewed as useless for the cornerstone courses are essential such how to critically analyze research, since the profession is built on a plethora of research. In addition, communication and collaboration is the cornerstone to create the best and safest plan of care.

I will say attitude is essential to getting into CRNA programs. For every spot there is 10 applicants. If the initial attitude is the uselessness of the Bachelors degree there are 9 other people who will get that spot over you. I hesitantly would advise that is chemistry and science classes are the upmost important aspect of anesthesia you may want to consider Anesthesia Assistant over CRNA. I promise you I mean no malice or cruelness, but another profespctive form someone in the field.

I don't think the OP was suggesting pursuing a CRNA without first becoming an RN or having a bachelor's degree, or that chemistry isn't important in becoming a CRNA since they were asking about pursuing a CRNA with a bachelor's degree in chemistry.

15 minutes ago, NutmeggeRN said:

"But the best school seem to require a BSN. Why is that? Why is an easy, relatively useless, easy to obtain degree required over something like a bachelors in chemistry?"

She states a BSN is easy and useless...

I apologize for my comment and didn't realize the OP has a chemistry degree. Words for wisdom you will have to shine in other aspects. Having just your AA of nursing will put you ad a disadvantage in the application pool. I would advise to find other ways to shine and highlight yourself.

Specializes in Critical Care.

It’s a special kind of hell. Expensive, redundant and taught by nurses with chips on their shoulders. I loved the email “Please everybody stop addressing me as Mrs. I am DOCTOR so and so. I worked hard to earn this title and you will address me as so!” I guess when you can’t be called a doctor in a hospital you will make everyone call you one online lol. Meanwhile some of the physicians I work with are “Chris(tina), Mark, John, and Charlie”. Rarely does one stop me and say “ITS DOCTOR SO AND SO!”
? cmon. Get over yourself

Specializes in Critical Care.

They ask me to call them by their first name. And usually have the patients do the same.
And yeah in front of other doctors I would call them doctor so and so. Just like in the military. As soon as an officer walked up, Mike became “Sergeant Kraemer” etc.

Its not even the fact they wanted us to call them “doctor” but the fact that it bothered them SO much that they sent a mass scathing email. Pretty pathetic.

Specializes in school nurse.
16 minutes ago, ArmyRntoMD said:

They ask me to call them by their first name. And usually have the patients do the same.
And yeah in front of other doctors I would call them doctor so and so. Just like in the military. As soon as an officer walked up, Mike became “Sergeant Kraemer” etc.

Its not even the fact they wanted us to call them “doctor” but the fact that it bothered them SO much that they sent a mass scathing email. Pretty pathetic.

Yeah, I have no problem calling any faculty "Professor", but I save the term "doctor" for...doctors.

Hell, how many people could call someone with a Ph.D in Medieval Poetry "doctor" with a straight face? I'm sure not one of them...

Specializes in Critical Care.

And if people respect you, you don’t have to tell them to call you your title. I used to tell my soldiers- “if you respect my name tape, I don’t have to make you respect my rank tape”. I was pretty well respected by my soldiers and had few issues.

Specializes in Critical Care.

I don’t think BSN is probably one of the most difficult degrees. Math, sciences, engineering, etc all seem far more difficult to me.

It is definitely one of the most rewarding degrees though. Making more in even a two year program than many PhD degrees.

Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
23 minutes ago, ICUman said:

Not for long, though. About two years from now, all two year programs will be gone.

That’s been said about diploma programs, yet there’s still a handful of them out there. The whole BSN push came out decades ago, yet the ADN programs haven’t disappeared.

Source?

Specializes in kids.

I think that tends to be a very regional issue. I also think that there are nurses who want full time and benefits, and the jobs are part time or per diem, or an awful place to work for. Or the institution has a history of letting older seasoned nurses go by redefining job descriptions and then bringing in either travelers or MAs or others who are not nurses. Just an observation from neck of the woods.

3 hours ago, ArmyRntoMD said:

How?? I quit one job and had another within a week!

Move to my area. You'll get a job the next day.?

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