Why can't you go straight to CRNA School from BSN?

CS_2_RN · Feb 1, 2006

WOW! It always amazes me how rude and bold people can be with their comments in cyberspace. The anonymity of the internet makes saying what ever you want to whoever is on the forum just fine. You making assumptions about my drive is simply rediculus. I could make a lot of assumptions about you but I won't. I was just responding to the post. Which you could do to keep a civilized discussion going in this forum. Also understanding your terminology is not hard even if you're not a health professional. It just takes a little reading. And if you need to know about my intellect, I'm already accepted to an accelerated nursing program that will take me directly into the CRNA program after my one year experience in the ICU. In addition I also have great scores on the MCAT which can get me into Med school or AA school.

I look at gaswork.com from time to time but there are more jobs for CRNA's because there are more CRNA's.

So, since this post is not about me but the person may have the same concerns as I, like, time spent in school, dealing with shiznit, and have no problem with being directed by an Anesthesiologist - they may want to skip the nurse part and go AA. It's just another route to consider. Remember, if your heart isn't in it, why do it?

Trauma Columnist · Feb 1, 2006

This is a very lively discussion and though not my area of expertise, let's keep this polite and on target. Thanks everyone!

Amy O. Darone · Feb 1, 2006

The reason you must first have critical care experience is because book knowledge alone is not enough. The rest of the ability that is critical to being a good anesthesia provider is learning to be vigilant for subtle but acute changes in your patient--it's honing your instincts and learning that some patients present totally different than with textbook signs and symptoms. I have found that school has taught me a lot, but on the job experience and learning from your mistakes teaches you even more. In fact, without critical care experience, I don't think anyone is really ready.

Age really doesn't matter when you enter a profession, so don't be in a blazing hurry. It is better to be confident in your abilities before you move into that arena. I agree with the other person who mentioned that you should spend some time shadowing with CRNA's to get a feel for what the job really is--and I'm not talking about snoozing a toenail removal or declot fistulas--watch some big AAA's or sick hearts.

It is not until you work in critical care and gain those insights that you will realize how invaluable it truly is. And someday you will be glad for that.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Feb 1, 2006

Do you think its REALLY necessary to get that time in adult care?

Unless you are choosing at age 22 to limit yourself to working in pediatrics only, one needs experience in working with adults. Caring for patients bodily excrement's is just one part of being a nurse.

Working in an ICU environment teaches one how to look for minute clues, subtle signs and symptoms that if caught early can prevent full blown crises...skills one needs in anesthesia. Learning from "patients lived healthcare experience" has been the biggest educator in my nursing career. Lessons learned have helped me so much with future patients.

Experience really is the best teacher.

Katie612 · Feb 1, 2006

Yeah, I am sure you are right... I think since I am so fresh out of school and haven't had much clinical experience to speak of, it still feels a bit strange to care for a grown adult in such a personal way. With children its second nature, I could change a baby's diaper with one hand tied behind my back. Its not so easy with a 200 lb man... Plus I love kids and young families.

Don't get me wrong though, I am looking foward to working in critical care... I love the interpersonal relationships you develop with pts and fams... I love learning about the multiple complex health issues critical pts have. I love the fast-paced, high tech environment that the intensive care offers. And most of all, I like being a support for people when they are in such a vulnerable postition, where my kindness and support can make a huge difference in their life!

deepz · Feb 1, 2006

........I look at gaswork.com from time to time but there are more jobs for CRNA's because there are more CRNA's. ..........

The other way around, actually: the number of ads will reflect high demand due to the short supply of CRNAs.

As to the need for acute care experience as a prerequisite:

http://www.gaspasser.com/unique.html

Best of luck.

deepz

Nitecap · Feb 1, 2006

For instance I have peeps in Georgia that work for a large MD run anesthesia group. Within the group AA's and CRNA's for the most part have the same role. So then I ask why is there only 4 job opening for AA's in GA and about 50 job openings for CRNA's. And of those 50 not that many are looking independent contractors either. Many of the jobs available are to fill positions at Medically directed practices. Just curious to know why at least in GA and ohio there arent way more AA positions open.

CS_2_RN · Feb 1, 2006

True, I agree with you about the number of jobs, I wonder about the same thing. But in reference to the topic, there is no way to go from a BSN to CRNA but a way to go from a BS to being an Anesthesia provider if the AA route is of interest. My personal opinion is that a CRNA is medically prepared to deal with patients and anesthesia while it "seems" as though the AA is just as qualified to deal with anesthesia. No debates on AA vs CRNA just about choices and routes to take. If you're older like me and have small children and a spouse, then one might not want to spend 4 years in intense study (BSN + CRNA) to make this career change. That's all I'm saying.

KVYEng · Feb 1, 2006

Wow! I never expected this to be such a hot topic. This discussion is eye opening. I wanted to make clear that I am not saying that my other degree can substitute patient care. I am not that ignorant. I am just wondering why can't CRNA schooling include enough (1 years worth of acute care)clinical work before graduation?

I appreciate all of the responses, even the ones that were a little nasty.

Thank you,

KVYEng

Nitecap · Feb 1, 2006

It cant because when a school is teaching you how to be an anesthetist they dont want to have to teach you basic pt care and clinical skills that any proficient ICU Nurse should no. These skills cant be as simple as putting in a line, NGT drawing blood, doing focused assessment of critical pt or as complex as giving extremely potent drugs, manipulating life sustaining drugs or devices ect. Dont get me wrong Im not knocking a AA's education b/c theoretically Im sure they study out of the same anesthesia text books that both CRNA's and Anesthesilogist study. The theoretical stuff isnt the issue here. Its the clinical skills. Sure in time the AA will be just as good as the CRNA. But right off the blocks their is a learning curve whether you want to admit or not. Sorry I have seen the PA that was a engineer and seen the PA that was a ICU RN. The learning curve is tremendous when they are in school. The RN ended up teaching half the class.

fidelio · Feb 2, 2006

the myth:

accelerated bsn (1 yr)

direct hire into icu experience (1 yr)

a seamless transition into crna school (2 more yrs)

total: 4 years to a rewarding career

reality:

nursing school prereqs (1 or 2 yrs)

nursing school (assuming you get in the first try and its a bsn program rather than an adn 2 yrs)

icu experience (1-3 years assuming you are skilled enough to skip medsurg)

crna school (2 or 3 years)

total: 6 to 10 years (go w/ the avg. and assume 8 yrs)

if you are still at the starting point, you should consider that in this amount of time you could become an optometrist or a dentist. these are rewarding careers w/ high salaries that don't involve life and death. pharmacy is another doctoral degree that attracts a lot of enterprising people w/ an interest in science. on the non-doctoral front there are cardiac perfusionists, surgical pas and cardiac sonographers. i've seen job postings for dosimetrists (radiation dept.) that pay well over 100k. these fields would take much less time. you could work as a surg tech for 6 months to get to know the equipment and how the surgeons work w/ it and then look for a job in medical instrument sales (endoscopic and imaging equipment for ex.) its shocking how much money many of those medical sales reps are able to earn. med tech companies like sales people with engineering backgrounds. keep these other options in mind as you research a new career. good luck.

medsurgnurse, RN · Feb 2, 2006

the myth:
accelerated bsn (1 yr)
direct hire into icu experience (1 yr)
a seamless transition into crna school (2 more yrs)
total: 4 years to a rewarding career
reality:
nursing school prereqs (1 or 2 yrs)
nursing school (assuming you get in the first try and its a bsn program rather than an adn 2 yrs)
icu experience (1-3 years assuming you are skilled enough to skip medsurg)
crna school (2 or 3 years)
total: 6 to 10 years (go w/ the avg. and assume 8 yrs)
if you are still at the starting point, you should consider that in this amount of time you could become an optometrist or a dentist. these are rewarding careers w/ high salaries that don't involve life and death. pharmacy is another doctoral degree that attracts a lot of enterprising people w/ an interest in science. on the non-doctoral front there are cardiac perfusionists, surgical pas and cardiac sonographers. i've seen job postings for dosimetrists (radiation dept.) that pay well over 100k. these fields would take much less time. you could work as a surg tech for 6 months to get to know the equipment and how the surgeons work w/ it and then look for a job in medical instrument sales (endoscopic and imaging equipment for ex.) its shocking how much money many of those medical sales reps are able to earn. med tech companies like sales people with engineering backgrounds. keep these other options in mind as you research a new career. good luck.

thank you. thank you for straightening out the myth about going to crna school. and you made some excellant points about alternative careers, i didn't even think of some that you mentioned. thank you again well said.