Question for the nurses here.

mjboswell
mjboswell Posts: 114 Member
in Chit-Chat
I'm on my way to becoming a nurse and I am a planner. So I am in an ADN program and have already picked out an RN to BSN bridge program. Once I receive my BSN I plan to work in a critical care unit while completing my MSN. Once I have finished all that I would like to enter a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist program. Ok finally the question. Has anyone completed the CRNA program? If so, how did you find the program? I believe becoming a CRNA is suited towards my personallity and interest. I have not met anyone who has been in or even considered the program. It would just be nice to talk to someone who has the same interest.

Replies

  • mjboswell
    mjboswell Posts: 114 Member
    No nurses here?
  • daffodilsoup
    daffodilsoup Posts: 1,972 Member
    Bumping this topic - I am beginning an accelerated BSN program (geared toward those who already have a non-nursing bachelor's degree) and would love to hear what others have to say.
  • jonidiane
    jonidiane Posts: 11
    I know that here in Eastern Washington state there is one CRNA program at Gonzaga University. The requirements are that you have the BSN and the critical care experience, so you may be able to skip the MSN step or get that degree along with the CRNA designation. The program here is quite competitive so grades and work experience are important. I know several CRNAs that got work in the hospital as soon as they could (here in WA you can work in a limited capacity as a student nurse) to get their foot in the door. Sometimes gaining entry to that critical care area was the biggest challenge and those individuals had to work on units such as cardiac or something before they could get a position in the ICU. Good luck!
  • obrendao
    obrendao Posts: 318
    Funny, I have considered this path as well and am in my ADN program still. So, great Q&A...
  • jonidiane
    jonidiane Posts: 11
    If anyone is considering a nurse practitioner track, I have a lot more info regarding that and the upcoming changes in education requirements etc!
  • mjboswell
    mjboswell Posts: 114 Member
    I don't know why I didn't realize they have different requirements in different states. I'm currently in Texas but have plans to sit for the NCLEX in CA. I suppose I better check CA's requirements. Luckily I have a relationship with a hospital I worked in and feel confident I could work there and work my way into their ICU. To this point I have been able to maintain a 3.8 GPA so my grades will not be an issue. I am worried however about the availability of seats in the program in CA. I moved back to TX partly because the nursing programs in CA are impacted. I had applied twice and my number was not drawn. It was a lottery system where after meeting minimum requirements your app was assigned a number. They had 120 seats and over 500 applicants. My family is ready to move back to CA so I hope the CRNA programs are not impacted like the RN programs.
  • angelinnaonadiet
    angelinnaonadiet Posts: 14
    bump, I used to want to be a nurse. Now I want to be a psychologist, but I'm still interested.
  • mminor77
    mminor77 Posts: 313
    If anyone is considering a nurse practitioner track, I have a lot more info regarding that and the upcoming changes in education requirements etc!
    MEEEEE!!! I am currently working on finishing my BSN to enter a NP program. What kind of info do you have????:smile:
  • christine24t
    christine24t Posts: 6,063 Member
    If I've heard right, MSNs are kinda going out of the way. I would call a CRNA program you're interested in and ask them what their requirements are.

    P.S. You will love nursing!
  • jonidiane
    jonidiane Posts: 11
    You're right about the MSN kind of falling by the wayside, by 2015 all new nurse practitioners and CRNAs will need a doctorate. I know there are many many DNP programs sprouting up.......accellerated BSN to Doctorate. I would have concerns about some of these brand new programs getting their accreditation and might be tempted to stick with older well established programs. It can be a BIG chunk of $$$ for that education...wouldn't want to graduate from somewhere that didn't end up getting their accreditation. BIG changes coming in healthcare, nobody quite knows what to expect....but I suspect there will be expansion of programs and access to those considering careers in all areas of healthcare. I for one plan to keep my "grandfathered" license as a master's prepared NP and do not plan at this point to return for the DNP......but ya never know!
  • ucpg
    ucpg Posts: 158
    Nurse Practitioners are making a 'budding' experience in Canada. I'm a unit clerk, and i've seen NP's popping up everywhere, it used to be pretty scarce.

    PS. i live in Alberta. (richest province in Canada; fast, stable growth economically)

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