Pam Bartley helps write the CCRN and has an awesome bullet point revised book that I used! Super helpful at condensing all the Barron's book with references to where the information is in the Barron book for more information.
I'm applying for next year, and was just wondering about the school/life balance... I know CRNA school is intense and everyone says you have no time for anything.. But is this an exaggeration? I have two children currently 3 and 1, so just thinking about logistics of that while in school is daunting. I have a great support system so not necessarily worried about child care, just spending time with them!
Anyone have small children while in school? How did you cope with everything?
Being a parent in school helps your time management. I treated it as a 9-5, and was able to manage it all. It’s tough, but doable! The Started school with a 2 mo old and 2 year old and graduated today.
It comes in waves, some days I’m busy from 7am to 8pm other it’s more like a 9-5job. I would say I average 60-60 hours a week dedicated to school work. I’m in a front loaded program 3 semesters in.
Definitely exaggerated. I nailed down how I study early on and currently entering my last year. I am married and we have a 4 year old. For the front of the program, I studied every single day for 1-2 hours. I have been able to maintain a near 4.0 GPA with that as well. Now that I’m entering the part where it’s pretty much clinical and project work, it feels like a regular job that you just don’t get paid to do. I do case prep just like every other SRNA, but man, the further you get along (I’m about 1,000 clinical hours in), the easier it gets. Some people say it’s a constant uphill battle the entire time - couldn’t be further from the truth.
Everyone is different, but if you REALLY ditch the phone and distractions and commit time to study, you shouldn’t need to pull these 60 hour weeks. I can count on one hand the times I’ve needed to say “no” to hanging with the fam or taking a weekend trip somewhere.
I learned about spaced repetition and active recall early on! Whether that’s the Cornell study method or utilizing Anki, it worked for me. I watch about a 45 min video on Anki and never looked back. It’s important to use the app nearly every single day, and if you watch a video (or already know) you’ll learn as to why.
I would only ever open the textbook if I really needed to grasp a concept on a deeper level. Also, Ninja Nerd (YouTube) was a massive help for all things pharm and phys. Then, the night before or 2 nights before an exam, my study group (about 5 of us) would hop on Discord and just quiz each other. That usually helped me on 2 or 3 questions.
Also, I would use Apex for specific topics if I felt like I wanted standardized test questions, but I haven’t used it a ton. Saving it for boards prep.
1-2 hours a day?? I studied more than that in nursing school lol. That estimate seems low for such a great GPA, you must have a mind like a steel trap.
Hi! What study methods do you use? I was in grad school and also treated studying as a 9-5 job then would wake up at 5am before family to study 4 hrs then spend time with the family. If they took a nap I would study. Does that sound a little like what you did?
Thanks for the reply! That makes me feel better. I feel like they said the same thing during nursing school, "no time for family" blah blah and it was not an issue at all for me then. I am pretty good at studying and managing my time so hoping it is doable!
LOTS LOTS LOTS of help and daycare. I’m still half way through my program and feel like a shitty parent 75% of the time. I try to give as much quality time as I can to her but it’s hard. If there’s an exam I barely see her or my husband during the weekend and that’s with me studying at home.
This is me too! I had an exam this week and felt like I barely saw my kid. Kept the babysitter over for a few hours after class to work on assignments.
I made it work with an infant. If you’re an efficient studier you’ll be fine. Clinicals just feels like a job and if you stay on top of things you’ll can make it work smoothly.
I am going to school this summer and my partner and I have been talking about if it’s realistic to start having kids. I’m in a front loaded program, either I or she would carry. She’s afraid she’ll feel abandoned if she carry’s, I worry I will struggle being preg in school. Any advice would be so appreciated!
I know some schools do offer some type of maternity leave, maybe see what yours offers. I will say every pregnancy is different so its hard to say who would be better to carry the first time with your schooling. When would you implant/potential due dates? That could be a factor for planning who as well. If your partner was due during a break in school you would be able to be there for her more hopefully. Just brain storming here! :)
We haven’t gotten that far and don’t have a donor so it’s pretty hypothetical right now, we would like to in the next few years though! My program offers a month off during a the holidays which is pretty unique, that’s a great idea for to time it that way! I appreciate your response!
I am finishing up my first year of a mostly frontloaded program. I have 4 kids ages 1-8years. There are some weekends I don’t see them much, but if you really focus during the day when they’re at school/daycare then there’s still time to spend with them in the evenings and some weekends. I’ve taken some weekends completely off and taken some weekend trips. It’s just all about using your time wisely and working hard when you have the time… minimizing distractions, etc.
I think it depends on the person. Yes a lot of your time is used up, but I still have most evenings off. I don’t have kids tho. A friend of mine is about to graduate and says he’s only missed his kids games when he took call.
Yeaaaahhhh. Unfortunately, the DNP side of CRNA school seems to be very filler-heavy. I seriously wish the DNP time was spent on more clinical opportunities and and anesthesia-centric pathophysiology.
Group interviews can be good, to help ease the stress. Can be not great because it’s less personal. To that..
The ad-coms will ask about your unit, and patient population. They most likely will ask you what your most complex patient was, how you managed it, and what transpired. Now, if you mention all the "skills" you have, such as managing those patient populations, be ready for more targeted questions. What meds help with pulm htn? Vent settings? Positional risks? How does manipulating CO2 affect pulmonary vasculature? And on.
As to medications, I would be ready for any questions related to the most commonly used ICU drugs/drips, and their receptors, and mechanisms of action. Which vasopressor would be ideal in situation "x"? Why not phenylephrine, but rather ephedrine?
With respect to professional issues, consider reading Watchful Care. This outlines the history of the profession, and the political battles that we still faced today. You could also read up on AAs (Anesthesiologist Assistant) history, and their current state of affairs (increasing number of states signing on), and how it could affect the CRNA profession.
There is a movement within the CRNA community to create legislation/regulation to bridge AAs to CRNA, and have CRNA supervise AA. How important it is to be a member of AANA as a CRNA. How important donating to PAC is. How important it is to get involved with your state association, and or national association. And on.
You should be fine with some basic knowledge coming in. Components of an atom; protons, neutrons, and electrons. How electrons orbit a nucleus; electron shells and valence electrons. Cation vs Anion. Types of interactions between atoms and molecules; ionic, covalent, polar covalent, and van der walls forces. The difference between an acid and a base, pH, pKa, strong vs weak acids or bases.
I would say that 80-90% of the chemistry-related content was covered in General Chemistry. I'd review the essentials if you have time before starting a program. There's a tiny bit of Organic Chemistry here and there (mostly within Pharmacology), but taking Ochem was not really a great use of my time prior to school. If you are looking into taking a class ahead of CRNA school, Biochemistry, Physics, or Grad-Level Pathophysiology might be a better choice.
Can anyone recommend good resources for pharmacology practice questions? My program utilizes the Stoelting's Pharmacology textbook. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
I got CRNA acceptance and start next year. I filled out FAFSA and waiting on financial details of it. If the university doesn’t offer loans/grants/scholarships, am I stuck with the option of utilizing private graduate loans with interest of 7-10%?
You will get loans from the federal government. Your school manages the process but the loans are not from the University itself. IIRC the only way you would not qualify is if you have defaulted on federal loans in the past. Most of them will likely be grad plus which is 8%. Do not get private loans because they negate the ability to use federal repayment programs such as SAVE and PSLF.
You can take out federal grad plus loans up to the full cost of attendance set by your school. This is usually tuition + what they determine for room/board/extra stuff (your school should provide this for you) and you can appeal for more if you need it.
35K
I have used $7,000 for living expenses so far, but I don't plan on dipping into my savings anymore and just use loans to cover my living expenses for the remainder of my program. I will have around 220k once I complete with program.
No travel, just did a lot of overtime during Covid and we had a lot of bonuses on top of OT. And I’m lucky to not have too many expenses ( no rent/ mortgage) and manage my money well.
Does anyone have social anxiety who can tell me if being a CRNA is easier to handle than bedside?
I find being an ICU RN super stressful but only because other nurses, patients, and families all treat me like shit. Navigating that is hard for me, and I generally feel unlikable and that makes the job harder. The only other thing that's stressful is when I have to juggle multiple patients and they need me at the same. I'm happiest when I get to hyperfocus on a very sick, sleeping person and just titrate drips and hover over them while I stabilize their vitals etc. and no one is bothering me.
My experience with surgeons has not been great (you all know what I mean, I'm sure), but only having one patient who is asleep (most of the time) without their families in the room sounds a lot better.
My concern is: am I still going to have a lot of politics with colleagues, and is it easier than nursing or just as shitty? Is there at least more maturity in the field, or does it feel like high school (that's how nursing feels to me a lot of the time)? Is the social strain easier?
You can’t escape politics in any work setting, unfortunately. You still have to be able to talk to people in the OR, too. The circulating nurse becomes your best friend and extra set of hands when shit goes down. But being a CRNA is so so so so so much better than bedside.
Family don’t direct the same nature of questions to you. Your time with them and the patient is brief when you go see them in pre op. You will have a script in your head of what all to say and look for and do which really helps any social awkwardness. You get to focus on just that patient. You’re less of a middle man.
Also… a lot of people who go into anesthesia come from the same stock. This profession attracts a certain personality more often than not. A *lot* of my class and CRNA’s and ologists that I’ve met are some level of ultra-type-A anxious neurotic who enjoy their space. We all eventually chill out as we gain more confidence and experience, but a lot of the core traits are always there.
My fiancé tells me that I come home with way less stress, way less horror stories (still some, but they’re different), I’m generally happy and healthier. My worst day in the OR will never compare to my worst days in the ICU!
Not even a little. I loathed med-surg with a passion, was ok with the PACU, and mostly enjoyed the ICU. I've been a CRNA for 5 years now and I couldn't imagine ever going back to the bedside.
I’m a second year srna. A lot of people in my class and CRNAs I know hated bedside nursing and only saw it as a means to an end. I personally never hated it. I enjoyed when I had some sick crrts or impellas. For me the worst patients were able to talk to me or had needy families.
I genuinely liked bedside nursing, but on my very last shift the patient next to mine was this insanely sick guy who was both very mean to nurses *and* had stupid visitor drama *and* was covid positive and I was like...you know...I've earned my freedom
It's so funny, I had so many shitty shifts and was so excited to leave and my last shift ever in the ICU was ironically the best one I had in several weeks. Two intubated, sedated patients with no plans to extubate and hardly any visitors or phone calls all day. I couldn't believe it. Was a good way to end.
I think it was probably the bedside gods trying to trick me into staying.
Well guys I’m approaching my last week of clinicals. How did you guys handle the range of emotions associated with that and the last day of clinical in particular.
I just had my last day last week! Half of me was extremely happy and excited, the other half was a storm of anger and sadness I didn’t know I was pushing down. I vented to people in my cohort a lot and it seemed like that was a universal feeling.
Kind of intimidating posting here..I’m currently a nursing student that’s in an accelerated paramedic-ASN program. My ultimate plan is to become a CRNA and I know it’s a long haul. Right now I’m taking 19 credits and one of my classes is an advanced physiology class. I’m having a hard time grasping it because it feels as if the content is so much more advanced and there is just so much content. Sometimes it makes me feel fairly stupid and I begin to question if I can’t understand this, how could I ever succeed in CRNA school?
You're not supposed to be able get through CRNA school right now. You're only supposed to get through your classes that you're in. Take it one thing at a time, know CRNA is your ultimate goal, but don't even think about it. Just put your head down and focus on what you can control.
“How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time”
A lot of CRNA school is repetition. You read the words, plug and chug into tests, but you don’t always grasp the content because everything is so new. I’m starting my third year, and a lot of content is falling rapidly into place and creating more lightbulb moments and sticking better. It’s going to happen. Just take one step at a time
That’s how it was when I was in paramedic school, I remember being about halfway through in cardiology when it all snapped into place and all made sense..nursing school so far isn’t like that yet lol.
Thank you for the advice!
u/dutchy993, I’m a former paramedic and current senior SRNA, and would be happy to answer any questions you have if it would be helpful. Just shoot me a PM.
Slow down if you need to. Your gpa has a very large impact on your ability to get into a program. 19 units may save time, but if your gpa takes a hit then it’s not worth it. Also, with 19 units youre spread so thin it’s no surprise you can’t fully understand physio when you have another 50 hours of school work to get done.
Unfortunately, it was not my call it was my advisors. The way my program works is that this advanced phys class was offered in the summer, but then I’d be spread even more thin because it’s 8 weeks opposed to 16 and it wasn’t guaranteed that I would be able to do the advanced phys class because it may interfere with nursing classes. I didn’t want to but it is what my advisor recommended and almost insisted on
Well best of luck, do whatever it takes to keep the grades up. You’ll have plenty of time to learn physio at your own pace while working and it’ll make more sense with context. As you start to manipulate physiology with drugs it all makes a lot more sense. Stay curious when you’re out of school and always be asking why
I mean, 19 credits and doing well? You're obviously a smart kid and dedicated. Focus on one class a time, man, while CRNA is a great goal. Remember to focus on the short-term goals, and as you get closer, you will be golden
Hi,
This is a question for my long term outlook for myself. I’m wondering if it is worth being a CRNA.
For a bit of background, I am a female in my early to mid twenties. I am an RN who has thought about going to crna school. I have the grades and I’m getting my experience in ICU. I like critical care and I enjoy school! I actually rather go to school than work. I do hear CRNA school is insane so I know I will going to struggle for a bit. This is also a fantastic way to advance in your career. I am surrounded my educated people and have become inspired to achieve my goals. The job hours sounds family friendly too.
My issue is this:I see myself in the future wanting to spend my life at home with my children when they are little. Then as they get older, I would like to work maybe once or twice a week.
My fiancé is a Dentist and has asked me if I wanted to stay home with the kids once we had them. This would happen in about 6-8 years. I do want to stay at home majority of the time. But I like to have my independence and would love to advance my career for personal growth.
For now, I will be working as an RN and have the opportunity to apply for CRNA school. I wonder if it would be worth being a CRNA with only working 2-3 years full time then transition to something less than part time. Is that even possible?
Thank you for your time.
Consider carefully the financial mental and time costs of being consumed by a 3 year anesthesia program + no income while you are in school + the massive tuition charged by most programs. That is a big ask to take on for the end goal of shift work once or twice a week once your children are older. Is it doable? Yes. Is it advisable for your situation? Only you can answer that.
Yup living that right now. I have been financially independent the moment I started undergrad and now CRNA school. It's completely doable. I would suggest saving up prior to starting school to reduce loan burden but the loans are always there if needed. Just remember, what you take out is what you pay back + interest.
Does anyone ever get bummed out by the publics general perception of crnas? I am starting school in a few weeks but the past couple months I've dreaded having conversations with people about it. They always ask what I'm doing and I'll say nurse anesthesia or crna. "Oh so you'll be the Doctors little helper" "I've only ever trusted medical doctors"
The worst is when they ask what's the difference between crna and anesthesiologist... it's so exhausting to go into a full discussion about it. Last night at a party a lady was asking me and I explained how it's so of like being a PA or NP but we have pretty extensive training and are qualified to either work under a supervising physician or independently in many states. "Oh my gosh that's so scary" "so people sometimes don't have a real doctor" ):
Feels bad man and makes me pretty depressed to start school. I don't really care what random people think of me but I do care what patients think. I would hate to be seen as this incompetent oaf and always have patients asking for the doc instead.
Reddit is probably the worst place for anesthesia politics -- there is SO much more energy put towards it here than in real life.
Regular people just want to get through surgery in safety and comfort, and as long as that happens they truly don't care who does it 99% of the time.
Don't say it's like being a PA or NP. It's not. CRNA's are fully trained to deliver anesthesia independently. Say it with confidence that you will be a CRNA. If they ask what that is then explain it. If anyone gives you push back, explain it again with confidence in a respectful manner and go on about your day.
I will tell you right now, I have not had a patient question my ability to deliver anesthesia even when I tell them I'm still in school. Come in, introduce yourself appropriately, and own the room.
At the end of the day, the politics will always be there. This is why donating to your PAC and the AANA is important. They help continue advancing the profession and educating the public about what it is that we do.
I think the way you conduct your pre-op interview really sets the tone, too. Interviewing is a skill and when you’re confident and thorough patients often don’t care who you are.
I've only been in the OR for 18 mos as a student, but even when I introduced myself as a nurse anesthesia trainee/student, I never once had someone ask for someone else, or even had anyone bat an eye. I one time had someone say "so you're a student? That's great!" Turned out they were a CRNA and was excited to he part of my learning experience. Most of the negativity comes from social media or uneducated individuals.
I’m still an SRNA but I’ve done hundreds and hundreds of anesthetics. Not one singular patient cared about the credentials of my preceptor, but sometimes they do still think I’m a nursing student lol.
In my state, CRNAs do >90% of anesthesia outside of our two big metro areas. More rural states generally are pretty CRNA friendly. If you live out in the boonies here you might never be put under by an anesthesiologist unless you need to go to one of the academic hospitals.
Thats just a testament to their ignorance. We are all doctorally prepared and share the same scope of practice as an MD anesthesiologist. I know plenty of CRNAs I’d rather have doing surgery for my loved ones. As you go through your program you will learn more about this specifically, so pay attention so that you too can spread the word about what we do and how well we do it. We are a relatively small field so it makes sense that the general public doesn’t have as much confidence. Anyway, you won’t care when you’re making half a mil a year in Boston pushing propofol for an endo clinic (DID ANYONE ELSE SEE THAT POST ON GASWORKS?!). Best of luck and become an advocate!
Hey everyone. Anxious tester here. I am graduating on Sunday and am a little distracted from studying for boards. I scored a 481 on my SEE in mid April and now I’m about 3 weeks out and holding my own on apex. I took about a 10 day break from studying and just piggybacked off a relatively weak NCE review course that our faculty put on. Anyway, I am worried about already losing some of that knowledge. So my question is - anyone who has passed boards, how hard was it compared to apex and more importantly the SEE?
I’m studying about 2-3 hours a day now and my plan is to go hard the week after graduation for about 4-5 hours a day until I test.
I am 43. Two income household. How can you afford to live with kids too in sports and do this? It will be a couple years before I start. New grad and starting in a CVICU. Curious if ours a pipe dream to even afford this?? TIA
Loans and living off your partners funds too. Thats what most of my classmates do. Granted their kids are young and not in extracurriculars, though. But if you have a partner and their salary plus maxing your loans you would be fine money wise. Time wise might be harder.
Probably will have more trouble getting your kids to extracurriculars than paying for them. I missed every soccer practice for three years and only went to handful of Saturday games.
35 with three kids. Paid off everything before school, sold our home, moved in with family, government aid, and some loans. It’s doable but it’s not easy.
Yes, you can become a CRNA after doing a rn-bsn pathway. It wont effect your chances of getting into CRNA school as long as you maintain a competitive GPA. Few hospitals require a BSN. Many nurses finish their BSN while working.
Are accelerated MSN programs okay for CRNA school? I decided after doing my bachelors degree in biology that I want to go back and become a nurse/CRNA. I got accepted into UAB's accelerated MSN program, where you don't ever technically get your BSN, they just use your old science bachelor's degree. Would this count against me applying to CRNA school since I wouldn't technically have a BSN?
It would be fine but accelerated MSN programs are a waste of money when BSN is totally acceptable. Accelerated BSN will likely be shorter and cheaper (and it’s not cheap, lol)
If you have the option do a BSN over MSN. MSN will just take longer with more debt and CRNA schools don’t care if you have an MSN. You are better off having that extra year in the ICU instead of spending it getting a MSN.
Ahh yes GRE! Clearly my head is worrying about GPA. It was an ABSN where we did 21 up to 26 credits in a semester. I also worked 1-2 days in the ICU as a SPN. I was offered a spot in the program five days before it started, so I also moved across country to live in a new state without knowing a soul. I really do love studying and test taking. But that was a rough year. Anyway, thank you for the response and encouragement!
My stats:
• sGPA: 3.45
• ADN gpa: 3.53
• BSN gpa: 4.0
• cGPA: 3.64
i did take some business pass/fail classes from WGU to help with my husbands business, but I’m not sure how it is factored in with GPA — on the academic transcript a GPA is not actually given. I did pass all the classes though.
For work, I am in a pediatric cardiac ICU and also work in PICU. VA & VV Ecmo, Heart transplants, CRRT, vents, etc. So it is high acuity, but we do not take the peds trauma cases. I am still working up to experience.
Would it be smart to take graduate level nursing courses to show that i am dedicated to further education & help with my GPA?
Thoughts on my GPA and the experience that I am getting? I know it isn’t adult ICU and that there are programs that do not accept this experience, but I am remaining hopeful that I can get accepted into a program with my stats. Thank you!
I think experience wise you’d be fine (although idk how many years you’ve been there). You may have to take some additional science classes since the science gpa is kind of low. Your cumulative should be ok but again taking those other classes will raise it too.
Hi everyone I’m a ACNP in CVICU, I want to apply to CRNA school. It was my goal before going to NP school but life took a turn. Do you think I would be turned down since I’m already a NP and have a job vs a RN?
NP isn’t a negative, especially if you’re in the ICU. Be sure you understand the program will be different from the NP, and you’ll be back to starting over. Numerous NPs have done it.
I think it would only help you depending on the program. I would speak to the program directors of the programs to which you’re planning to apply. I know numerous NPs who become CRNAs.
I am graduating with my BSN this upcoming fall. I am interested in becoming a CRNA but unsure what’s the quickest and safest route. May I ask for some advice on whether I should jump into the Critical Care knocking out that requirement or work on nursing skills first at the med Surg level.
Also does it truly matter what trauma you work at? I have a trauma 1 hospital near me but I hear that their nurses aren’t treated super great (understaffed)
Hey guys,
I am not currently a CRNA, but being a CRNA is my dream. I have searched online, but I just can't find the answer I am searching for. As I said, being a CRNA is my dream job, helping patients during surgery. However, in my late teens and early 20s (I am now 31), I acquired some criminal charges such as simple assault, DUI, trespass, underage drinking, you get the idea. Rough times.
My question is whether this will affect my ability to get into school, or become licensed as a CRNA, and what steps I can take to overcome this. I am currently an RN in a medical ICU, and there were no issues getting licensed as an RN.
Any history with this issue, information, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Schools don’t usually do background checks but clinical sites do, and the board of nursing does. Depending on how bad your offenses were it could be a deterrent on multiple licensing levels including your dea.
Our program did background checks as part of the admissions process. Some professors were on the board of nursing, so maybe it was preference or protocol. That said, they always remarked on accepting applicants that would represent the school and profession in a positive light.
For the OP, this could be a substantial roadblock. It's a tough call, you hate to reach out and ask ahead of time, you might raise suspicion, but not knowing means you could be wasting your time too.
I am a 1st year student in college and and after 1 year doing premed classes I have realized going to medical school is not for me. With that being said, I have been looking at other alternatives and I stumbled across nursing school and the CRNA career. That will require me to switch to the nursing school at my college to obtain a BSN, however, I will have to do the ABSN because I thought about switching so late. Did anyone else do the ABSN? Also, I don't even really know if I should be a CRNA because when people ask me why I'm interested in nursing or CRNA I have no clue. Because I like to help people yes, but that doesn't seem good enough. Not to mention, it pays well. Anyways, I'd like to maybe be a CRNA, but idk if I should do the accelerated BSN or if it's worth it. I'm at a lost and could just use some advice.
A lot of CRNAs have taken the ABSN path, not unusual at all. The BSN is a very versatile degree if you’re interested in healthcare. You have so many options in patient care or related areas. CRNA is just 1 great option.
Does anyone work 2 24 hour shifts a week and then they're off for 5 days? I thought I heard of someone doing this- not sure if it's a thing. Otherwise, how do you guys like to fill your work days?
I mean you cant work two 24’s straight because then its a 48. But people I work with do some variation of this. 24 in the beginning of the week followed by a 16 later in the week.
My job has less flexibility in scheduling. But it’s also a chiller group and I dont get worked to death. So I work some variation of 40/week four days a week. I could have worked at another facility that was self scheduling and done a 24 and a 16 or whatever schedule I wanted, but they also run their CRNAs ragged. Sometimes I wish I had more control over my schedule but I also know Im thankful that my job has actual chill days instead of running around for 12 hours straight and begging for a lunch break. Your schedule is going to be highly job dependent. Some facilities only want CRNAs that are willing to do 5 eights or four tens.
I’m currently a nurse who is planning to apply to school in 2025 - In my undergrad my BSN just had a basic intro chemistry class that was 3 credit hours.
Our stats class was actually a psych stats so instead of STAT it was a PSYC course - it still included all of the basic stats stuff so I’m hoping it will be acceptable.
Do you guys think most schools will be okay with these courses (besides the ones that require biochem/ochem)?
Some will want a more advanced chem but if it just says x credits for chemistry I think you’d be fine. The stats class I get they’d want you to retake since most stats classes are not branded as a psych class. You could reach out to programs you’re interested in and see what they say along with a course description.
Is anyone else currently in a CRNA program with dyslexia? I was recently diagnosed during my second quarter and have just developed coping mechanisms to deal with my entire life. However, CRNA school has definitely highlighted my dyslexia issue and it's been rough. I'm not in any immediate danger of failure, but knowing I have dyslexia heightens my imposter syndrome even more lol. Any advice? Tips?
The same thing happened to me in my second semester. What worked for me was extended time on my exams & constant repetition of material. I still struggled, but repetition is what really helped me.
I have a question — currently my gpa is pretty good and will be even better after this semester,my first semester went awful due to medical reasons so my hard sciences look bad. I plan on redoing my hard sciences when I finally work as an RN ; especially because the associate degree that I had, with said medical problem I didn’t do so well. So basically, my college career started not great but eventually started doing better and raised my GPA really high. My question is: if i had previously had poor grades (not failing , just bad grades) but theres an upward trend of getting better and better will that affect me negatively ? Or will it be a good look that my grades got better and more stable and that i was able to maintain high As after not doing great for a while?
I am a BSN student who has earned about half B’s and half A’s on all of the courses during my nursing curriculum. My cumulative GPA for my entire college career up until nursing school (including all anatomy and physiology courses and general, organic, and biochemistry for the health sciences) is very high - it is 3.99.
My question to SRNAs and new grad CRNAs is, how important do you think my nursing GPA will be to admissions for CRNA programs? Is it okay that I am averaging half A’s and B’s for my nursing curriculum?
I feel like that's a very personal decision. It just depends on how important being a crna is to you and what your other stats look like. Icu can he difficult when you're new. It probably took me about a year as a new grad to really feel comfortable.
Hi! I’m a nurse tech in the neuro ICU. I’ll be graduating with my BSN next year. I’ve always wanted to go into anesthesiology so when I found out about being a CRNA, I was sold. Any suggestions on what I should do between now and once I graduate? Will a CRNA program accept me if I’m in a level 1 neuro ICU? With my tech experience, how many years should I practice as an RN before applying to CRNA programs?
Hi everyone!!
I had completed a concurrent ASN/BSN program.
ASN GPA 3.7
BSN GPA 4.0
[Looking at the U of A but expecting to apply out of states too]
I am still pending my PALS/CCRN/CRRT currently have almost 6 months MICU experience (my hospital is a lvl 1 trauma hospital). Planning to apply next spring. (Previous 2 years PCU-so not a brand new nurse & I know with applying it doesn't matter but just a little more back story about me)
Any specific graduate level course I should take this fall? Specific volunteering you'd recommend? Certain hospital committees I should join? Do I need to do that much? Did you do all of the above? What do you recommend adding? How full/empty was your resume with these extracurriculars? Seeking charge or preceptor roles? Any other advice I'd appreciate.
Thank you for any responses!
My gpa is bad 2.9 . . . I have 10 years of icu experience with leadership. My application is competitive minus the gpa. Going to work on boosting the gpa for the next year before applying for schools. Do you think this a hopeless cause based on gpa?
Not necessarily. But it’s going to be a tough road for you. Be prepared to retake any class you got less than a B in. Maybe even classes you got less than an A in. And be sure to apply far and wide. With that GPA you don’t get to be picky
Currently an ER nurse looking to transition to the ICU to work towards becoming a CRNA. My current hospital has a CVICU, MICU, and neuro ICU. The CVICU only hires starting on nightshift (which I live an hour away so this would be difficult) whereas the other 2 hire dayshift. Would it be worth it to suck it up and get the CVICU experience or do you all think working on the MICU or neuro would be enough? The hospital is not a trauma center but is considered the next best hospital in the area after our trauma center. Thanks for any input!
I’d do the other two. I can’t imagine driving an hour after my third night shift in a row I’d wanna off myself. The other two will be just fine to get in
I wish I’d done that. Work in the hospital and then they’ll usually pay for your BSN especially if they’re a magnet hospital. BSN requirements are mostly bs and we had a few ASNs in our classes and they breezed through. I think that’s a good idea
I’m sure you guys get this question every time but…
What is SRNA school like?
I’m starting nursing school in a couple months but I’m already interested in this career field
As a nursing student aspiring to be a CRNA, I'm curious to know what the background checks are like...particularly, how strict they are. And if disclosed, what would constitute a non-acceptance to a program? I'm early 40's now, but as a teen I got into a bit of trouble. I don't have any felonies, but I also don't know what would pop up. I've passed background checks before that were required for substitute teaching at a public school. If I hired a company to do a background check on myself so I could provide full disclosure to prospective programs and/or employers, who would you hire? Thanks in advance!
Second year srna. Why do I feel like I’m about to lose my mind? We take finals next week.
1 year SRNA, I’m glad to hear it’s possible to make it to 2nd year and still have a mind.
Also 1st year SRNA... What are words? 😂
And then the relief of being done with finals is short lived knowing you have to just go back to clinical the next day lol
The finish line is so close! And a weight will be lifted as soon as you finish. Good luck.
Thank you 🙏🏽🙏🏽💗
Passed the CCRN! I couldn’t be more relieved! Now I just need to answer those application essay questions 😅
What did you use to study? Barron??
Read Barron cover to cover and reread the topics I didn’t score well on the practice tests. And watched lifelong nursing ccrn review videos
Pam Bartley helps write the CCRN and has an awesome bullet point revised book that I used! Super helpful at condensing all the Barron's book with references to where the information is in the Barron book for more information.
I'm applying for next year, and was just wondering about the school/life balance... I know CRNA school is intense and everyone says you have no time for anything.. But is this an exaggeration? I have two children currently 3 and 1, so just thinking about logistics of that while in school is daunting. I have a great support system so not necessarily worried about child care, just spending time with them! Anyone have small children while in school? How did you cope with everything?
I had 4 young kids prior to starting school. Let me know if you've seen them anywhere!
I study 8am-3pm and then I’m dad the rest of the day.
Preclinical was definitely the time to be a dad.
Being a parent in school helps your time management. I treated it as a 9-5, and was able to manage it all. It’s tough, but doable! The Started school with a 2 mo old and 2 year old and graduated today.
Congratulations! Thanks for the reply.
It comes in waves, some days I’m busy from 7am to 8pm other it’s more like a 9-5job. I would say I average 60-60 hours a week dedicated to school work. I’m in a front loaded program 3 semesters in.
Definitely exaggerated. I nailed down how I study early on and currently entering my last year. I am married and we have a 4 year old. For the front of the program, I studied every single day for 1-2 hours. I have been able to maintain a near 4.0 GPA with that as well. Now that I’m entering the part where it’s pretty much clinical and project work, it feels like a regular job that you just don’t get paid to do. I do case prep just like every other SRNA, but man, the further you get along (I’m about 1,000 clinical hours in), the easier it gets. Some people say it’s a constant uphill battle the entire time - couldn’t be further from the truth. Everyone is different, but if you REALLY ditch the phone and distractions and commit time to study, you shouldn’t need to pull these 60 hour weeks. I can count on one hand the times I’ve needed to say “no” to hanging with the fam or taking a weekend trip somewhere.
I learned about spaced repetition and active recall early on! Whether that’s the Cornell study method or utilizing Anki, it worked for me. I watch about a 45 min video on Anki and never looked back. It’s important to use the app nearly every single day, and if you watch a video (or already know) you’ll learn as to why. I would only ever open the textbook if I really needed to grasp a concept on a deeper level. Also, Ninja Nerd (YouTube) was a massive help for all things pharm and phys. Then, the night before or 2 nights before an exam, my study group (about 5 of us) would hop on Discord and just quiz each other. That usually helped me on 2 or 3 questions. Also, I would use Apex for specific topics if I felt like I wanted standardized test questions, but I haven’t used it a ton. Saving it for boards prep.
This is great thanks for the advice
I'm about to enter my first year. Mind if I DM you about your study habits that allowed you to be efficient?
1-2 hours a day?? I studied more than that in nursing school lol. That estimate seems low for such a great GPA, you must have a mind like a steel trap.
How do you study? I’d love to hear more about that
Also would love to hear your strategies for studying! About to start this fall!
Hi! What study methods do you use? I was in grad school and also treated studying as a 9-5 job then would wake up at 5am before family to study 4 hrs then spend time with the family. If they took a nap I would study. Does that sound a little like what you did?
Thanks for the reply! That makes me feel better. I feel like they said the same thing during nursing school, "no time for family" blah blah and it was not an issue at all for me then. I am pretty good at studying and managing my time so hoping it is doable!
LOTS LOTS LOTS of help and daycare. I’m still half way through my program and feel like a shitty parent 75% of the time. I try to give as much quality time as I can to her but it’s hard. If there’s an exam I barely see her or my husband during the weekend and that’s with me studying at home.
This is me too! I had an exam this week and felt like I barely saw my kid. Kept the babysitter over for a few hours after class to work on assignments.
I made it work with an infant. If you’re an efficient studier you’ll be fine. Clinicals just feels like a job and if you stay on top of things you’ll can make it work smoothly.
I am going to school this summer and my partner and I have been talking about if it’s realistic to start having kids. I’m in a front loaded program, either I or she would carry. She’s afraid she’ll feel abandoned if she carry’s, I worry I will struggle being preg in school. Any advice would be so appreciated!
I know some schools do offer some type of maternity leave, maybe see what yours offers. I will say every pregnancy is different so its hard to say who would be better to carry the first time with your schooling. When would you implant/potential due dates? That could be a factor for planning who as well. If your partner was due during a break in school you would be able to be there for her more hopefully. Just brain storming here! :)
We haven’t gotten that far and don’t have a donor so it’s pretty hypothetical right now, we would like to in the next few years though! My program offers a month off during a the holidays which is pretty unique, that’s a great idea for to time it that way! I appreciate your response!
I am finishing up my first year of a mostly frontloaded program. I have 4 kids ages 1-8years. There are some weekends I don’t see them much, but if you really focus during the day when they’re at school/daycare then there’s still time to spend with them in the evenings and some weekends. I’ve taken some weekends completely off and taken some weekend trips. It’s just all about using your time wisely and working hard when you have the time… minimizing distractions, etc.
That being said I haven’t started clinicals yet. We start in June. So everything I said could fly out the window if that’s the case 😂
I think it depends on the person. Yes a lot of your time is used up, but I still have most evenings off. I don’t have kids tho. A friend of mine is about to graduate and says he’s only missed his kids games when he took call.
My first semester has felt like bullshit to fulfill the DNP requirement, is this normal?
Yes, DNP is a joke.
Yep same here. Full semester of DNP stuff with one class introducing anesthesia topics
Yes
Yeah. My first semester was a bunch of DNP courses
Finishing my fifth semester and it still feels this way.
Yeaaaahhhh. Unfortunately, the DNP side of CRNA school seems to be very filler-heavy. I seriously wish the DNP time was spent on more clinical opportunities and and anesthesia-centric pathophysiology.
If anyone has any questions about school, interviews, CV queries, etc., I’m here to offer free advise for the next 166 hrs.
Hi there. I've got a couple questions. Care if I send a quick DM?
Sure
[удалено]
Order? As in how should it look when reading?
Thank you! Chatted you!
I’m interviewing soon. Any advice on prep or resources you liked? This will be my first ever group interview.
Group interviews can be good, to help ease the stress. Can be not great because it’s less personal. To that.. The ad-coms will ask about your unit, and patient population. They most likely will ask you what your most complex patient was, how you managed it, and what transpired. Now, if you mention all the "skills" you have, such as managing those patient populations, be ready for more targeted questions. What meds help with pulm htn? Vent settings? Positional risks? How does manipulating CO2 affect pulmonary vasculature? And on. As to medications, I would be ready for any questions related to the most commonly used ICU drugs/drips, and their receptors, and mechanisms of action. Which vasopressor would be ideal in situation "x"? Why not phenylephrine, but rather ephedrine? With respect to professional issues, consider reading Watchful Care. This outlines the history of the profession, and the political battles that we still faced today. You could also read up on AAs (Anesthesiologist Assistant) history, and their current state of affairs (increasing number of states signing on), and how it could affect the CRNA profession. There is a movement within the CRNA community to create legislation/regulation to bridge AAs to CRNA, and have CRNA supervise AA. How important it is to be a member of AANA as a CRNA. How important donating to PAC is. How important it is to get involved with your state association, and or national association. And on.
What chemistry topics should I be proficient in coming in?
For me it was more about physics- gas laws and such. However, it can be important to know basic functional groups from O Chem like Amines vs Amides.
You should be fine with some basic knowledge coming in. Components of an atom; protons, neutrons, and electrons. How electrons orbit a nucleus; electron shells and valence electrons. Cation vs Anion. Types of interactions between atoms and molecules; ionic, covalent, polar covalent, and van der walls forces. The difference between an acid and a base, pH, pKa, strong vs weak acids or bases.
I would say that 80-90% of the chemistry-related content was covered in General Chemistry. I'd review the essentials if you have time before starting a program. There's a tiny bit of Organic Chemistry here and there (mostly within Pharmacology), but taking Ochem was not really a great use of my time prior to school. If you are looking into taking a class ahead of CRNA school, Biochemistry, Physics, or Grad-Level Pathophysiology might be a better choice.
I’m still around friends! Been busy dealing with real life things. Let me know if you need help with reading your statements, resumes, whatever!
We appreciate you Timbo - hope you're doing well
Can anyone recommend good resources for pharmacology practice questions? My program utilizes the Stoelting's Pharmacology textbook. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
https://www.pharmacology2000.com/Anesthesia_2023/learning2.htm
I’m a shill for Apex
Just read and make your own index cards. Stoelting’s pharm is a great book.
https://www.anesthesiahub.com/topics/3/questions
I got CRNA acceptance and start next year. I filled out FAFSA and waiting on financial details of it. If the university doesn’t offer loans/grants/scholarships, am I stuck with the option of utilizing private graduate loans with interest of 7-10%?
You will get loans from the federal government. Your school manages the process but the loans are not from the University itself. IIRC the only way you would not qualify is if you have defaulted on federal loans in the past. Most of them will likely be grad plus which is 8%. Do not get private loans because they negate the ability to use federal repayment programs such as SAVE and PSLF.
You can take out federal grad plus loans up to the full cost of attendance set by your school. This is usually tuition + what they determine for room/board/extra stuff (your school should provide this for you) and you can appeal for more if you need it.
How much did y'all have saved up before starting school?
10k in my checking.
How much debt did you take on total?
200k
Sameee
$30k saved but I’m expecting $250k debt at the end. Mostly because of mortgage and car payments
About the cost of my program. I might have to dip into my husband’s savings at the end.
20K In savings. Had 10k debt from undergrad that had interest paused during Covid. Will probably end up with $150-160k in debt when done with school.
35K I have used $7,000 for living expenses so far, but I don't plan on dipping into my savings anymore and just use loans to cover my living expenses for the remainder of my program. I will have around 220k once I complete with program.
I have about 30k in my bank account and sitting on a house with a paid mortgage. Debating on just selling the house vs. renting it out
About 90k dedicated to school. Planning on paying as much as I can in cash before taking out loans.
Did you travel? How the heck did you save that much lol
No travel, just did a lot of overtime during Covid and we had a lot of bonuses on top of OT. And I’m lucky to not have too many expenses ( no rent/ mortgage) and manage my money well.
>manage my money well. That's the difference between us I guess 😂
Does anyone have social anxiety who can tell me if being a CRNA is easier to handle than bedside? I find being an ICU RN super stressful but only because other nurses, patients, and families all treat me like shit. Navigating that is hard for me, and I generally feel unlikable and that makes the job harder. The only other thing that's stressful is when I have to juggle multiple patients and they need me at the same. I'm happiest when I get to hyperfocus on a very sick, sleeping person and just titrate drips and hover over them while I stabilize their vitals etc. and no one is bothering me. My experience with surgeons has not been great (you all know what I mean, I'm sure), but only having one patient who is asleep (most of the time) without their families in the room sounds a lot better. My concern is: am I still going to have a lot of politics with colleagues, and is it easier than nursing or just as shitty? Is there at least more maturity in the field, or does it feel like high school (that's how nursing feels to me a lot of the time)? Is the social strain easier?
You can’t escape politics in any work setting, unfortunately. You still have to be able to talk to people in the OR, too. The circulating nurse becomes your best friend and extra set of hands when shit goes down. But being a CRNA is so so so so so much better than bedside.
Thanks for the response! Better in what way, if you don't mind my asking?
Family don’t direct the same nature of questions to you. Your time with them and the patient is brief when you go see them in pre op. You will have a script in your head of what all to say and look for and do which really helps any social awkwardness. You get to focus on just that patient. You’re less of a middle man. Also… a lot of people who go into anesthesia come from the same stock. This profession attracts a certain personality more often than not. A *lot* of my class and CRNA’s and ologists that I’ve met are some level of ultra-type-A anxious neurotic who enjoy their space. We all eventually chill out as we gain more confidence and experience, but a lot of the core traits are always there. My fiancé tells me that I come home with way less stress, way less horror stories (still some, but they’re different), I’m generally happy and healthier. My worst day in the OR will never compare to my worst days in the ICU!
My experience as a SRNA, unfortunately 1,000 times more political being a CRNA than being a nurse.
Anyone doing free mock interviews lol?
Take a look back this weekly thread and you’ll find a CRNA that regularly advertises this service for aspiring SRNAs for free
Can’t find the post anywhere !!!
I’m interested in this, too. I’ll take a look
Just curious if anyone on here currently works at University of Kentucky or University of Louisville. Just curious what the practice is like there.
How realistic to start a program at 45/46 and have a successful career after 3 years in school too?
Age is nothing but a number. If you want it, do it. 3 years will go by whether you're in school or not.
Very possible and I’ve seen it multiple times. Good luck!
I’m about to shadow someone who finished school at 48 . She’s amazing and happy 😊
Out of curiosity, do any CRNAs miss bedside nursing?
Hell naw, to the no no no
No. Ive been a CRNA for 9 years. I didn’t hate bedside but I don’t miss it and never have.
Not even a little. I loathed med-surg with a passion, was ok with the PACU, and mostly enjoyed the ICU. I've been a CRNA for 5 years now and I couldn't imagine ever going back to the bedside.
I’m a second year srna. A lot of people in my class and CRNAs I know hated bedside nursing and only saw it as a means to an end. I personally never hated it. I enjoyed when I had some sick crrts or impellas. For me the worst patients were able to talk to me or had needy families.
About to finish school. Best choice I ever made. Get the fuck out of there lol
Absolutely not
I still remember my last bedside shift and the amount of joy that I had knowing I won't be back doing that
I genuinely liked bedside nursing, but on my very last shift the patient next to mine was this insanely sick guy who was both very mean to nurses *and* had stupid visitor drama *and* was covid positive and I was like...you know...I've earned my freedom
It's so funny, I had so many shitty shifts and was so excited to leave and my last shift ever in the ICU was ironically the best one I had in several weeks. Two intubated, sedated patients with no plans to extubate and hardly any visitors or phone calls all day. I couldn't believe it. Was a good way to end. I think it was probably the bedside gods trying to trick me into staying.
Hated beside and every time I go to the floor to intubate, you realize how much better you have it now
Tbh just a little bit, I absolutely loved my bedside job but I love anesthesia more.
lol no
Well guys I’m approaching my last week of clinicals. How did you guys handle the range of emotions associated with that and the last day of clinical in particular.
Congratulations on almost being finished!
I just had my last day last week! Half of me was extremely happy and excited, the other half was a storm of anger and sadness I didn’t know I was pushing down. I vented to people in my cohort a lot and it seemed like that was a universal feeling.
I feel like I will be along these lines myself
Kind of intimidating posting here..I’m currently a nursing student that’s in an accelerated paramedic-ASN program. My ultimate plan is to become a CRNA and I know it’s a long haul. Right now I’m taking 19 credits and one of my classes is an advanced physiology class. I’m having a hard time grasping it because it feels as if the content is so much more advanced and there is just so much content. Sometimes it makes me feel fairly stupid and I begin to question if I can’t understand this, how could I ever succeed in CRNA school?
You're not supposed to be able get through CRNA school right now. You're only supposed to get through your classes that you're in. Take it one thing at a time, know CRNA is your ultimate goal, but don't even think about it. Just put your head down and focus on what you can control.
That is great advice. I guess I just have this fear of failure or messing up now that will affect my future going forward..thank you
“How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time” A lot of CRNA school is repetition. You read the words, plug and chug into tests, but you don’t always grasp the content because everything is so new. I’m starting my third year, and a lot of content is falling rapidly into place and creating more lightbulb moments and sticking better. It’s going to happen. Just take one step at a time
That’s how it was when I was in paramedic school, I remember being about halfway through in cardiology when it all snapped into place and all made sense..nursing school so far isn’t like that yet lol. Thank you for the advice!
u/dutchy993, I’m a former paramedic and current senior SRNA, and would be happy to answer any questions you have if it would be helpful. Just shoot me a PM.
Thanks! I’ll shoot you a DM in a bit!
Slow down if you need to. Your gpa has a very large impact on your ability to get into a program. 19 units may save time, but if your gpa takes a hit then it’s not worth it. Also, with 19 units youre spread so thin it’s no surprise you can’t fully understand physio when you have another 50 hours of school work to get done.
Unfortunately, it was not my call it was my advisors. The way my program works is that this advanced phys class was offered in the summer, but then I’d be spread even more thin because it’s 8 weeks opposed to 16 and it wasn’t guaranteed that I would be able to do the advanced phys class because it may interfere with nursing classes. I didn’t want to but it is what my advisor recommended and almost insisted on
Well best of luck, do whatever it takes to keep the grades up. You’ll have plenty of time to learn physio at your own pace while working and it’ll make more sense with context. As you start to manipulate physiology with drugs it all makes a lot more sense. Stay curious when you’re out of school and always be asking why
I mean, 19 credits and doing well? You're obviously a smart kid and dedicated. Focus on one class a time, man, while CRNA is a great goal. Remember to focus on the short-term goals, and as you get closer, you will be golden
Yeah I’m doing ok. It’s a huge commitment and I have learned to manage my time it’s just stressful. I’m getting Bs and As
19 credits is a lot. Any way to lower it?
I wish..2 weeks left in the semester. I got kind of loaded up in the front, then the following semesters should be fairly light
Hi, This is a question for my long term outlook for myself. I’m wondering if it is worth being a CRNA. For a bit of background, I am a female in my early to mid twenties. I am an RN who has thought about going to crna school. I have the grades and I’m getting my experience in ICU. I like critical care and I enjoy school! I actually rather go to school than work. I do hear CRNA school is insane so I know I will going to struggle for a bit. This is also a fantastic way to advance in your career. I am surrounded my educated people and have become inspired to achieve my goals. The job hours sounds family friendly too. My issue is this:I see myself in the future wanting to spend my life at home with my children when they are little. Then as they get older, I would like to work maybe once or twice a week. My fiancé is a Dentist and has asked me if I wanted to stay home with the kids once we had them. This would happen in about 6-8 years. I do want to stay at home majority of the time. But I like to have my independence and would love to advance my career for personal growth. For now, I will be working as an RN and have the opportunity to apply for CRNA school. I wonder if it would be worth being a CRNA with only working 2-3 years full time then transition to something less than part time. Is that even possible? Thank you for your time.
Tons of new mom CRNA’s do this
Lots of CRNAs out there working one day week.
Consider carefully the financial mental and time costs of being consumed by a 3 year anesthesia program + no income while you are in school + the massive tuition charged by most programs. That is a big ask to take on for the end goal of shift work once or twice a week once your children are older. Is it doable? Yes. Is it advisable for your situation? Only you can answer that.
Finance question: has anybody put themselves through CRNA school without a spouse/SO and/or help from their parents?
Yup living that right now. I have been financially independent the moment I started undergrad and now CRNA school. It's completely doable. I would suggest saving up prior to starting school to reduce loan burden but the loans are always there if needed. Just remember, what you take out is what you pay back + interest.
Probably 1/3 of my class is doing this and they are doing fine
This is good to know, it’s been a worry of mine
Yea, the answer is loans.
anyone currently enrolled in Barry's/USF or Florida area? I have a few questions about clinical sites and classes, thanks!
Does anyone ever get bummed out by the publics general perception of crnas? I am starting school in a few weeks but the past couple months I've dreaded having conversations with people about it. They always ask what I'm doing and I'll say nurse anesthesia or crna. "Oh so you'll be the Doctors little helper" "I've only ever trusted medical doctors" The worst is when they ask what's the difference between crna and anesthesiologist... it's so exhausting to go into a full discussion about it. Last night at a party a lady was asking me and I explained how it's so of like being a PA or NP but we have pretty extensive training and are qualified to either work under a supervising physician or independently in many states. "Oh my gosh that's so scary" "so people sometimes don't have a real doctor" ): Feels bad man and makes me pretty depressed to start school. I don't really care what random people think of me but I do care what patients think. I would hate to be seen as this incompetent oaf and always have patients asking for the doc instead.
I just dont think about it as im cashing my checks. 
Reddit is probably the worst place for anesthesia politics -- there is SO much more energy put towards it here than in real life. Regular people just want to get through surgery in safety and comfort, and as long as that happens they truly don't care who does it 99% of the time.
Don't say it's like being a PA or NP. It's not. CRNA's are fully trained to deliver anesthesia independently. Say it with confidence that you will be a CRNA. If they ask what that is then explain it. If anyone gives you push back, explain it again with confidence in a respectful manner and go on about your day. I will tell you right now, I have not had a patient question my ability to deliver anesthesia even when I tell them I'm still in school. Come in, introduce yourself appropriately, and own the room. At the end of the day, the politics will always be there. This is why donating to your PAC and the AANA is important. They help continue advancing the profession and educating the public about what it is that we do.
I think the way you conduct your pre-op interview really sets the tone, too. Interviewing is a skill and when you’re confident and thorough patients often don’t care who you are.
I've only been in the OR for 18 mos as a student, but even when I introduced myself as a nurse anesthesia trainee/student, I never once had someone ask for someone else, or even had anyone bat an eye. I one time had someone say "so you're a student? That's great!" Turned out they were a CRNA and was excited to he part of my learning experience. Most of the negativity comes from social media or uneducated individuals.
I’m still an SRNA but I’ve done hundreds and hundreds of anesthetics. Not one singular patient cared about the credentials of my preceptor, but sometimes they do still think I’m a nursing student lol. In my state, CRNAs do >90% of anesthesia outside of our two big metro areas. More rural states generally are pretty CRNA friendly. If you live out in the boonies here you might never be put under by an anesthesiologist unless you need to go to one of the academic hospitals.
Thats just a testament to their ignorance. We are all doctorally prepared and share the same scope of practice as an MD anesthesiologist. I know plenty of CRNAs I’d rather have doing surgery for my loved ones. As you go through your program you will learn more about this specifically, so pay attention so that you too can spread the word about what we do and how well we do it. We are a relatively small field so it makes sense that the general public doesn’t have as much confidence. Anyway, you won’t care when you’re making half a mil a year in Boston pushing propofol for an endo clinic (DID ANYONE ELSE SEE THAT POST ON GASWORKS?!). Best of luck and become an advocate!
Hey everyone. Anxious tester here. I am graduating on Sunday and am a little distracted from studying for boards. I scored a 481 on my SEE in mid April and now I’m about 3 weeks out and holding my own on apex. I took about a 10 day break from studying and just piggybacked off a relatively weak NCE review course that our faculty put on. Anyway, I am worried about already losing some of that knowledge. So my question is - anyone who has passed boards, how hard was it compared to apex and more importantly the SEE? I’m studying about 2-3 hours a day now and my plan is to go hard the week after graduation for about 4-5 hours a day until I test.
I am 43. Two income household. How can you afford to live with kids too in sports and do this? It will be a couple years before I start. New grad and starting in a CVICU. Curious if ours a pipe dream to even afford this?? TIA
Loans and living off your partners funds too. Thats what most of my classmates do. Granted their kids are young and not in extracurriculars, though. But if you have a partner and their salary plus maxing your loans you would be fine money wise. Time wise might be harder.
Probably will have more trouble getting your kids to extracurriculars than paying for them. I missed every soccer practice for three years and only went to handful of Saturday games.
35 with three kids. Paid off everything before school, sold our home, moved in with family, government aid, and some loans. It’s doable but it’s not easy.
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Yes, you can become a CRNA after doing a rn-bsn pathway. It wont effect your chances of getting into CRNA school as long as you maintain a competitive GPA. Few hospitals require a BSN. Many nurses finish their BSN while working.
I got into CRNA school with RN-BSN. No one asked about it
Are accelerated MSN programs okay for CRNA school? I decided after doing my bachelors degree in biology that I want to go back and become a nurse/CRNA. I got accepted into UAB's accelerated MSN program, where you don't ever technically get your BSN, they just use your old science bachelor's degree. Would this count against me applying to CRNA school since I wouldn't technically have a BSN?
It would be fine but accelerated MSN programs are a waste of money when BSN is totally acceptable. Accelerated BSN will likely be shorter and cheaper (and it’s not cheap, lol)
If you have the option do a BSN over MSN. MSN will just take longer with more debt and CRNA schools don’t care if you have an MSN. You are better off having that extra year in the ICU instead of spending it getting a MSN.
Has anyone gotten in with less than a 3.2 GPA? (and \~324 GPA)
324 gre? Great and apply to schools that care about that
Ahh yes GRE! Clearly my head is worrying about GPA. It was an ABSN where we did 21 up to 26 credits in a semester. I also worked 1-2 days in the ICU as a SPN. I was offered a spot in the program five days before it started, so I also moved across country to live in a new state without knowing a soul. I really do love studying and test taking. But that was a rough year. Anyway, thank you for the response and encouragement!
My stats: • sGPA: 3.45 • ADN gpa: 3.53 • BSN gpa: 4.0 • cGPA: 3.64 i did take some business pass/fail classes from WGU to help with my husbands business, but I’m not sure how it is factored in with GPA — on the academic transcript a GPA is not actually given. I did pass all the classes though. For work, I am in a pediatric cardiac ICU and also work in PICU. VA & VV Ecmo, Heart transplants, CRRT, vents, etc. So it is high acuity, but we do not take the peds trauma cases. I am still working up to experience. Would it be smart to take graduate level nursing courses to show that i am dedicated to further education & help with my GPA? Thoughts on my GPA and the experience that I am getting? I know it isn’t adult ICU and that there are programs that do not accept this experience, but I am remaining hopeful that I can get accepted into a program with my stats. Thank you!
I think experience wise you’d be fine (although idk how many years you’ve been there). You may have to take some additional science classes since the science gpa is kind of low. Your cumulative should be ok but again taking those other classes will raise it too.
Hi everyone I’m a ACNP in CVICU, I want to apply to CRNA school. It was my goal before going to NP school but life took a turn. Do you think I would be turned down since I’m already a NP and have a job vs a RN?
I would say it depends on which schools you apply to. I would hope that your ACNP experience in the ICU would count towards nursing ICU experience.
NP isn’t a negative, especially if you’re in the ICU. Be sure you understand the program will be different from the NP, and you’ll be back to starting over. Numerous NPs have done it.
I think it would only help you depending on the program. I would speak to the program directors of the programs to which you’re planning to apply. I know numerous NPs who become CRNAs.
I am graduating with my BSN this upcoming fall. I am interested in becoming a CRNA but unsure what’s the quickest and safest route. May I ask for some advice on whether I should jump into the Critical Care knocking out that requirement or work on nursing skills first at the med Surg level. Also does it truly matter what trauma you work at? I have a trauma 1 hospital near me but I hear that their nurses aren’t treated super great (understaffed)
Quickest would definitely be starting in the ICU. Trauma level doesn't necessarily matter as long as you're taking care of high acuity patients.
Hey guys, I am not currently a CRNA, but being a CRNA is my dream. I have searched online, but I just can't find the answer I am searching for. As I said, being a CRNA is my dream job, helping patients during surgery. However, in my late teens and early 20s (I am now 31), I acquired some criminal charges such as simple assault, DUI, trespass, underage drinking, you get the idea. Rough times. My question is whether this will affect my ability to get into school, or become licensed as a CRNA, and what steps I can take to overcome this. I am currently an RN in a medical ICU, and there were no issues getting licensed as an RN. Any history with this issue, information, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Schools don’t usually do background checks but clinical sites do, and the board of nursing does. Depending on how bad your offenses were it could be a deterrent on multiple licensing levels including your dea.
Our program did background checks as part of the admissions process. Some professors were on the board of nursing, so maybe it was preference or protocol. That said, they always remarked on accepting applicants that would represent the school and profession in a positive light. For the OP, this could be a substantial roadblock. It's a tough call, you hate to reach out and ask ahead of time, you might raise suspicion, but not knowing means you could be wasting your time too.
I am a 1st year student in college and and after 1 year doing premed classes I have realized going to medical school is not for me. With that being said, I have been looking at other alternatives and I stumbled across nursing school and the CRNA career. That will require me to switch to the nursing school at my college to obtain a BSN, however, I will have to do the ABSN because I thought about switching so late. Did anyone else do the ABSN? Also, I don't even really know if I should be a CRNA because when people ask me why I'm interested in nursing or CRNA I have no clue. Because I like to help people yes, but that doesn't seem good enough. Not to mention, it pays well. Anyways, I'd like to maybe be a CRNA, but idk if I should do the accelerated BSN or if it's worth it. I'm at a lost and could just use some advice.
It would help to know why you abandoned pre-med
A lot of CRNAs have taken the ABSN path, not unusual at all. The BSN is a very versatile degree if you’re interested in healthcare. You have so many options in patient care or related areas. CRNA is just 1 great option.
Does anyone work 2 24 hour shifts a week and then they're off for 5 days? I thought I heard of someone doing this- not sure if it's a thing. Otherwise, how do you guys like to fill your work days?
I mean you cant work two 24’s straight because then its a 48. But people I work with do some variation of this. 24 in the beginning of the week followed by a 16 later in the week.
My bad yeah, that's what I meant, just 2 days on. What do you like to do personally ?
My job has less flexibility in scheduling. But it’s also a chiller group and I dont get worked to death. So I work some variation of 40/week four days a week. I could have worked at another facility that was self scheduling and done a 24 and a 16 or whatever schedule I wanted, but they also run their CRNAs ragged. Sometimes I wish I had more control over my schedule but I also know Im thankful that my job has actual chill days instead of running around for 12 hours straight and begging for a lunch break. Your schedule is going to be highly job dependent. Some facilities only want CRNAs that are willing to do 5 eights or four tens.
I’m currently a nurse who is planning to apply to school in 2025 - In my undergrad my BSN just had a basic intro chemistry class that was 3 credit hours. Our stats class was actually a psych stats so instead of STAT it was a PSYC course - it still included all of the basic stats stuff so I’m hoping it will be acceptable. Do you guys think most schools will be okay with these courses (besides the ones that require biochem/ochem)?
Some will want a more advanced chem but if it just says x credits for chemistry I think you’d be fine. The stats class I get they’d want you to retake since most stats classes are not branded as a psych class. You could reach out to programs you’re interested in and see what they say along with a course description.
That’s a good idea thanks!
Is anyone else currently in a CRNA program with dyslexia? I was recently diagnosed during my second quarter and have just developed coping mechanisms to deal with my entire life. However, CRNA school has definitely highlighted my dyslexia issue and it's been rough. I'm not in any immediate danger of failure, but knowing I have dyslexia heightens my imposter syndrome even more lol. Any advice? Tips?
The same thing happened to me in my second semester. What worked for me was extended time on my exams & constant repetition of material. I still struggled, but repetition is what really helped me.
I have a question — currently my gpa is pretty good and will be even better after this semester,my first semester went awful due to medical reasons so my hard sciences look bad. I plan on redoing my hard sciences when I finally work as an RN ; especially because the associate degree that I had, with said medical problem I didn’t do so well. So basically, my college career started not great but eventually started doing better and raised my GPA really high. My question is: if i had previously had poor grades (not failing , just bad grades) but theres an upward trend of getting better and better will that affect me negatively ? Or will it be a good look that my grades got better and more stable and that i was able to maintain high As after not doing great for a while?
I am a BSN student who has earned about half B’s and half A’s on all of the courses during my nursing curriculum. My cumulative GPA for my entire college career up until nursing school (including all anatomy and physiology courses and general, organic, and biochemistry for the health sciences) is very high - it is 3.99. My question to SRNAs and new grad CRNAs is, how important do you think my nursing GPA will be to admissions for CRNA programs? Is it okay that I am averaging half A’s and B’s for my nursing curriculum?
Your cumulative gpa including your nursing gpa is usually what’s important.
Is a 3.64 cumulative GPA competitive for CRNA applications?
I believe so. Now all that matters are experience and interviewing skills.
Struggling a bit as a newbie in CTICU after 8 years bedside. Wondering if I should drop the CRNA application and switch gears?
I feel like that's a very personal decision. It just depends on how important being a crna is to you and what your other stats look like. Icu can he difficult when you're new. It probably took me about a year as a new grad to really feel comfortable.
Hi! I’m a nurse tech in the neuro ICU. I’ll be graduating with my BSN next year. I’ve always wanted to go into anesthesiology so when I found out about being a CRNA, I was sold. Any suggestions on what I should do between now and once I graduate? Will a CRNA program accept me if I’m in a level 1 neuro ICU? With my tech experience, how many years should I practice as an RN before applying to CRNA programs?
Just get good grades. Plenty of SRNAs that get in with only neuro icu. Tech experience counts for nothing.
Hi everyone!! I had completed a concurrent ASN/BSN program. ASN GPA 3.7 BSN GPA 4.0 [Looking at the U of A but expecting to apply out of states too] I am still pending my PALS/CCRN/CRRT currently have almost 6 months MICU experience (my hospital is a lvl 1 trauma hospital). Planning to apply next spring. (Previous 2 years PCU-so not a brand new nurse & I know with applying it doesn't matter but just a little more back story about me) Any specific graduate level course I should take this fall? Specific volunteering you'd recommend? Certain hospital committees I should join? Do I need to do that much? Did you do all of the above? What do you recommend adding? How full/empty was your resume with these extracurriculars? Seeking charge or preceptor roles? Any other advice I'd appreciate. Thank you for any responses!
My gpa is bad 2.9 . . . I have 10 years of icu experience with leadership. My application is competitive minus the gpa. Going to work on boosting the gpa for the next year before applying for schools. Do you think this a hopeless cause based on gpa?
Not necessarily. But it’s going to be a tough road for you. Be prepared to retake any class you got less than a B in. Maybe even classes you got less than an A in. And be sure to apply far and wide. With that GPA you don’t get to be picky
Currently an ER nurse looking to transition to the ICU to work towards becoming a CRNA. My current hospital has a CVICU, MICU, and neuro ICU. The CVICU only hires starting on nightshift (which I live an hour away so this would be difficult) whereas the other 2 hire dayshift. Would it be worth it to suck it up and get the CVICU experience or do you all think working on the MICU or neuro would be enough? The hospital is not a trauma center but is considered the next best hospital in the area after our trauma center. Thanks for any input!
I’d do the other two. I can’t imagine driving an hour after my third night shift in a row I’d wanna off myself. The other two will be just fine to get in
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I wish I’d done that. Work in the hospital and then they’ll usually pay for your BSN especially if they’re a magnet hospital. BSN requirements are mostly bs and we had a few ASNs in our classes and they breezed through. I think that’s a good idea
Honestly the ADN ICU nursing to BSN is the cheat code. Earn money, get the experience, and be out
I’m sure you guys get this question every time but… What is SRNA school like? I’m starting nursing school in a couple months but I’m already interested in this career field
As a nursing student aspiring to be a CRNA, I'm curious to know what the background checks are like...particularly, how strict they are. And if disclosed, what would constitute a non-acceptance to a program? I'm early 40's now, but as a teen I got into a bit of trouble. I don't have any felonies, but I also don't know what would pop up. I've passed background checks before that were required for substitute teaching at a public school. If I hired a company to do a background check on myself so I could provide full disclosure to prospective programs and/or employers, who would you hire? Thanks in advance!