[Esco]

Hi, I am currently a senior in high school and have been interested in nursing for a couple of years. I was wondering if I could get some honest feed back wether or not this is a great career. I've been reading some of the previous threads and it seems like you guys gain amazing experiences. I'm not really up to date with all the nursing terms, but am hoping i could get some guidance. I plan on doing my generals for a year and then applying to the nursing program at the college I have applied for. I want to become a Registered Nurse and work for a couple years before I specialize to become a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist). Any feedback on that decision? Also about how long does it take someone in college to become a RN. I would also really appreciate if any of you guys are RNs and can tell me what you do as an RN. I've tried to do as much research as I can, but having experiences first hand would really help me with my decision. Also if someone could tell me the different degrees that you can get in nursing it would really help me out with my planning for college. Thanks for taking the time to read this!

[No Prob Rob]

First off I do not have experience as an RN. However I have just completed my BSN and am waiting on approval to take the NCLEX. My best advice to you is go for it! I wish I had a brain at 19 an I would have gone to nursing school. I waited until I was older but better late than never.

Yes I believe it is a great career. There are so many directions you can go in as a nurse. Do some research and you will be amazed.

CRNA may be for you but when I saw the CRNA holding somebody's 3 year old little boy on the way to the operating room that was too much responsibility for me. There is a reason they make big bucks. Lots of responsibility and lots of malpractice insurance.

It took me 4 years to get my BSN RN and I had no previous college. The time went by unbelievably fast.

I plan to work in the ER or ICU in about a month or so. I will go through a 12 week internship before I am able to work independent.

Nursing can be a fantastic career for someone with the right attitude. Go for it.

[Ricu]

Hi guys,

The best advice ever given for understanding another's experience was to walk a mile in the other's shoes. In other words, first become a nurse and then do the work. After awhile- however long it takes, you will have a pretty good idea of what direction you would like your nursing career to go and how best to get there.

ESCO, There have been many nursing students men mostly, who wrote in particular about their interest in becoming CRNAs and they all had this in common; they underestimated how long it would take to get there. It is theoretically possible to complete the BSN-MSN training in five to six years but I don't know anyone who has ever done it. The usual course is to complete nursing education, get clinical experience and work up to the critical care level.
Several years of critical experience are required by every program that I know of and crucial to functioning adequately as a CRNA. At this point too, the BSN needs to be completed if that hasn't already been done. You might be able to enroll in the MSN as an undergraduate and perhaps save a year in the process. Either way, getting "inside" is strategic so long as your GPA keeps you competitive. Even enrolled in the MSN program, you will be awaiting acceptance as a CRNA candidate because there generally is a waiting list. This may all sound negative but it really isn't. The program you seek is rigorous but the reward is worth the effort so long as it is really what you want. I recommend that you take the time to really be sure.

No ProbRob, I admire your ED/ICU aspirations. Don't be surprised if that three year old appears in your future, maybe on your first day. It's natural and healthy to be a little intimidated, especially when faced with treating children. I recommend that you prepare yourself to handle those things. Taking certification programs like ACLS and especially, PALS are good to start with. Forging good relationships with your coworkers, nurses, physicians, rehab professionals, and so on, is a matter of survival. You will soon learn that nursing school gives you a good platform with a lot of tools but the "real" training begins with that first job and experienced coworkers make great mentors. If you are eager and willing to learn, you will gain much not the least of which is support.

Good luck to both of you,

R