Need some advice/input on becoming a CRNA

[balky8]

I recently graduated with a BS in Biology, and after a few months of trying to decide what I wanted to do with my degree, finally decided that I think becoming a CRNA would be my ideal job. I will be starting my RN program in the Fall, and would like to get some people's opinions before I start this whole process. I'm a 23 year old male, no wife or children so I'm not really tied down. My undergrad GPA is 3.15, but my last two years in more difficult courses is around a 3.50. I am trying to get some input from people who have gone through the BS to RN to CRNA, or even just the BSN to CRNA path. Do you enjoy what you do? How hard is it to get into acute care(ICU, ER, etc) after graduating with my RN -- will I need to work in the hospital first, and try to work in to an acute care position? How many total years of working am I looking at between RN graduation and being accepted to the CRNA program? I know a lot of getting accepted to the CRNA program is based on a bunch of different aspects, but is my GPA reasonable enough to give me a fighting chance? I appreciate everyone's input as I'm just trying to get a feel for what people think of the job and the process.

Edit: One other question, would it be feasible to try to work as a traveling nurse while trying to get my acute care experience?

[Last Nurse Standing]

OK, I hope someone answers all your questions for you, but I have one of my own: why don't you just become an anesthesiologist? If you don't want to work at the bedside, why become a nurse? It can't be the cost of it. By the time you're done with a BSN, and an MSN for the CRNA, you will have spent tens of thousands of dollars, which means you must have access to funds, why not go all the way? All the way, that is, away from the bedside? I'm just curious.

[balky8]

It's not that I'm opposed to working bedside, it's just a matter of finding a career I enjoy, that also brings in a fairly comfortable salary where I can enjoy myself outside of work. First of all, my grades aren't good enough to get into med school, and med school has never been a goal of mine. Secondly, I honestly do not want to be a doctor. I have a fear of getting stuck in a career or an area for an extended period of time, and nursing allows me to make small, one at a time, commitments. 2 years of nursing for my RN, working for a couple years, and then a 27 month commitment for CRNA.

[AANA Web Editor]

You are wise to seek answers about where you hope to go before you get too far down the path. The best way to find these answers is to see for yourself whether the nurse anesthesia profession is for you. Visit an accredited program in your area – talk to the faculty, and to the students. Shadow a CRNA for a day to see what the daily duties of a nurse anesthetist involve. Attend a state association meeting, and get to know the people advocating for the profession. Some of your questions only you can answer. But interacting with others in the profession and those training to be in the profession may give you a better idea of whether nurse anesthesia is for you and whether your current grades and situation are suited for continuing toward a career in nurse anesthesia. The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists has a lot of information about becoming a nurse anesthetist on its website; I recommend you start here: www.aana.com/whyibecameacrna.aspx

Also, please feel free to contact the AANA Student Representative to the Education Committee, Emily Funk, at emilylee@aol.com or the AANA Student Representative to the Public Relations Committee, Shawn Metayer, at smetayer@mail.une.edu