Hello everyone, and question

[heartnurse]

-S-

[armygas]

First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone for their insightful posts and advice posted on this forum. I have recently just become a member, however, I have been 'lurking' for some time now.

I am a new RN working in a 20-bed SICU that specializes in cardiothoracic surgery patients at a large teaching hospital since May. Previously, I was a nurse tech for a year in the CCU. And as I am sure you have assumed, I am considering anesthesia school.

So far, everything has been going great in the SICU. I am nearing the end of my orientation and although I am completely aware of the abundance of information I still need to learn, everyday I am getting more comfortable and feel that I will be ready to be on my own when the time comes.

For me, anesthesia has been a goal of mine since I shadowed a CRNA as a junior in high school. Since then, I've shadowed numerous times and still am completely fascinated and amazed by the profession. Knowing that anesthesia school was a goal of mine, I put forth diligent effort to do well in school and completed advanced chemistry, physics, and physiology classes outside of my required BSN curriculum.

I graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.93/Science 4.0. I have been studying - and I am scheduled to take the GRE in September. In addition, I am registered to take a Graduate Statistics class this Fall to fulfill one of the pre-reqs of a local CRNA program.

My question is - should I take the chance and apply this year with hopes of being accepted with the minimal 1 year ICU experience completed? If I am not accepted, will boldly applying so early hurt my chances for acceptance in subsequent years? Should I wait a year and then apply?

Additionally, what is your experience with asking for a LOR from a manager so early? I feel that this may be a stumbling block in my application process.

Thanks. I appreciate your reading this - sorry so lengthy!


-S-

I would get the application requirements/timelines from the schools your looking to apply to now and start your backwards planning. When are your applications due for the year you planning on applying?

[DebbieC]

Although I am usually strongly in favor of getting at least 2 years of post-orientation experience, you seem to have so many of your ducks in a row that you just might be the exception. I'd say go for it. However, DO NOT tell people at work, esp. your supervisor, till you need to get the LOR. And be an exemplary employee up till then. Go in extra if they need you, never complain about your assignments, always be a 'helper'. And be prepared for the possibility that everyone's attitude about you will change once they know you are a relative 'newbie' with CRNA aspirations.

Since you work in a big CTICU, there are probably lots of people who have gone on to anesthesia school. Listen to how they are talked about. Remember that it is nobodies business what your future plans are. But you have to be the perfect new CTICU RN with ne'er an inkling communicated that this is not what you want to do forever.....

[Diprivan]

I graduated BSN 12/03.
Started ICU 2/04.
Applied CRNA school 5/05.
Started CRNA school 8/05.

Not saying that you should do this, everyone should decide for themself. Just saying it can be done. I also took the graduate statistics and GRE before applying.
Good luck.

[sabine]

I say go ahead and apply. I applied before I had enough experience. The process did two things for me at my program. First, I met all of the interviewers, they learned my name and I looked very ambitious. Second, made me more prepared for the following year interview. My story is similar to yours in that I knew all along I would be going to CRNA school. My proverbial ducks were in a row. I don't think it hurts to try early, just don't be too disappointed or hard on yourself if you don't get in the first time.

Also, I agree with other advice. DON'T mention it to your co-workers, fly under the radar...not complaining, always helpful etc...Nurses get really tired of training people just to send them off to school. I have found that I got a lot less grief from co-workers by trying to have a good attitude about my job and not rubbing in their face that I won't be a bedside RN for much longer.

If you decide not to apply early or you don't get in the first time, RELAX and realize that another year of experience will only make the transition easier in the long run. Take every opportunity you have to learn something new about the drugs administer, ventilators, intubations etc...You won't be sorry you have the extra experience even if you are ahead of the learning curve!!!