OK, so I know I will get blasted for this post. Here it goes. I have wanted to be a CRNA all my life. I am 50 years old, and have worked in the Operating Room since 1985. I have experience in Level 1 Trauma centers. I have experience in Conscious Sedation. I was the sole provider for a Special Forces Team in Afghanistan in combat. I have been through a lot. I fully realize this experience does not take the place for ICU. However, I do not have ICU experience. Currently I work in the ICU on my own time (volunteer, unpaid) on weekends in order to try and get some ICU experience. I have applied to ICU's, and I get the same old response (you must have ICU experience to get into the ICU). It has been my dream for a very long time to become a CRNA. I know, I know, why have I waited this long to plan this out. Well, I never thought that I would be in this position. I am finally able to afford to go to CRNA school (kids grown up, GI bill to pay for college, and financially secure). It is not about the salary of a CRNA, it is about the excitement, and joy of the profession. It is about progressing in my career. Is there a school out there that would accept the experience that I have in order to go to CRNA school? I certainly would love advice on how to get into ICU, in order to get into CRNA School. If I told a prospective ICU manager that my long term goal is to get into CRNA school, then they would certainly not hire me. Why would anyone hire me just to train me for a few years in order to go to CRNA school. If I do not tell them, then I am not being truthful to them.