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Mariah
Student
Waterbury, Connecticut
1
Question
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How did you decide between specialized nursing paths like forensic nursing or becoming a CRNA, and what experiences or skills should I focus on now to be successful in either field #Spring26?
I’m currently a psychology student with experience working with individuals with developmental and mental health needs. I’m planning to pursue nursing and am especially interested in forensic nursing and becoming a CRNA because I want to work in high-impact, hands-on healthcare environments. I’m also balancing school while being a mother, so I’m looking for advice on how to best prepare now, gain relevant experience, and successfully manage the demands of these career paths.
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Joseph Melchi
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
10
Answers
Dublin, Ohio
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Joseph’s Answer
I was never a dedicated forensics nurse although I was a SAFE nurse for a period of time. Your background with mental health care may be helpful with that pathway. Since I am a CRNA, I can speak directly to that. Things you would need to do:
1. Perform at a high level academically: Most CRNA programs will not look at you if your college GPA is less than 3.0. Most successful applicants have much higher GPAs, typically above 3.5. Particular attention will be paid to your science grades, so if you struggle with those you will probably want to take a few graduate level courses in subjects such as pharmacology and physiology (and get As or near As) to have a shot.
2. Following graduation with your BSN, you will need at least one year experience in an ICU (could be adult, children, or neonatal).
3. I’ve listed minimum criteria. Most programs are highly competitive and want to see something MORE. You should both demonstrate academic preparedness and time management skills, leadership ability, etc. Becoming an ACLS instructor, being a charge nurse, sitting on hospital committees and in general showing involvement and a well rounded personality are highly recommended.
4. CRNA programs are rigorous. You cannot work while attending. Expect 36 months of continuous education at a much higher intensity than undergraduate. Many of the best programs have workloads that can average 60-70 hours per week. Since you mentioned you are a mother, you will want to ensure you have a support plan in place prior to APPLYING, since this could come up during interviews. Rest assured may women with children, including single mothers, have successfully completed CRNA programs.
5. Have you considered psychiatric nurse practitioner? It could be a good fit given your background.
1. Perform at a high level academically: Most CRNA programs will not look at you if your college GPA is less than 3.0. Most successful applicants have much higher GPAs, typically above 3.5. Particular attention will be paid to your science grades, so if you struggle with those you will probably want to take a few graduate level courses in subjects such as pharmacology and physiology (and get As or near As) to have a shot.
2. Following graduation with your BSN, you will need at least one year experience in an ICU (could be adult, children, or neonatal).
3. I’ve listed minimum criteria. Most programs are highly competitive and want to see something MORE. You should both demonstrate academic preparedness and time management skills, leadership ability, etc. Becoming an ACLS instructor, being a charge nurse, sitting on hospital committees and in general showing involvement and a well rounded personality are highly recommended.
4. CRNA programs are rigorous. You cannot work while attending. Expect 36 months of continuous education at a much higher intensity than undergraduate. Many of the best programs have workloads that can average 60-70 hours per week. Since you mentioned you are a mother, you will want to ensure you have a support plan in place prior to APPLYING, since this could come up during interviews. Rest assured may women with children, including single mothers, have successfully completed CRNA programs.
5. Have you considered psychiatric nurse practitioner? It could be a good fit given your background.