2 answers
Jineen
Student
Fremont, California
1
Question
Updated
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I am curious as to what a "typical"/easy nursing path would be for either a CRNA or specialized nurse? Am I able to apply to nursing school/programs straight out of high school and is that even a good idea?
Sophomore (but most likely graduating in three years-so applying next year and figuring out where I want to apply t and logistics)
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2 answers
Johnson Tran
Tutor
63
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Johnson’s Answer
Hi Jineen,
You can start nursing right after high school, and many people do. Here's the basic path:
Do well in your high school science and math classes, apply for an ADN (Associate) or BSN (Bachelor's) program, pass the NCLEX exam to get your RN license, and start working in a hospital to find what you enjoy. You can always return to school for a specialty later.
If you're interested in becoming a CRNA, be aware it's a longer process. You need to be an RN first and usually gain ICU experience before applying for a doctoral program. It's challenging but rewarding.
If you're not sure what you want to do yet, don't worry. Just focus on getting your RN. Most nurses discover their favorite specialty while working with patients.
Since you're graduating early, it's a great time to explore different BSN programs. Compare costs, check where they do clinicals, and find one that suits you.
Good luck! Your planning and determination will be a big advantage in nursing school.
You can start nursing right after high school, and many people do. Here's the basic path:
Do well in your high school science and math classes, apply for an ADN (Associate) or BSN (Bachelor's) program, pass the NCLEX exam to get your RN license, and start working in a hospital to find what you enjoy. You can always return to school for a specialty later.
If you're interested in becoming a CRNA, be aware it's a longer process. You need to be an RN first and usually gain ICU experience before applying for a doctoral program. It's challenging but rewarding.
If you're not sure what you want to do yet, don't worry. Just focus on getting your RN. Most nurses discover their favorite specialty while working with patients.
Since you're graduating early, it's a great time to explore different BSN programs. Compare costs, check where they do clinicals, and find one that suits you.
Good luck! Your planning and determination will be a big advantage in nursing school.
Thank you!
Jineen
Joseph Melchi
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
12
Answers
Dublin, Ohio
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Practicing CRNA here. First, if being an advanced practice nurse is your goal, be aware of advice that indicates getting your associates degree is fine. It’s not, particularly for CRNA. You must have your BSN (Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing) prior to applying for CRNA school. It is true that you can get your associates and pass nursing boards, then land a job and attend college part time to get your BSN, but in my opinion that isn’t the most straightforward way of doing things.
So, step 1 get into a BSN program. Some colleges allow direct enrollment into their nursing programs, while others require you to complete prerequisites prior to entering the program. Just make sure you are entering a college with an accredited and reputable BSN program and you should be fine.
Step 2, work hard in college and get good grades, particularly in your nursing core courses and sciences courses. That should go without saying, but CRNA programs are very competitive and cumulative GPA plays a big role in the admissions process.
Step 3, you will need a fulltime job following college in a critical care nursing department, which is typically some sort of ICU (Intensive Care Unit) although it could be a Pediatric ICU or a Neonatal ICU as well. You must have one year of ICU level experience before you can apply for CRNA school.
Finally, there is no “easy” way to become a CRNA. If you want to be on top of the nursing profession, with the income to match, then you will need to put in a lot of extra effort, whether that is in terms of studying, joining hospital committees after you are working, or in terms of volunteer and extracurricular activities. Almost everyone applying to CRNA school has solid grades so it’s helpful if there is something distinctive about you as an applicant.
So, step 1 get into a BSN program. Some colleges allow direct enrollment into their nursing programs, while others require you to complete prerequisites prior to entering the program. Just make sure you are entering a college with an accredited and reputable BSN program and you should be fine.
Step 2, work hard in college and get good grades, particularly in your nursing core courses and sciences courses. That should go without saying, but CRNA programs are very competitive and cumulative GPA plays a big role in the admissions process.
Step 3, you will need a fulltime job following college in a critical care nursing department, which is typically some sort of ICU (Intensive Care Unit) although it could be a Pediatric ICU or a Neonatal ICU as well. You must have one year of ICU level experience before you can apply for CRNA school.
Finally, there is no “easy” way to become a CRNA. If you want to be on top of the nursing profession, with the income to match, then you will need to put in a lot of extra effort, whether that is in terms of studying, joining hospital committees after you are working, or in terms of volunteer and extracurricular activities. Almost everyone applying to CRNA school has solid grades so it’s helpful if there is something distinctive about you as an applicant.
Appreciate the advice!
Jineen