3 answers
3
Questions
Asked
499 views
I'm interested in a Nurse Anesthetist but wonder what courses and how long it would take?
What ratios would need to be applied to be the proper dosage for an average persons height/weight or other factors applied?
#medicine
Login to comment
3 answers
Updated
Vicky Jo’s Answer
In high school, do not shy away from science. Take all the courses you can get in biology, chemistry, and general science. Also take math like algebra. The path to becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is a long but rewarding one. First, earn a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited (NLN) university nursing program. Study hard and make excellent grades to keep your GPA high. You will need it to get in to a graduate school program so that you can earn the doctorate degree required to practice as a nurse anesthetist. After you earn the BSN you will take the state board licensing exam that enables you to practice as an RN in your state. Look for a special kind of job that will give you the experience you need to build to become a CRNA. Work in a large teaching hospital like the University hospital in a large city or a military hospital. Furthermore, you will need 2-3 years experience working as an RN in a large ADULT intensive care unit. After 1 year experience as an RN in the ICU you can begin to apply for admission to graduate school to earn the Doctorate of Nurse Practice (DNP) degree with a specialty of nurse anesthesia. There are many schools across the US and there is lots of help along the way to make the CRNA dream a reality for you. The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) has information on their website designed to help you achieve this dream. Check it out at: https://www.aana.com/membership/become-a-crna
1. Take a math and science curriculum in high school.
2. Get a 4 year nursing degree (BSN).
3. Get RN work experience in the ICU.
4. Earn a doctorate in nursing (DNP) with clinical specialty Nurse Anesthesia
5. Pass the National certifying exam to practice nurse anesthesia.
Vicky Jo recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Richard’s Answer
After high school it takes about 4 years of university to become a registered nurse.
After time spent working as a nurse, including 2 years of critical care, one can apply to CRNA school, which takes an additional 2-3 years.
Take as many science classes as possible;you will be able to calculate dosages etc with the appropriate training.
After time spent working as a nurse, including 2 years of critical care, one can apply to CRNA school, which takes an additional 2-3 years.
Take as many science classes as possible;you will be able to calculate dosages etc with the appropriate training.
Updated
Estelle’s Answer
As a physician, I work with CRNA all the time. From what I understand, they go through both CRNA school (~3 years) and Nursing school (4 years), which is a pretty big time and financial commitment. They also need experience as a nurse before applying to CRNA school. However, the CRNAs I see are usually very happy with their work.