Is starting off as an LPN a wise choice to start my career path towards becoming a CRNA?

Question

I hope to become a CRNA, but I am having troubles trying to decide which route will be the wisest, but also the quickest way to go. With all of the info that I have received and research that I have done I have come up with a plan. My plan is to become an LPN first so that I can begin working on my acute care experience ( I know that you need a minimum of 1 years experience to apply for anesthesia school), then to get my RN associates degree, then my BSN (all the while working in acute care, giving me a total of 3 years experience by the time I am eligible to apply to anesthesia school) and the on to anesthesia school.

Is this a good plan? Any help or suggestions will be GREATLY appreciated.

Answer 1

Kamisha hit the nail dead on the head.

The only way you have a good plan is if you have to work while going to school and any other job you have won't pay as much as being a RN will.  

I will also say skip the LPN and just take the extra year to be a ADN.  Which means you can go from ADN to BSN, which is little bit easier than LPN to BSN.  And because you are the RN first you will have the more acute care experience.  Alot of LPN to BSN programs require you to work full time for at least one year to challenge the beginner nursing classes, but if you are a RN first you can skip that

And for experience it will need to be critical, and intensive care experience, not just normal Med-Surg.  LPN's aren't on those type units, LPN are with stable patients.

My advice b/c I'm in your shoes but I don't want to be a CRNA I want to be a NP, is to go ADN if you have to work and go to school at the same time, and you will get the experience.  And do your absolute best with your grades, don't get in that I just need a 78 to pass this course, to be a CRNA you need A's all around the board in every class you take because its that competitive.  Then get your BSN.

Also look into volunteering in your free time at a free health clinic.  

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 2

Quick is not always the best.  Yes, you will have 3 years within the critical care area, however, I believe that you need this time as an RN, not just working in critical care.

LPN is good to start IF the state in which you live has bridge programs (LPN to RN) if not, you are probably going to repeat all that you did as an LPN student in your RN studies.

My advice, start taking prerequisites at the community college and apply to the program there for the Associate's program and transfer into a BSN program after.  While you are completing your BSN, you can work in a critical care area and be ready for CRNA application by the time your BSN is completed.

Answer 3

If I may be so bold I will tell you how to tweak your plan a bit. First thing is yes you need at least one year acute care exp.  That experience must be as an RN not an LPN.  An LPN cannot provide Acute care to anyone in any facility in this country because their license does not permit them to perfom many necessary skills.

Next thing is the quickest route is this First get your Bachelors then go to work for one year then apply to CRNA school.

I know that you prob think an Associate is quicker, but in reality it will take you just as long to get your ADN as your BSN. The reason is that most colleges will make you take all prereqs then you can apply to be admitted to the nursing program and if or when you get selected you start your two years from there.  There are also waiting lists to contend with.  Most four year colleges admit on merit each semester.  You either get in or not.

Good Luck on your Decision!  Great career path to invest in.

Answer 4

go for the RN.  work in a hospital while doing this and get a BSN.  talk to your college advisor.

Answer 5

It sounds like you are taking the long road there. Then you'll have to get your BSN and then get accepted to a CRNA program and finish it. Go for your BSN now, forget the LPN step.