On the road to be a CRNA.?

Question

I am currently a senior in high school and im pretty much set on being a crna. I know the education route i must take and everything. I want to get a jump start on my BSN and maybe do a little studying into anesthesia. Is there something i can be reading and studying up on. I am so interested in this profession and i just want to learn all i can and be the best CRNA i can be. Please help- thanks in advance

Answer 1

Website for the national association is below.  

You might find out where some continuing eduction meetings are going to be and go to one.   It may be way over your head but at least you can get an idea of what you will have to know.  

Trying to study up ahead of time may be a waste of time.  If you do not have the basic RN training you will probably not understand what you are reading.   You would do better to study hard in the science classes you have to take to get your BS and get "A"s in those classes as that will help when you get to the really hard stuff.    Also you have to compete to get into the CRNA programs so good grades will help there also.  

You might also go to the local hospital and see if they have CRNAs.  If they do,  maybe you can go with them for a day or two and see what they do.  

When you do look for programs,  ones that associate with a number of different hospitals is better than one that just uses one hospital.   The more diversity you have in the program the better.

You might want to consider joining the USAF, NAVY or ARMY and go to their respective school of Anesthesia.   That way you learn a lot of regional and what to do when you do NOT have all the high tech stuff to rely on.   (Ever want to do open drop sevo?)

Answer 2

Probably the best start would involve studying physiology and biochemistry as well as basic anatomy and physiology. Reading about anesthesia at this point would probably be premature until you have the basics under your belt.