What Does A CRNA Do? How Do I Know It Is The Right Career For Me?

[@cf8086]

A good friend had the fire to be a CRNA based on $ signs, challenges, shadowing, autonomy, etc. He then took a medical anthropology course and the CRNA fire was extinguished. He learned to speak French and Spanish, earned masters degrees in both public health and medical anthropology, and is now pursuing his DNP in critical care with the goal of a career in global surgery/critical care. A career of traveling the world to help low income countries increase ICU capability awaits. I last spoke to him 6 months ago and he says his new direction is rewarding, brings a good wage (he says there are tons of ways to make money), is challenging, and occurs in an arena that’s collaborative and something greater than himself. He’s at peace with abandoning the CRNA path and from my perspective, living his life rather than living a profession. You have a good channel that’s both empowering and honest.

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

Thank you for the compliment about my channel! It's great that your friend found the right path for himself, too...it sounds like he will really enjoy it! Cheers!!

[@mohammedaldrees2387]

I agree with your prospective! And that sounds like a pretty awesome career because it involves cultures and traveling. Could you please elaborate, I might be interested in your friend’s career path!

[@southerncharmcreative]

I am 35 and JUST starting the nursing path but I initially started my nursing path 18 years ago and wasn’t in the right mindset. My mentality was focused on making good money. 18 years later (and a shit ton of inner self work) and I’m still thinking about a career in nursing with a focus (or aspiration) to work in the ICU/trauma and eventually CRNA - I now know that this is a passion that has been laid on my heart and soul for a long time but I wasn’t in the right mindset back then. I needed to do the inner work to get into the right headspace to take on this intense career path. For the last 15 years I have been a surgical coder and auditor and have always been fascinated with watching the surgeries to understand what I was coding so I know moving over to clinical side is the logical next step for me since I can’t stop thinking and dreaming about being in the OR. For me now, the idea of becoming an ICU nurse and eventually a CRNA is that I want to be that nurse on the team that shows up because I want to be a positive light in someone’s life who is otherwise going through some tough things at the moment. Im the crazy person who wants to be in the ICU and trauma department when others try to avoid those departments at all costs. Maybe it’s cause I married into a family of NPs and trauma docs and I’m fascinated with their stories - who knows 😅 the idea of working in the ICU actually hypes me up. I’m aware that they are very high stress departments but again I think I’ve been doing a lot of the mental work to get in the right headspace. 20 year old me wouldnt have been able to handle losing a patient but 35 year me has done some incredible growth. I’ve been practicing meditation, empathy, and staying grounded in high stress situations for decades now and I think I have the coping mechanisms in place to handle the ICU and eventually becoming a CRNA. It probably also helps that I absolutely love learning 😅

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

Thank you so much for sharing! It sounds like you're going to make a great ICU nurse and CRNA! Appreciate you tuning in-- we are rooting for you! PS- Grab this Free 8 Steps to CRNA Planning Guide for help making your path a bit easier: www.cspaedu.com/8stepguide Cheers to your future!

[@Get_Active556]

Coming from someone who used to jump out of planes for a living in the airborne infantry, you speak straight facts! Life is about courage, fortune favors the bold!

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

🙌🙌

[@cardiyansane1414]

something you said around the 27:38 mark about guidance early on really spoke to me ...probably explains why there are only 4% of the 40,0000 CRNAs in the US that are black. No guidance, few role models , societal road blocks from day 1 . Sometimes just equal elementary education is difficult let alone graduate level

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

You are not wrong about that Cardi! Here's to working towards changing that!

[@DjSC80]

I agree.. if only I knew about this career earlier

[@ILoveyouxoxo93]

I just started working in the ICU after med surg. OBVIOUSLY, it's nothing compared to CRNA school. It's a whole new world I the ICU. It's challenging to learn, correlate things at a quicker pace. But I know it's worth it. I love how you are encouraging the rest of us to not settle. . thank you!

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

Congratulations on your new role!! That's an exciting step and a great accomplishment. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feedback, and of course for tuning in! Cheering you on!!

[@gabe2632]

Headed to college in the fall, hopefully I can come back to this comment in 4 years when I am accepted to CRNA school. Thanks for the video and good luck to all the future CRNA's watching this video!

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

Woo hoo! You got this Gabe... we look forward to seeing you back here then!! Cheers to your future!

[@USA__WILL]

Thanks for the advice. I'm pursuing CRNA in the future but your advice on being present for the challenge is helpful. I'm starting as a new grad ICU and I'm not afraid of what's coming but I find myself second guessing how I'll perform just knowing all the stuff I need to learn. But your right, no one started knowing everything so I just have to man up and get things done!

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

You can do this!! One step at a time. When you're ready, you may want to consider joining CSPA, too! Not only do we have resources to help you in your ICU role, but it will 100% help you avoid missteps as you make your way towards CRNA. Our Foundations Membership would be great to get started with. www.crnaschoolprepacademy.com/join for the details. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. In the meantime, thank you for tuning in and we are here cheering you on!!

[@MichealJm3luv]

Omg I used to watch discovery health as a child as well lol ! I would sit and watch the trauma shows for hours intreagued. Im 25, I just graduated with my LPN in March and will be starting my RN program in August God willing. I believe I was meant for this life. CRNA here I come!

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

Woohoo! Congratulations on your graduation!! Rooting for you and your future!!

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

Haha, yes! I don’t think they make shows like that anymore but it was real surgery recorded 🙂

[@aejashyn7928]

I’m an LPN and currently in RN school. My clinical site offered me an ICU job after assisting in codes. It was amazing. Good luck to you. I feel same way

[@MichealJm3luv]

@@aejashyn7928 That is awesome. Is Crna the end goal for you?

[@aejashyn7928]

@@MichealJm3luv I’m between CRNA and FNP. I currently work with babies on ventilators at their homes. I love it and can also see myself working with pulmonologist or ENT group. I’m in LPN to RN school so I have time to decide.

[@aejashyn7928]

What scares me most is needing to do mental math/calculations on the fly in my head. Even now I have to at least write down. Any advice? That’s the only thing that has me discouraged. As far as heavy information. I’m the student who will study hours and hours until I know it. But this mental math has me nervous.

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

Hey Aeja! We have some anesthesia math help inside the Academy that would be a great place to start getting some extra help for that! Here's the link if you're a student with us: www.cspaedu.com/3me1e6n5 Rooting for you!!

[@jessicahope1180]

I have shot myself down myself so much and felt like I couldn't even be an LPN. I have accomplished things I thought I never would. Thanks for this message. 🎉

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

Thank YOU for sharing your story and courageousness! We are cheering you on!!

[@evea9811]

Great advice Jenny! How are we going to grow unless we are challenged. The view is so satisfying after a hard climb up the mountain. Keep trying!!

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

So glad to hear this... and you're right, that view can't be beat ;) Thanks for tuning in!!

[@carlisefarren4236]

Absolutely great video. You’re very smart and inspiring. I know with 80% certainty that CRNA is my healthcare passion. The 20% hesitation is that I need to understand a psychiatric nurse role more. Those are the two nursing paths that fit my personality and I know will not compromise who I genuinely am and affect my overall lifestyle. I know that even still sacrifice is huge part and I’m ready for that but I can go either way and retire fulfilled either way but let me do a bit more digging. Btw I’m a new subbie 🙌🏾🎯

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

Thank you for your kind words, and for tuning in Carlise!! I encourage you to seek out shadowing opportunities- it will help you determine which path will be best for you :) Ps- Grab my free shadow documentation form; when/if you decide CRNA is for you, it will help you with the application process. www.cspaedu.com/j814jsxq Rooting for you!!

[@carlisefarren4236]

@@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy thank you!🙏

[@sierraonyoutube]

Thank you for this video. I’ve been debating applying to nursing school for years. Always thought I wasn’t good enough. But you don’t know until you know!

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

Hi Sierra! Thanks for tuning in-- believe in yourself, you can do it! PS Check out this video on Growth Mindset... it will help! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYGxiYqXqsd7fpo Rooting for you!

[@josephtriplett6753]

You’re video has me excited. I’ve been a paramedic for 12 years and finally made the decisions to go from paramedic to CRNA. I’m excited about my journey to get off the truck and progressively get to CRNA. RN degree is going to be completely online :).

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

Woo hoo!! We're excited for you and cheering you along! Thanks for tuning in! PS- Watch this video for more tips to help you get to CRNA: kzbin.info/www/bejne/joiUoaSgfZusnpo

[@annakelly3938]

Thank you !I needed this . I’m in the beginning of my nursing school and thinking to continue after to be CRNA in the future …. I have so many doubts but after listening to this I know I can do this . like you said “you never really know until you do it” Thank you 😊 ❤ New subscriber here! ❤️🌟

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

You got this!! Rooting for you!!!

[@mohammedaldrees2387]

The CRNA idea is being cooked in my brain. I have 9 months until I’m finished with my BSN, yet I am preparing for the next goal Thank you for the video

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

You can do it!

[@bluethunder9102]

You should talk about crna fellowships and chronic pain management + their procedures, opening their own Practices etc

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

Thank you for tuning in, and for the suggestions! If you're interested, I do have a video on CRNA + Independent Practice here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/noLJYn6Ajbtkos0 Cheers to your future!

[@Get_Active556]

You are amazing. I am glad you exist and are spreading this message.

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

Wow, thank you Dalton! I appreciate the kind words and you tuning in. Cheers to your future!!

[@natashalambert371]

This was excellent advice! You talked from a point of care and concern about my possibilities as if you knew me but you don't! And, that's awesome! Thank you for the content!

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

Thank you so much for tuning in and for your kind feedback, Natasha!! Cheers to your future!! 😃

[@nsreen3807]

I love this thank you soo much this is soo encouraging as i am so scared and begining to work toward CRNA thank you!!

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

So glad you found it helpful!! You can do this-- we're rooting for you! PS- Be sure to grab a free copy of my 8 Steps to CRNA Road Map guide here: www.cspaedu.com/8stepguide And of course, we'd love to have you in the Academy when you're ready! We're currently celebrating an over 60% acceptance rate amongst our students who use the Academy for the year+ up to applying to CRNA school; without CSPA, the national average acceptance rate is right around 15% so it's a great choice to make! Thank you for tuning in, and cheers to your future!!

[@remitheoccultist8091]

Thank you for being inspiring and also a very self aware individual. ❤

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

Thank you for your kind words, and for tuning in! Cheers to your future!

[@blake_229]

I'm 33. Went back at 28 for nursing, working on my BSN. Getting accepted into an ICU position has been VERY challenging because none have accepted me. Not sure how to get past that and I don't want that to be my road block to becoming a crna. Any tips on how to get accepted into that role. Currently in operative services.

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

Hi there! Thanks for tuning in-- It's great that you're working on your BSN and taking steps to reach your CRNA dreams!! Keep trying for that ICU role-- there's one out there for you! *Sometimes* working in a step-down unit until a position opens up is a route to go to; there's more details on that in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apiUla2YZdafpcU This one gives some ICU Interview tips: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXzIZXSwbceSns0 Lastly- if you want to practice an ICU interview, mock interviews are a great way to do so! You can find an experienced ICU Nurse mentor on the Nurses Teach Nurses platform and book one: www.nursesteachnurses.com Hope this helps get you started. Cheering you on!!

[@laylam4241]

Thank you for these videos 💕

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

You are very welcome ❤️

[@mohammedaldrees2387]

Besides watching your videos ,What do you recommend for someone that is thinking about CRNA? You mentioned something about conferences, how to get involved in that? CRNA community?

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

Yes! CSPA actually holds a conference every year which is super-tailored to those pursuing CRNA. You can sign up for early bird ticket pricing and announcements here: events.crnaschoolprepacademy.com/ Others would be the AANA or local state associations. Lots of future CRNAs also go to the NTI conference; in 2023, it will be in Philadelphia. Be sure to look for our booth if you attend! Last (but certainly not least!) consider joining the Academy! You're in a great spot to join- our planning courses are designed for upcoming graduates and new nurses (and those who are newly decided that CRNA is for them)... that way once you graduate you can immediately go into the best ICU for CRNA, you'll already know what program(s) you want and more importantly how to meet their requirements, you'll be connected and plugged into the community and have a head start on prepping for your interview. Monthly and annual membership options are available www.CRNASchoolPrepAcademy.com/join Let us know if you have any questions about how we can help. Thanks for tuning in, and cheers to your future!!

[@mohammedaldrees2387]

@@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy Thank you for the adequate answer; I feel pumped already to check things out. I have already subscribed to your channel

[@zacharycampbell9977]

I have this one registered nurse candidate, ready for nclex rn, very upset at themself, halfway through a military BSN or BS.cN, only wants to be a CRNA, scared to death at the cost, SOP in NYC, needs to be AGACNP-BC to write meds in NY, why CRNA vs. Null?

[@zacharycampbell9977]

One word? why not CCRN till their grave in NYC over CRNA in GA? Does Medicaid or Medicare pay you? what makes you keep your cert?

[@banangela]

21:21 made me laugh😂 "I physically don't like history..I just don't caare"

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

Thank you for watching! :)

[@emerGenZ_]

You’re so easy to learn from, thank you !!

[@emerGenZ_]

Also would it be possible to maintain school and having a high energy dog like a husky?

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

Aw, thank you for this sweet compliment ❤️🙏🏻 Incredibly appreciated!

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

@@emerGenZ_ haha! YESSS! Love DOGS! we had a High maintenance Pomeranian - he was immunosuppressed and we had chronic mange and infections- so even though his exercise was good with throwing a ball in the house he kept us busy - he was also my rock and my heart- I needed that dog 🐶 he is in heaven now but I know he helped my soul in crna school - dogs are angels - we have a bernedoodle (82lbs) and a goldendoodle mini (22lbs) now - they are cray cray 😂 but such a blessing- cheers to your future 🎓❤️ you got this

[@emerGenZ_]

@@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy alrightt great that’s what I need to know to get started! 🤙🏽 Pom poms are amazing dogs, they’re so energetic and so loving that they’re great to get home to - rest in peace a beauty! I hope your doodles stay goofy and loving forever :) a beast of a pup like your bernedoodle’s n a gorgeous mini goldendoodle has to be an amazing duo 💕, congrats !! Apollo’s so good and rambunctious n idk what Id do without him.. Thanks for everything and the hours of info haha! I definitely got this now ✌🏽✌🏽

[@astacia4914]

As a 14 year old wanting to be a crna,i am really motivated even tho its challenging. I wanna ask a question, can i have a second job(like a bakery) after finishing my crna programs,also how do u manage work time and family time ,one last question how long did it you to be a crna

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

Hi there! Thanks for checking out my channel, and kudos to you for getting a head start on your future career!! I have a few things that will help you: 1- Grab this free 8 Steps to Become a CRNA planning guide: www.cspaedu.com/8stepguide 2- Check out these videos for more details on your questions (and yes! You can certainly have any second job after you finish your CRNA program. CRNAs have a wide scope of practice opportunities and can even work independently so lots of career flexibility) The Fastest Way to Become a CRNA: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6itdqOjadChZ7c Day in the Life of a CRNA: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKbFnpWdqcqth6s Did I Always Know I Wanted to Become a CRNA? kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXK6g2xnf8mHhJY There's some good insights into the CRNA career, balancing family and work life and more to help you on your journey. Thank you for tuning in!! Cheers to your future!! :)

[@lisettediazdeleon3715]

How many surgeries do you usually have a day?

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

That varies; sometimes just 1 or a few, at some places you could do 20-30+ blocks per day. This video will give you some more insights: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKbFnpWdqcqth6s Thank you for tuning in!!

[@lisettediazdeleon3715]

Do you recommend starting out in a level 1 trauma hospital as a new grad CRNA?

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

Why not? You will know what's best for you when the time comes! :) Thank you for tuning in!

[@lisettediazdeleon3715]

@@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy Thank you!

[@rashijain5180]

Hey maam I had bachelor's in operation theatre technology ..im haaving anesthesia experience And now im pursuing msc in operation theatre so im i eligible crna because im learning anesthesia only here in msc ott Please reply

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

Hi there! I'm so sorry I don't quite understand your question-- but I can say this: you'll need your BSN for CRNA school, plus at least 1 year of experience in the ICU, if not 2 (or more), depending on your program requirements. Please download a copy of our Free 8 Steps to CRNA Planning Guide; it will help you understand all the requirements and begin the planning process. Here's the link: www.cspaedu.com/howtocrna Hope this helps. Thank you for tuning in!!

[@lisettediazdeleon3715]

Hi! Do you know if CRNAs practice in other countries like Australia?

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

Hi there! There's an organization called the International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists that you can look into: ifna.site/etusivu/practice/working-abroad/ Thank you for tuning in!

[@lisettediazdeleon3715]

@@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy Thank you!

[@angelicabarrios5069]

❤

[@jamesclark5625]

Do you have a man? I think I’m in love!

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

My husband will be flattered ;) Thank you for tuning in!

[@suhanna7309]

Heyy ! I don't know how to say this but...are you able to make time for yourself as a CRNA? I am a person who loves to dance, sing, theatre, perform on stages, etc....but at the same time I am really attracted to the nursing profession. I love providing care to others, comforting them, providing them a sense of relief, making things comfortable for them, etc. Since singing, dancing, theatre, etc. are professions that are not for everyone.....not everyone is able to make a career out of it......so I don't want to risk my future. I want to work in the nursing profession but at the same time try my best to succeed in my other interests too. So all in all....as a CRNA are you able to focus on building a career in other areas too? Thank you

[@CRNASchoolPrepAcademy]

Hi Su! Thanks for tuning in and for asking this great question. One of the things most loved about being a CRNA is the high career satisfaction; both on the job, and the flexibility it offers for work/life balance. Keep in mind, you determine how your time is spent! So if you want to incorporate time for hobbies and side jobs, you must be sure to make those priorities (versus say, binging Netflix ha!) The three years during CRNA school will be challenging, as far as free time goes, but it's *especially* important to make time for self-care during school. With a 50-60 hour week each week, scheduling in an hour or two a week of something that sparks joy in your life will help keep you grounded & motivated to persevere. And once you're done, you'll have way more free time again ;) I encourage you to check out this video where I interview 3 current SRNAs and talk about the workload and balancing time for self/with friends & family: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6SsiqOJiculnLs Also, here's another video about time management in CRNA School: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZCUqI1rbblnga8 If you're not already following me on Instagram, please do! As a CRNA for 8 years now, you'll see a glimpse into my life and the balance of work and family. Yes, there are times when saying "no" to one thing means saying "yes" to another, and the great news is you can choose that for yourself. Find me @CRNASchoolPrepAcademy I'd love for you to join our private community too; you'll get support & comraderie from others who are on a similar journey to yours, AND expert guidance from current program faculty as you move towards your goals! Check out more here: www.cspaedu.com/igzcgwtz Cheers to your future!!

[@suhanna7309]

Thank you so much for taking out time to reply 🥰 I am glad I found your channel. Your videos are a real eye opener and for good. In the end...time management and prioritising what's important is the ✨KEY✨ Once again...thank you so much.....and yeah......a new subscriber & follower here 🙋‍♀ Have a great day