Becoming a nurse anesthetist (CRNA) requires a long-term commitment, and plenty of dedication. It also requires you to be willing to relocate as well as take on extra responsibilities outside of your typical job duties.
However, it’s not just all hardwork and sacrifice required to become a CRNA. There are also several other benefits that come with this profession such as increased salary and excellent career prospects. If you’re thinking about becoming a CRNA, we’re here to give you a comprehensive guide on how to become one.
Get Your Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
First things first, finish your Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Doing so gives you a solid foundation upon which to build and will also equip you with the skills you need to achieve your career goals as a nurse.
So make sure you understand what you’re getting yourself into with your degree. You also need to find a nursing school that offers a program that suits your needs and future career goals. Nursing school is notoriously tough but possible to do with hard work and dedication.
Maintain great study habits, get great sleep and nutrition and, and make sure you have a great support system. This can include your fellow nursing students that can be an art of study groups, friends, and family that can offer you moral support.
While some people decide to go away for college, it is recommended you stay closer to home if possible for nursing. This will remove taking care of a home (if you’re younger) out of your responsibilities. Also try to only take part-time work if you need it. A full-time job will take most time to study, but if needed, it is possible.
Take the NCLEX-RN Certification Exam
Once you’ve received your bachelor’s degree, you’ll be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses, the official licensure exam of the nursing board in your state.
Passing the NCLEX is a huge milestone and should be your main goal at this stage. There are two different ways to sit for the NCLEX exam. One is to take a computerized exam at a testing center, and the other is to take a paper-based exam at an approved testing center. We recommend taking the computerized exam, as it’s more convenient.
While taking the NCLEX is a huge milestone, it’s not the end of the line. You’ll have to pass the NCLEX and then get certified to practice nursing in any state you decide to work in. So, don’t get too comfortable. Keep your head up and work hard to pass the NCLEX. It’s worth it.
Find a Job as a CRNA
Once you’ve passed the NCLEX, you’ll be certified as a Registered Nurse and can start searching for positions as a CRNA. However, before you set out looking for a job, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, you’ll need to decide if you want to work as a private duty nurse or in an emergency room (ER). Private duty nurses typically work in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities, while ER nurses work in emergency rooms. Another thing you’ll need to decide is if you want to work full or part-time.
You’ll also need to consider where you want to work and what type of patient population is available. Keep in mind that there are several requirements and guidelines you need to meet before you can practice in a specific state.
Join a Clinical Nursing Association as an Active Member
If you’re interested in working in a hospital setting, you’ll need to join a clinical nursing association as an active member. This is because most states require that you belong to an organization such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) or the Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM).
Joining an association will give you access to many resources, including information on nursing jobs, education opportunities and networking opportunities. Additionally, being a member of an association will give you a wider network of CRNAs to connect with, which can be very helpful.
Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired By Becoming Certified
If you’re interested in increasing your chances of getting hired by becoming certified. There are numerous certifying bodies out there that offer various certifications, like the National Certification of Biomedical Resuscitationist.
You can also become certified in evidence-based nursing, a specialized nursing practice that focuses on measuring outcomes, outcomes and more outcomes. There are many certifying bodies that offer various certifications that can help you stand out from the rest of the competition. It’s important to note that you have to have a certain level of knowledge before you can sign up to take these certifications.
Don’t Forget to Network and Invest in Yourself
As a nurse anesthetist, you’ll be required to have a Bachelor’s Degree and pass the NCLEX. That’s two college degrees that you’ll have to hold throughout your entire career. That might sound like a lot, but it doesn’t have to be.
There are plenty of online nursing degree programs that offer flexible scheduling, affordable tuition and impart real-world education. Your career will be long and full of challenges, and it’s important that you prepare for them. This means investing in your own development by attending seminars, taking courses and reading articles.
Nurse anesthetists can significantly benefit from continuing education. With this professional designation, you’ll have access to cutting-edge technology, be able to practice in a number of settings and have an excellent salary and benefits package.
Conclusion
Nursing is a great career that offers a ton of opportunities and benefits. However, getting into the nursing profession can be challenging. If you want to become a nurse anesthetist, you’ll need to get a bachelor’s degree in nursing, take the NCLEX exam and find a job as a CRNA.
Thankfully, it’s not as difficult as it might seem. With the right education and preparation, you can successfully navigate these stages and become a nurse anesthetist.