RN to CRNA

[AROTC Parent]

Hi Everyone! I have been an RN for 13 years and decided to become a CRNA. I have every requirement met for programs and I'm on a waiting list to my top school. Another nurse told me to consider military, as the program is one of the best. I am very interested in helping US veterans and thinking this may be the best option for me, but I'm clueless when it comes to military risks. I would love to care for veterans in the hospital, but not looking to serve on the front lines. I wondered if you could help me answer the following questions (I know these are complex and may be difficult to answer)?



What are the odds of deployment overseas and where would I likely go?



Can my husband and dogs (2 chocolate labs) live at base with me?



What is the risk of death for a CRNA in the military?



Are Hospitals frequently bombed or attacked?



Do you receive a wage while in the military CRNA programs?



Thank you so much for your help! I look forward to learning more and potentially serving the men and women of my country.



Thank you,

Kelli O’Hara

If you want to work with veteran populations try USAJOBS.gov and use keyword CRNA in the search. The Veterans Health Administration has a lot of CRNA jobs listed and they don't include deployments.

Edit: I see in a later post you indicated you are trying to get into a DNP/CRNA training program via the military. The VA sponsors DNP/CRNA training applicants at the Army Baylor CRNA progam and has an HPSP program including payment of tuition at civilian schools - which include obligations to the VA rather than the military. Don't join the military or commit to join the military for training unless you are willing to deploy and limit your choice for duty assignments including 'hardship' locations your family cannot move. The VA would likely be limited to US based assignments. Here is a link to the Army Baylor CRNA program for external applicants like the VA Baylor CRNA External Agency

 

[USN16x]

Hi I’m an active-duty ICU nurse in the Army. To my knowledge there are no “street-to-CRNA” programs for any of the branches. Your options would be;

1). Join military as an ICU nurse and compete for spot for CRNA school after 2 years.

2). Get accepted to civillan CRNA school and contact a recruiter while in school. There are some options for both active duty or reserves. Speaking for the Army, you would be eligible for student loan repayment.

It sounds like the VA might be a better option for you. If you google VA CRNA program you can research the scholarship/education program.

Goodluck!

 

[AROTC Parent]

Hi I’m an active-duty ICU nurse in the Army. To my knowledge there are no “street-to-CRNA” programs for any of the branches. Your options would be;

1). Join military as an ICU nurse and compete for spot for CRNA school after 2 years.

2). Get accepted to civillan CRNA school and contact a recruiter while in school. There are some options for both active duty or reserves. Speaking for the Army, you would be eligible for student loan repayment.

It sounds like the VA might be a better option for you. If you google VA CRNA program you can research the scholarship/education program.

Goodluck!

Agree that the VA Nurse to CRNA or civilian training is likely the best option for the OP based on their stated constraints....

However, the Army does have a civilian nurse to CRNA program via Baylor. It's a small number per year and competitive but it exists, at least on paper.... It's listed in the link for 'Baylor CRNA External Agencies' in my previous post with a recruiting contact. OP should not apply to the program unless they understand they will be a military officer with all the associated requirements - training, time away from family, deployments, unaccompanied assignments, assignments wherever the Army has a need, ...