Shadowing a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is an excellent way to gain firsthand insight into this specialized field. You should aim to shadow a CRNA as soon as you think this career path might interest you. Ideally, you should begin during nursing school or even earlier if you know already that this is your calling, even while still in high school. However, if you’re considering CRNA later in your ICU experience, that’s perfectly fine—just ensure you shadow a CRNA at least once before applying to CRNA programs.

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Shadowing experiences are of critical importance to your application to Nurse Anesthesia because is crucial because becoming a CRNA is a lifelong commitment. You want to be 100% sure about this career path, certain that it is indeed the vocation to which you fell called. Schools value shadowing experiences because they want students who are fully informed and commited.

Even if the school to which you applying doesn’t explicitly require CRNA shadowing, consider it essential for a competitive application. Going above and beyond their expectations demonstrates your dedication. Get to know the daily life of a CRNA through shadowing experiences.​ I suggest a minimum of 40 hours with multiple CRNAs and at least half that time within you last year of service as a nurse. Having multiple experiences allows you to understand the role better and prepares you for interviews and essays.