CRNA Timeline by Mackenzie Blauert

May 2021

mxblau24 — 2024-07-09 14:15:16 UTC

I finally graduated with my BSN from the University of Wisconsin, Madison! Highlights through college included minors in Global Health and Gender Studies, working as a School of Nursing Ambassador, and spending time as a lab assistant in the Carbone Cancer Center.

July 2021

mxblau24 — 2024-07-09 14:17:33 UTC

After graduating and studying hard, I passed my NCLEX and was ready to begin my first job as an RN!

July 2021-October 2022

mxblau24 — 2024-07-09 14:20:36 UTC

I began my first nursing job at United Hospital in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The unit I started on was a combined cardiac IMC/ICU. I completed my ICU training April-July 2022. When I began taking CVICU patients from the operating room I realized that's where my passion was and decided to make a change.

November 2022

mxblau24 — 2024-07-09 14:28:50 UTC

I started my position as a CVICU RN at the University of Minnesota, East Bank. Upon "graduation" from orientation I was able to take care of patients with Impellas, IABPs, and LVADs, along with settling and caring patients post CABG, valves replacements, heart and lung transplants.

December 2023

mxblau24 — 2024-07-09 14:31:42 UTC

After studying hard for a few months I took and passed my CCRN! I realized I had actually really missed studying and the thrill of doing well on an exam and decided this upcoming summer would be my first round of applying to CRNA schools.

Present

mxblau24 — 2024-07-09 14:36:08 UTC

I began taking CRRT patients and also started to work as a preceptor for the CVICU this summer. New challenges, sicker patients, and lots of growth as a mentor and teacher keeps me challenged and excited about the work we do.

June 2024

mxblau24 — 2024-07-09 14:40:22 UTC

I decide to take on DNP 800 at St. Mary's to refresh my knowledge of chemistry and also get a deeper look into my #1 hopeful CRNA school! During this month I also reached out to references, began my application essays, and set up shadowing shifts with a nurse anesthesiologist.

Fall 2025

mxblau24 — 2024-07-09 14:45:08 UTC

The (hopeful) beginning of my journey to becoming a CRNA! The application portion has proved the be the easiest part of the journey - and now the hard stuff begins! The first year of school will be an adjustment with less free time, more studying, and quitting my job as a bedside nurse to focus on academic success. I'm excited to meet and form bonds with classmates that will embark upon this journey with me!

September 2026

mxblau24 — 2024-07-09 14:47:25 UTC

Year two of being a SRNA begins! This year will be challenging with clinical hours ramping up, along with maintaining a rigorous studying schedule. I have my family and my long term partner to keep me motivated and following my dreams!

September 2027

mxblau24 — 2024-07-09 14:49:51 UTC

The third and final year of CRNA school begins! This is the last lap and my time management will be perfected at this point to get in the most clinical hours and stay on top of school work. During the final 2-3 months of school I will be putting extra time and effort into studying for and passing boards. I foresee this chapter of the CRNA journey to be the toughest, studying for school, boards and clinical is going to be a challenge!

Fall 2028

mxblau24 — 2024-07-09 14:52:33 UTC

By this time I will have graduated CRNA school and passed boards after lots of studying and hard work. I hope to stay in my beautiful home state of Minnesota and finally reap the rewards of the past 3 years!

Primary Stakeholders

mxblau24 — 2024-07-09 15:11:25 UTC

My boyfriend, Mike, has been the biggest support through the beginning of the application process. We've discussed our budgeting strategy and financial plan for the future. My dad has also been a big help and resource for looking into FAFSA and loans, as well as being a key editor for my application essays!

Primary Stakeholders

mxblau24 — 2024-07-09 15:13:50 UTC

While I still expect my boyfriend, dad, and current friends to be stakeholders in my CRNA school journey, I also hope to gain new stakeholders. Classmates, professors, and preceptors are all people who I hope will have an investment in me and my future.