Thinking About CRNA School? Learn What ICU Skills CRNA Program Directors Say Matter Most

If you’re an ICU RN dreaming about becoming a CRNA—or just starting to explore what nurse anesthesia is all about—you’ve probably wondered: Do I actually have what it takes?

In this CRNA School Prep Academy exclusive post, CRNA program directors and faculty from top nurse anesthetist programs share exactly which ICU nursing skills will serve you not only in CRNA school but throughout your entire anesthesia career.

Whether you’re managing drips in the MICU, anticipating instability before the vitals even change, or asking why during rounds—these experts are here to tell you which of those instincts will make you stand out in the application and interview process, and then the OR.

Featuring insights from leaders at Texas Wesleyan University, Florida State University Panama City, Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia, Ursuline College with SNAP, Missouri State, and new Nurse Anesthesia School Rocky Vista University, this blog is packed with firsthand advice to help you feel more confident, capable, and informed as you navigate the RN to CRNA path.

💡 Wondering what to focus on now, or how to know if you’re “smart enough” for nurse anesthesia school? This post will give you the clarity—and encouragement—you’ve been looking for.

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From RN to CRNA- Nurse Anesthetist Programs Share The Best Skills To Learn

Are you an ICU nurse considering the leap to becoming a CRNA—but quietly wondering, “Am I really cut out for this?”

You’re not alone. Whether you’re new to the idea of nurse anesthesia or deep in your research phase, it’s normal to question whether your ICU experience is enough—or if you’re smart enough, skilled enough, or fast enough for this next-level role.

Here’s the good news: You’re already building the skills you’ll use every day as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

But don’t just take our word for it—hear it from the directors of some of the top nurse anesthetist programs in the country. In a recent video, these leaders shared which ICU nurse skills transfer most directly into nurse anesthesia training and practice—and their answers will give you confidence in the work you’re doing right now.

👇 Watch the full video at the bottom of this post, or read on for highlights.

Assessment

Dr. Tito Tubog and Dr. Terri Kane
Program Director and Associate Program Director, Texas Wesleyan University – Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Program

“The most transferable skill from an ICU nurse to a CRNA is assessment… assessing the patient, assessing the process, figuring out what’s going well and what’s going wrong,” says Dr. Kane.

“You have to take in a lot of information—vital signs, labs, procedure knowledge—and put it together quickly.”

Dr. Tubog adds something many ICU nurses recognize but may not always value:

“It’s that sixth sense we develop in critical care. We can anticipate when a patient is about to become hemodynamically unstable. That intuition absolutely helps in the operating room.”

Takeaway: You’re not just collecting data—you’re interpreting it, forecasting changes, and making timely decisions. That’s CRNA thinking.

Managing Drips and Vents

Dr. Stacey VanDyke
Program Director, Florida State University – Panama City Nurse Anesthesia Program

“The most transferable skill? Definitely your calculation of drips and your ability to manage ventilators,” says Dr. VanDyke.

“Not all ICU nurses manage vents, but brushing up on those skills will serve you well in nurse anesthesia school.”

Takeaway: The ability to titrate vasoactive meds and understand respiratory mechanics directly translates to the OR. If you’re already doing that, you’re halfway there.

ICU Nurse Skills for CRNA: Trust your adaptability. You’ve handled codes, managed crises, juggled multiple drips and dynamic ventilator settings. You’re ready for this.

Curiosity

Dr. Jess Hammond
Assistant Program Director, Ursuline College Nurse Anesthesia Program with SNAP

“The best transferable ICU skill? Inquisitiveness. Always seeking, always looking deeper, trying to find answers.”

Dr. Hammond emphasizes that curiosity isn’t just a personality trait—it’s a clinical asset. The drive to ask why something is happening leads to deeper understanding, which is the foundation of critical anesthesia decision-making.

Takeaway: If you’re naturally curious, that mindset will help you thrive in CRNA school and beyond.

Thinking Like a Provider

Dr. Richie Flowers
Program Director, Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia

“Instead of just taking orders, start thinking like a provider. That’s one of the hardest transitions—from bedside RN to CRNA.”

“Ask the why questions. Begin making connections between what you’re seeing and what needs to happen next.”

Takeaway: CRNAs are independent, autonomous providers. ICU nursing already gives you the foundation—now it’s about shifting your mindset from executing plans to forming them.

Clinical Observation

Dr. Monika Feeney
Program Director, Missouri State University School of Anesthesia

“The best transferable skill is assessment. Look at your patient. How are they doing?”

This simple but powerful skill—closely observing your patient and identifying subtle changes—becomes even more critical when you’re the one managing the anesthetic.

Takeaway: What you notice before alarms go off? That’s what makes you valuable in the OR.

Adaptability & Confidence

Krista Christianson, DNP, CRNA
Associate Program Director, Rocky Vista University – DNAP Program

“The most transferable skill is probably adaptability. And remember—have confidence. You really do have the skills to take on this new role.”

If you’re doubting whether you’re “smart enough” for CRNA school, listen closely: nurse anesthesia faculty across the country see the value in your critical care background. You’re not starting from scratch—you’re building on a solid foundation.

Takeaway: Trust your adaptability. You’ve handled codes, managed crises, juggled multiple drips and dynamic ventilator settings. You’re ready for this.

Final Thoughts: You’re More Prepared Than You Think

From assessment and vent management to intuition and curiosity, the ICU has already equipped you with many of the core skills you’ll use every day as a CRNA.

What you’re doing matters—and it’s preparing you, moment by moment, to rise to the next level.

Whether you’re a brand-new ICU RN or you’ve been at the bedside for years, the path from RN to CRNA is within your reach. And these nurse anesthetist programs and their faculty see your potential.

🎥 Watch the full video below to hear directly from these amazing faculty members.

Related Topics to Explore:

• How Do You Become a CRNA?
• What is the Difference Between DNP vs DNAP?
• Is CRNA School Worth It?
• CRNA School Cost: A Guide to Paying for CRNA School
• Preferred ICU Experience for CRNA School
• Shadowing a CRNA
• What are the Easiest CRNA Schools to Get Into?

Want more CRNA insights? Sign up for my FREE LIVE Webinar “Stand Out & Get In” to learn everything you need to know about getting into CRNA school. 

You’ve got what it takes to become a CRNA. Let’s show these nurse anesthetist programs exactly why you belong in their next cohort.

Cheering you on!
Jenny Finnell, MSN,CRNA
Founder & CEO, CRNA School Prep Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

• What ICU skills are most transferable to CRNA school?
  A: Program directors highlight assessment, ventilator management, drip titration, curiosity, and adaptability as the most valuable ICU skills for success in CRNA school.

• Why is patient assessment so important for CRNA students?
  A: Strong assessment skills help nurses interpret complex data, anticipate instability, and make timely decisions—critical abilities for safe anesthesia care.

• How does ventilator and drip management prepare ICU nurses for CRNA school?
  A: Titrating vasoactive drips and understanding ventilator settings directly translate to anesthesia practice, where precise medication and airway management are essential.

• Does curiosity really help in CRNA training?
  A: Yes. Faculty emphasize that inquisitiveness drives deeper learning and critical thinking, both of which are vital for mastering anesthesia decision-making.

• How can ICU nurses begin “thinking like a provider” before CRNA school?
  A: Nurses can practice by asking why during clinical care, connecting observations to interventions, and moving from following orders to forming care plans.

• Why is adaptability considered a key ICU skill for CRNA school?
  A: Adaptability helps nurses manage crises, adjust quickly during procedures, and stay confident under pressure—skills that are indispensable in anesthesia.

Important Links

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