Is 2yrs really enough?

kevro1013 · Jul 21, 2003

This "c" stuff is making me nervous.

First let me say this board for discussion is GREAT! It has given me a renewed vigor for persuing a career in anesthesia.

I am a RN who is currently working in the ED(1 year exp), about to make the switch to ICU (Next two weeks, cannot wait!) I plan to work for approx two years in the unit before applying to crna schools.

*Question: I rec'd one "C" in an anatomy lab (A&P 2 lab worth one hour) when I took one full year of A&P in eight weeks over a summer.I rec'd mostly A's in all my nursing classes and sciences and graduated with a 3.57.(only other "C" was in theatre) Do I have anything to worry about or am I being anal?

Just wondering if anyone has a crystal ball out there!

London88 · Jul 21, 2003

I agree with what mbrian46 said. At my interview the director had not yet received transcripts from where i completed my associates degree, but had received my BSN transcripts. I made a point of bringing an unofficial copy of my AAS transcript which had all my sciences listed. I gave this to the director and the first thing she said was " good you have an A in all the sciences." I have other friends who got into the same program, but had to have CCRN because of their GPA, whereas I did not. If your GPA is not the greatest CCRN can make the difference as to wether or not you are accepted.

New CCU RN · Jul 21, 2003

Do you think that you are better off taking the classes with C's over again to get an A or to take a higher level science class and work your a** off for an A??? ie) C in Physiology take the Graduate Physiology class rather than repeating a class.... just wondering?????

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Jul 22, 2003

Originally posted by New CCU RN
Do you think that you are better off taking the classes with C's over again to get an A or to take a higher level science class and work your a** off for an A??? ie) C in Physiology take the Graduate Physiology class rather than repeating a class.... just wondering?????

Ooooh, good question, I definitely have some C's from when I slacked off in my first degree. I'm getting A's in nursing school but I can't help thinking those old C's are gonna come back to haunt me. What's the best way to get rid of them??!

SCHMEGGA · Jul 22, 2003

Trust me guys your GPA is not what is going to get you into a CRNA program. It will help more than it will hurt. If you can keep it above 3.0 then you will be doing fine. What you really need to do is impress in the interview. Know your stuff! I know a student who just got into a program and she has a 2.8 GPA. But she nailed the interview. CCRN will help to some degree, but most places that I have seen don't put a big emphasis on it.

keermie · Jul 22, 2003

As for the previous post, I completely agree! There were a few years when I did not apply because I was intimidated to apply based on what others had heard or said to be true. I wish I had not waited. This is not to say that it is not competetive, just that you should not sell yourself short. Maybe it took me a few years to desire becoming an S.R.N.A., and to a certain extent the panels pick up on this; which I believe are a major composite in selecting candidates. Basically I see a lot of self doubt on this board when asking about GPA . . ., but the important things to realize are: am I willing to make a committment (we're talking marriage here), do I feal like I've positioned myself for the next step, have I invested time and awareness of the profession at hand, and do I have support. If you answered yes to all of these questions . . . (jj). Seriously, you never know. There are plenty a people in my class who might not have had the "ideal" app, but had assured themselves first and then the panel of their desire.

keermie · Jul 22, 2003

I always do this, but I left something out which is probably obvious. Don't sell yourself short either. Taking a class over that you got a C in is probably not a bad idea, just don't let it hold you back from applying and finding out.

cincygirlpnp · Jul 22, 2003

I applied to four grad schools (Wright State in Dayton, OH, University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio, Ohio State in Columbus, OH, and University of Ky in Lexington KY.) I was accepted at all of these schools before I had even finished my BSN program. The experience I got over the summer between graduation as a BSN and starting grad school was the only experience I had as an RN. None of these schools said anythig about my lack of experience. University of Cincinnati actually said they preferred new grads because they thought is was important to put younger MSN grads out in the workforce as a way to "lure" younger nursing professionals seeking a higher degree. If it helps my undregrad GPA was a 3.92 and I got a 1700 on my GRE (the old one- the new GRE is scored differently)

shirleyTX · Jul 22, 2003

cincygirl,

You got accepted before graduating your BSN program? I can't believe it!!!!! What a wonderful oppurtunity. How did you bypass the year required? Very interesting..... Most schools want at least 1 year as a registered nurse right? Do you feel that the experience you've aquired during your training has prepared you? I have heard things about getting younger people in the profession but not this particular one. Very Very cool, and congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kirbybunny · Jul 22, 2003

I think she is currently in a PNP program, not CRNA school. Still, very impressive.

~ Jen :cool:

seewhiterabbit · Aug 1, 2003

Excuse my ignorance, but what is certification in ACLS, PALS, TNCC, and CEN? What is a SRNA?

I would really appreciate feedback. Thank you.

Originally posted by mbrian46
My two cents..........I don't think years of experience counts as much as some schools lead on. They pretty much teach you everything you need to know in school about anesthesia. Please correct me if I am wrong for I am not currently a SRNA or CRNA, but I want to be! For instance, I had applied to a four schools this past fall and was offered interviews to all of them. (Background- I have 6 years ED, 2yrs Neurosurgery ICU- Level 1, ACLS, PALS, TNCC, CEN; GPA- 3.2 (with C's in Chem I, II, and Microbiology- 12 years ago), GRE- 1510). My GPA and GRE were not exceptional, but I thought ok in order to apply to school. Well, one of the first things asked in all the interviews.........."Tell me about your C's in Chem." Needless to say I did not get accepted, I don't know if this is the only reason, but it certainly didn't help. Recently, 2 people in my unit with less than 1 yr experience that I precepted were accepted into school (they both had 3.98 GPA.) I had applied to the same program and the program director told me the only reason I didn't get in is because of my C's in science courses. So, I believe based on my experience that work experience, although valuable, does not weigh as heavily as academic performance. I'm not giving up...............I just finished retaking Chem I and Micro ending up with an A and plan to take Chem II this fall. My advice is work the required length of time in a good ICU, but most of all make good grades to get that "exceptional" edge when applying...........Good luck

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Aug 1, 2003

Seewhiterabbit, please read the sticky in the CRNA forum "CRNA FAQs", most of your questions will be answered there. Or visit http://www.aana.com. ACLS is advanced life support, TNCC is trauma nurse, CEN is certified emergency nurse, PALS is pediatric advanced life support. SRNA is a student nurse anesthetist.