personal statement

Just be honest as to why you are interested, etc. Typically most applications I saw wanted 12pt font, either Times New Roman or Arial, and one-inch margins (typical APA format).

Admissions committees really like personal stories...for example, how someone influenced your decision to become a CRNA, maybe a positive experience you had that a CRNA contributed to, etc.

Not sure if this works for everyone, but my personal statement dealt with a patient I took care of in the CSU. Most of the applications I read wanted a statement about why they should choose you, what experience you have (machinery, vasoactive gtt titration, patient type, etc.), and what makes you a better candidate compare to other applicants.

My "personal statement" told a story about a patient on about every form of life support imaginable, and then some. I didn't want to send in an essay listing the machines/lines/drugs I'm comfortable with because I didn't want it to sound like every other paper they read. Anyhow, it helped get me a few interview letters and was brought up at the interview of the school I'll be attending (in about 13 days!!!). I think it helped make my application stand out.

Good luck with your applications. Have a few people read it that you trust for an honest opinion. To tell the truth, I got the best critique from my father, who has no medical background.

Please mention patient care over technology and financial rewards. I read so many statements about how they have experience in intubating and ventilators and want to continue getting better at this. Taking care of self and family ie.. providing a good living is important but your personal statement is no place to put this. If patient care is important to you, you are a nurse aren't you, state it. Nurse anesthesia needs people who put their patients first and the financial rewards last.