I am applying to 3 programs in Michigan, and am nervous sitting here trying to figure out what to do to increase my chances for acceptance. My overall GPA is 3.4 with a science/etc GPA of 3.21. My early GPA hurt me but I did much better my first year of college. I've worked in a Level I Trauma/Neuro ICU for 5 years. My GRE scored were: 670 Quant., 560 Verbal, and 4.5 Analytical Writing. Prior to interviewing (hopefully) I am taking the CCRN exam. Any suggestions for interviewing, improving my chances, or anything else?

Thank you

[piper_for_hire]

To increase your chances, I would transfer from the Neuro ICU into the MICU or SICU. They're generally looking for people with good swan and pressor experience. Your GRE scores are decent which should offset your slightly lower GPA. (For some reason everyone says you need a 3.5 or higher, but I know plenty of people with less than that.)

Hope that helps!
-S

Originally Posted by willardka

I am applying to 3 programs in Michigan, and am nervous sitting here trying to figure out what to do to increase my chances for acceptance. My overall GPA is 3.4 with a science/etc GPA of 3.21. My early GPA hurt me but I did much better my first year of college. I've worked in a Level I Trauma/Neuro ICU for 5 years. My GRE scored were: 670 Quant., 560 Verbal, and 4.5 Analytical Writing. Prior to interviewing (hopefully) I am taking the CCRN exam. Any suggestions for interviewing, improving my chances, or anything else?

Thank you

[Brian_SRNA]

I think the advice of a MICU or SICU or CVICU would be good. But you want to get in a busy one with sick patients and get the pt's with the swans and drips. Dont sit back and watch, jump in and have a ball. Also, you mighjt want to take some EASY grad classes to help hide the lower GPA from undergrad. They like to know you can handle the grad work.

Brian

[jewelcutt]

Taking the CCRN is a good choice, do as many extra curricular "activities" as possible. Let them know all the certifications you have. When I applied I provided a resume with my application that stated all of my work as an ER tech, critical care tech, and nurse tech in various units. Since I had also been a leader in those positions and on committees it showed that I was very outgoing. Be as eager about getting into school as possible, take every opportunity to shadow and meet them on several occasions so they remember who you are, and do well in your interview. You have good enough grades, good GRE scores, and more experience in ICU than the standard 1-2 years. I think what you have is good enough, and since interviews for the three michigan schools left for the year are generally october-january you don't need to get a job in a different unit. It doesn't hurt to mention if you pick up time in the other units, like occasionally floating to the PICU. If you don't get in this year, then you could strengthen your app by working in another unit. Michigan State has developed a program but they're still looking for a director and really want to open for 2007, so consider looking into this program also, it's about an hour west of most of the other programs.

[North Cacalacky]

I agree with Piper. If no luck this year, get yourself into a SICU or MICU. I had 3.1 overall GPA and 3.45 in Nursing Courses. Made 1180 on GRE with 5 on writing. Had one year Neuro floor nursing experience and 10 month SICU experience at time of interview. The important thing is getting the interview and presenting yourself well! Good luck.

[optimisticSRNA]

Anyone hear anything from Michigan schools yet?

[optimisticSRNA]

Sorry, wrong post...