[brazuca]

Well, its official. I turned in my application yesterday. I wish I could feel more confident, but I am actually feeling terrified. The program I applied to starts January 2009. I can't help but think of everything in my favor and those against me. Against me, would be my experience, barely 1 year now and 1 year and a half by the end of 2008. The pros would be my GPA (3.87), the fact that I took my associates in Nursing and Bachelors in Nursing classes at this same college where I applied. Faculty there knows me well, I had very good relationship with them, and they liked me. Still do perhaps. And some of these faculty members will be in the interview committee. I also work in the CVICU of my hospital, have exposure to swans and vasoactive drips everyday. Titrating up and down.
But with all this my experience falls short of the ideal and after getting the news today that they had received over 500 applications already, with still 2 weeks before deadline, I cant help but feel pressure and doubt in my mind. I want in soooo bad.

Oh.. almost forgot, if youre wondering about my GRE scores, I did not have to take it. My college does not require if your GPA is above 3.75.

What do you guys think of my ranting?

[PinsAndNeedles]

Fortunately, who you know can make what you know look even better. You have good experience in CVICU. That can be valued as a strength, even with the short amt of time. But the fact that you have a good relationship already with the committee is definitely going to make you stand out.

Just because they have received 500 apps doesn't mean they will take 500 interviews. Just like I tell my pts, deal w/ the small goals first. Right now focus on getting the interview and what they will ask you. Clinical questions- you can freshen up now while you wait. Since the committee knows you, they might expect more out of you. Sad but true, they may try to pick on you.

Most importantly, be prepared for anything and interview strong. SELL YOURSELF!

Did you apply to only 1 program? It's always nice to have a backup.
Good luck to you!!

[tonyccrn]

your ranting is normal. good luck, and hopefully you get to the really really stressful part of waiting to hear after your interview.

[smileyRn96]

If I were you I would feel confident that an interview will be offered from there it is all up to you. How many spot are there for these 500 applicants? I would begin preparing for that, study ccrn type questions, know why you want to be a CRNA, How you are going to pay for school , what your biggest obstacles will be, and be able to talk about what you saw when you shadowed a CRNA. These are some of the questions sure to be asked during the interview. Is there any possibility of getting your CCRN? That might help you prepare and add to your application.
GL
-Smiley

[armynse]

My friend, worrying goes with the territory. But, I think that you should focus on the positives that you previously mentioned. The greatest advantage that you have is the fact that you are on the "inside looking in." You have been there and done that already...having well established relationships is a huge advantage.

Don't focus on the 499 other applicants. Surprisingly enough, approximately half of them won't meet the requirements for entry into the program. I can't seem to wrap my brain around the fact that nurses actually apply for positions that they are not qualified for. Positions in an anesthesia program, no less!!

Use this time to focus on the interview since it is the next hurdle to overtake on your path to CRNA school. Good luck and keep us posted...

Army