[BSN14John]

Hello all,

Great site and appreciate any information. I have applied to a couple of CRNA schools but after reading some posts want to get a feel for my chances to get in or am I not being intelligent by applying with little ICU experience.
Stats:
GPA--3.7 Accelerated BSN, Business Degree 3.1 15 years ago
GRE--1180
Step down experience 14 months
ICU 2 months and counting.

I was wondering if I applied to a program would they factor in that by the time I started I would have over a year experience in ICU. Love nursing as a second career and want to move up to the next level. Too chicken as a guy to go into nursing 20 years ago.

Thanks for any input.

[neurogeek]

Originally Posted by BSN14John

Hello all,

Great site and appreciate any information. I have applied to a couple of CRNA schools but after reading some posts want to get a feel for my chances to get in or am I not being intelligent by applying with little ICU experience.
Stats:
GPA--3.7 Accelerated BSN, Business Degree 3.1 15 years ago
GRE--1180
Step down experience 14 months
ICU 2 months and counting.

I was wondering if I applied to a program would they factor in that by the time I started I would have over a year experience in ICU. Love nursing as a second career and want to move up to the next level. Too chicken as a guy to go into nursing 20 years ago.

Thanks for any input.

I am trying to get in myself, so certainly no expert. Here's what I've learned through the process;
Most programs want 1 year of critical care BEFORE you apply, though some will accept you if you have a year by the time you begin the program. They typically will not count any time spent in an internship into the required year.
Many require the CCRN. Some that don't still perform intensive critical questioning during interview that is based off the CCRN exam.
Must have ACLS & PALS
Sounds like you are on the right track though. You need to find out what the program requirements are where you've applied.

[BSN14John]

Thanks Nuerogeek,
I have all the PALS, ACLS, TNCC certifications. I knew the experience would be a factor. I figure if I apply to 3 or 4, at least it gets my name in the door.
Thanks again

[BSN14John]

Good luck to you also in getting in.

[neurogeek]

With the way you are planning & sound very committed, you should have no problem succeeding. I am interviewing at 2 schools in January, so watch for my posts after!

[BSN14John]

I will keep an eye out for your posts. You can also let eveyone know how they go. Where are your interviews? Only curious because I am applying kind off all over.
Good luck.

[BSN14John]

Anyone else have any comments? Any other information is appreciated, be it normal or abberation.
Thanks to anyone who takes the time to comment.

[nurselizk]

All schools require 1 yr experience before starting. Some say 1 yr before applying, but what really matters is how competitive you are compared with all the other applicants. And there are many. I had 2 yrs experience, 3.97 GPA, GRE 1500. Earned my CCRN but not until after a couple of my apps were in. Start in January.

Some schools seem to care more about experience, others about GPA and GRE. Research the schools you're interested in and make some direct contact with them by phone or in person. If you are committed enough to being a competitive applicant, you'll get in somewhere.

[BSN14John]

Great numbers nurselizk; going up against folks like yourself I may be at the bottom of the barrel. Will take your advice regarding direct contact. Where are you starting in January? Good luck and thanks for the reply.

[beedog13]

BSN14JOHN,
Dude, you have competitive numbers. Do your research and apply to schools that match best with what you have to offer. You will get interviews. Do some homework on the interviews and show up to them prepared and with your "game-face" on and you will get in. Not to start a debate: Not all schools require one yr. of ICU @ application. Some don't even require ICU at all. However, you open the most doors with at least one year ICU at application and two years at the start of the program--that is the reality of the matter, BUT you can get in to several with a year done before you start CRNA school--from a clinical standpoint, I personally think two at the start of CRNA program is a good minimum to absorb what you are going to need to learn--that is coming from a former OR nurse who spent alot of time with CRNA's in surgery--I am not an ICU purist--I went to the ICU to get into anesthesia school; not to appease my inner Florence Nightengale, but the ICU experience is critical to your success. The real questions you need to ask yourself are if you are limited by geographical location, expense (there is quite a sliding scale--beware), do you want to get into a reputable program that is going to give you enough of the right expreiences to be GOOD AT ANESTHESIA when you are done (vs. just having the letters after your name), what are the costs of living where the programs are, etc. My advice: Start applying to schools that have FALL '08 app. deadlines to start in '09 sometime. Most schools start in Fall, a smaller subset starts in May/June, and an even smaller subset starts in Jan.--group your app.'s accordingly.
I have been one shot; one kill thusfar. One app, one interview, one acceptance. I start U. of Cinncinnati Fall '08. I had 16 months or so ICU, 3.87 GPA, meager 1034 GRE, and a crapload of military experience. School is Ranked #11 and director is current President of AANA, 4th oldest program in country blah blah...decent program--there are alot of good ones out there (some better thn others to b sure).
Based on your geographical needs etc. I would be happy to share my research with you--trust me I had back-up plans--just got lucky and got into my first choice from "Go".
Bryan