I recently graduated from a BSN program in May and got a job in the ICU. Part of our orientation included observing a CABG and then following up with that pt throughout the day (a long 16 hour day! But I loved it). Anyway, I've always been eager to further my education and the CRNA I observed said I really should look into CRNA school.
My questions/concerns are :
1. How important is your undergraduate GPA? Someone in my nursing class said that without a 4.0 I shouldn't bother applying. I'm somewhere between a 3.4-3.7.
2. Would it be advisable to go ahead and take the GRE now since I'm pretty fresh out of school? and
3. How many years ICU experience is preferable? I love my job and am obviously going to stick with it another year at least before applying so that I have a good handle on it.
I'm also planning on taking CCRN as soon as my boss will let me. I'm in love with learning as much as possible, especially in terms of critical care. Will CCRN help my application?