no CCRN...even worth it to apply?

Nursing Students SRNA

Published

Specializes in ICU.

Hey everyone,

I'm not sure if this topic has been talked about elsewhere recently but I've just graduated with my BSN and have about one month of ICU experience as an RN under my belt so far. My original plan was to wait until next year when I was eligible to take CCRN and had more experience before applying. However, seeing as you have to apply nearly one year in advance for most CRNA programs I would actually be eligible to apply before that (I have BLS, ACLS, PALS, & GRE all out of the way already). I realize as the CRNA role becomes more and more popular, it gets harder and harder to get into these programs. My question is: would it even be worth it for me to apply without my CCRN?? And with only one year of ICU experience (although it is at an amazing teaching hospital)?? I'm kind of antsy to go back to school already (crazy, I know)

Thanks guys!

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Specializes in Mixed ICU, OHU.

get as much experience as possible as it will only help. Why not get your CCRN before you apply? You will be eligible to sit for your exam around the same time as you will be applying. You can also apply without it and express your intent of taking the examination.

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Get your CCRN, shadow a CRNA, and include both of those topics in your admission essay. If your gpa is at least a 3.4, you shouldn't have a problem getting interviews to at least half of the school that you apply to. When I applied to four different programs, I had 10 months of ICU and nursing experience at a 180 bed community hospital. My GRE score was only a 295. I graduated with a 3.81 gpa, worked as a monitor tech for 3 years during nursing school, and got my CCRN about a month before my first CRNA school interview. Of the four schools I applied to, I was offered four interviews. I was accepted into two programs and waitlisted at one.

In my opinion, this is the order of what most schools are looking for. 1) GPA 2) How well your interview goes 3) CCRN or not 4) Your ICU experience 4) shadow experience 5) your GRE

Do not give the faculty a reason to reject you for admission, with something that is STILL in your control (CCRN).

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU.

The minimum ICU experience is not simply a hoop to jump through, there is actual purpose and benefit to it. I've heard many seasoned ICU nurses and CRNAs say you simply dont know what you dont after only a year. I have also read on this site and others where an applicant stood out bc s/he did not have CCRN and it wasnt viewed as a positive thing. Of course, that could be dependent on the program applying to. Good luck in whatever you decide. Make the most of your ICU time.

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Yikes...

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I applied without mine and got into a great program and did just fine. It is just one of those things they want you to have because it looks good on paper. Just because you have your CCRN doesn't mean you are a good nurse, have good critical thinking skills, or handle stressful/emergency events well. It just means you know how to study and answer questions on a piece of paper. The critical thinking skills, your experience and your ability to handle the emergent events are what really matters and will make you successful.

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Specializes in ICU.

Thanks guys! I've been making the most of my time in the ICU and am trying to get as involved as possible in extra learning opportunities. My GPA is ok (3.6) and I did well (but not amazing) on my GRE so I've decided to wait and add CCRN and TNCC to my resume.

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Get your CCRN, shadow a CRNA, and include both of those topics in your admission essay. If your gpa is at least a 3.4, you shouldn't have a problem getting interviews to at least half of the school that you apply to. When I applied to four different programs, I had 10 months of ICU and nursing experience at a 180 bed community hospital. My GRE score was only a 295. I graduated with a 3.81 gpa, worked as a monitor tech for 3 years during nursing school, and got my CCRN about a month before my first CRNA school interview. Of the four schools I applied to, I was offered four interviews. I was accepted into two programs and waitlisted at one.

In my opinion, this is the order of what most schools are looking for. 1) GPA 2) How well your interview goes 3) CCRN or not 4) Your ICU experience 4) shadow experience 5) your GRE

Do not give the faculty a reason to reject you for admission, with something that is STILL in your control (CCRN).

Was your community hospital a trauma hospital. I'm asking this because I always thought if your hospital is not big enough your chances of getting admission is less. Everyone says you need to be in a 600 + bed hospital to qualify for most programs. But you got interviews in 4 places so it doesn't really matter I guess.

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