Applying before done with BSN?

[kirbybunny]

Hi All,

I am just starting a RN-BSN program that will take 3 semesters. I am a RN with 2 plus years in a cardiac surgery ICU in a level 1 trauma center. I also have my CCRN and Cardiac Surgery certification. My question is, have any of you applied while still in the BSN program, as long as you will have completed it by the time anesthesia school starts? Also, (this may be a dumb question) can you take the GRE anytime, or do you have to wait until you have your BSN? I'm trying to time it so I graduate with my BSN in May 2008 and start anesthesia school in the fall. That's the goal, anyway! Thanks!

~ Jen

[CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Pretty sure you can take your GRE any time, even before you finish your BSN.

[skipaway]

Candidates have interviewed for anesthesia school before finishing their BSN. However, the majority were to be finished within a month or two of the interview.

[JennyMacRN2B]

I applied in September, but did not graduate until December. I had 1 1/2 experience in Neuro at a Level I trauma center, ACLS was the only certification I had and I hadn't shadowed in quite some time. I got an interview, (which many did not get) however did not get in. I only applied for one school.

This year, I am going to:

Shadow

Try for a CCRN

Get PAL certified,

get liscenced in the states required for the program

Take graduate lever courses

I think it truly depends on the competition. I wasn't as competitive as I could have been. I'll get em next year!

Jen

[piper_for_hire]

might want to work in a MICU or SICU where they do lots of swans and drips. That would probably seal the deal for you. Good luck!

-S

[rnheather2000]

Hi. I was in a similar situation. I applied and got called for several interviews prior to completing my last semester. As long as your grades are strong and obviously you will complete the BSN program prior to starting the CRNA program, most schools do not have a problem with this. Prior to applying I contacted the anesthesia departments and asked basic questions like this. Only one of 10 schools that I checked with required completion of the BSN program prior to them even looking at my application. The remainder of the schools told me that after being accepted in the interview phase, my file will be flagged as conditional acceptance based on my successful completion of the BSN program. I knew with my grades that there was not going to be a problem there. Also I took the GRE's while in the BSN program. You don't have to wait for them. However, I am in Virginia and a friend of mine, who lives in Florida, was informed that he had to complete the BSN program before taking his GRE's there. So maybe this is a state by state issue.

To answer your question: Yes you can apply prior to completing the BSN program. In fact it probably works to your advantage to continue on in your studies without a major break (like a year away from school) in your routine of studying, so you are still in the mind set of studying on a regular basis. At least I look at it this way. The main thing is to have a strong resume. For example having the required ICU experience, ACLS, PALS, CCRN, and shadowing CRNAs regularly makes you look dedicated and outgoing. Some schools even like to see volunteer work on your resume. I don't know about you, but there are only so many hours in the day. I needed to choose what is most important and fit into my schedule. I only work with adults, but half of the schools I applied to wanted PALS certification prior to starting the CRNA program, so I got it prior to applying so I could have a more competitive resume.

Good Luck

[kirbybunny]

Thanks to everyone for your responses!