SICU RN, I just turned in my applications

Nursing Students SRNA

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Hi everyone, I have been following this forum for over 7 years now. I was 17 when I had back surgery and met a CRNA. I decided I wanted to pick up this career, went to RN school at a local community college, got a job at a level 1 trauma Surgical/Trauma ICU (1.5 years), got my BSN while working, took O/bio chem, physics, got my CCRN, took my GRE, and literally just turned in my first few apps. I also plan on retaking medical physiology this coming winter.

So....It's been 7 years and I am getting nervous. I keep dwindling and running the numbers in my head. Such as, is my gpa good enough, science gpa, GRE scores. etc. Most of the forums I have been following were from 5-7 years ago, I have not seen any recent posts about getting into CRNA school. I know a lot of it is about the interview and how you do, I was wondering if anyone has advice on the schools I applied to: USC, LLUMC, CSUF, TWU, Gonzaga, Samuel Merritt.

My GPA is not the most competitive: 3.39, GRE 300, science GPA is about a 3.5. I know I shouldn't be worked up about the numbers, but I can't help it. I know I have the capabilities of being top tier in CRNA school, and I have the work ethic of a horse and am pretty quick witted when it comes to patient care, but I'm just so doubtful :(

This has been a dream of mine since I was 17, so any support would be greatly appreciative.

My GPA was 3.1 as well and I was able to get it up to 3.39...painfully and with a lot of time since I was working full time. I say, just keep taking science classes when possible and must must get an A! lol But a lot of the interview I believe was swayed because of my personality and the questions I asked about their programs. I had them talking politics about Obama care etc. They loved it.

As for the pre crna inquiry, im not sure where that is. I used this site mostly to compare myself to fellow CRNA applicants, but when it comes down to it, it's just about you and how you present yourself to the board. Definitely not as bad as I have read from other posts.

Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

The Pre-CRNA forum was merged with the Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist forum.

Congrats. I interviewed there too. I wasn't offered on thespot.Hopefully I hear back soon.

Specializes in ICU.

Congrats! Hoping to be in your boat this time next year. Also will be applying to TWU, Gonzaga, and Sam Merritt. Which clinical site did you get offered at TWU? I am hoping for Denver.

I got Colton, CA. I live around this area so it is convenient for me! My 2nd choice was Denver as well. I hope all the best for you! Let me know if you have any questions on your journey

Not sure about USC or SM. I was accepted last year to llu kpsan and twu and also have a friend at twu. Let me know if you have questions.

Specializes in ICU.

Hey mlr03! I just wanted to let you know that I work at one of the TWU clinical sites in Denver! (UCH) I am not applying there, but have shadowed the program director for the site. She is AWESOME! I talked with her about the interview and she said it is more about getting to know you and why you would be a good fit for the program. Her biggest advice was to sell yourself and tell them why they should pick you! I know it is very competitive because they usually only pick 3-4 students per clinical site (at least in Denver), and the majority of applicants work at the hospital. However, for the 2013 year, every person was from out of state! I talked with 2 of the SRNA's and they said they absolutely loved the program and loved being able to remote in the lectures during the first didactic year. Hope this info helps and good luck to you! Again, the site director is awesome!! I almost wanted to apply there just because of her. :)

Specializes in ICU.
Not sure about USC or SM. I was accepted last year to llu kpsan and twu and also have a friend at twu. Let me know if you have questions.

TimeToDream- what school did you end up choosing? And just curious, would you be willing to share your stats? I applied to KPSAN last month and should hopefully be hearing back later this month. I feel like I am competitive and on my over-the-phone counseling session, I was told I was a competitive candidate. I am just so nervous to hear back! If you don't want to share, would you look at mine and give your opinion?

Here are my stats:

-2+ years full-time Neurosurgical ICU at a huge academic hospital, level I trauma (3 years by the time of the program start date)

-3.69 GPA, graduated with honors

-CCRN, ACLS, PALS, TNCC, NIHSS certifications

-On 2 hospital committees and nominated board member on ICU council

-work as relief charge and also have started precepting

-Lots of volunteer work/community service over the past several years

-Advanced Spanish speaking (I know that probably won't make a difference)

Thanks for any advice! :)

Specializes in ICU.
Hey mlr03! I just wanted to let you know that I work at one of the TWU clinical sites in Denver! (UCH) I am not applying there, but have shadowed the program director for the site. She is AWESOME! I talked with her about the interview and she said it is more about getting to know you and why you would be a good fit for the program. Her biggest advice was to sell yourself and tell them why they should pick you! I know it is very competitive because they usually only pick 3-4 students per clinical site (at least in Denver), and the majority of applicants work at the hospital. However, for the 2013 year, every person was from out of state! I talked with 2 of the SRNA's and they said they absolutely loved the program and loved being able to remote in the lectures during the first didactic year. Hope this info helps and good luck to you! Again, the site director is awesome!! I almost wanted to apply there just because of her. :)

Wow! Thank you so much for sharing! I know it is a long shot, as they only accept a few per year. Us west coast people really got the short end of the stick in terms of close-to-home programs. I am in the pacific NW and denver is one of the few places I can convince my husband to move! I will admit that I didn't realize most of their applicants already work there :( but glad to hear that wasn't the case in 2013! I appreciate you taking the time to reply and encourage me about this program!

Where do you plan to apply?

Hey guys I got an interview at Samuel Merritt and USC as well! Any advice for the interviews?

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