What got you into school?

Nursing Students SRNA

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I was wondering if those who were accepted to Nurse Anesthetist schools this year and the past 2 years could post your stats for which schools you applied to and got an interview, what your undergrad GPA was, GRE scores, years of clinical experience and any certifications that you hold! Thanks!

Wait I completely messed up Jacobs experience level and hours worked per week. I thought you said 1 shift per week in an ICU. I am posting from my iPhone at work so I couldn't go back and check.

You will be fine disreguard my last post, unless someone else is in that position. But you def have enough valuable experience, sorry my bad good luck.

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Specializes in Flight/ER/ICU/CVICU.

No worries Mike...I hope I didn't come across as defensive my post, just being humble and giving credit where credit is due. You are right though, I wouldn't take anything for my military and pre-hospital experience. But, there is definitely much great stuff to learn in a good ICU that you just don't get anywhere else...I just enjoyed the other stuff way better. I am one of those who also believes in good ER experience too. But, I ain't trying to start another debate on the issue. Seems like you got your act together too (except for the GRE...haha! - sorry, couldn't resist), you got some jam up experience tho.

Good Luck!

later,

griff

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Specializes in CVICU, Trauma ICU, ER and EMS.

Thanks everyone... always open to advice, especially the encouraging kind.

So I sent out another application to a CRNA program that does accept ER experience, the only down side is it's a 36 month program and 52K a year, but I'll probably be thankful it's that long when and if I get in. Griff you're absolutely right, I'm still amazed at how much I don't know. I hear you though, my background is 50% ER, 25% ICU and about 25% EMS/PHRN/Fire. I'm soaking up tons of information and experience here at a lvlI trauma ICU and the CV part of it is humbling to say the least. I feel like a good balance of clinical experience would be 20% ER, 70% ICU and 10% EMS/PHRN/Fire, but still I'm hoping.

And yeah Griff the hours are brutal right now. I'm doing roughly 2-3 36hr+ shifts a month right now. 5PM-8AM ICU, then 8AM to 8PM at the FD unitl I can catch some sleep, that is of course call permiting otherwise I'm up till 8AM the next day. Itsmike990, we sound alot alike with all the class and certs and what not, thanks again for the input.

So I'll keep at it and thanks again everyone, I appreciate the support and you'll be the first to know if I here anything.

Take care...

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Hello,

I've been reading over everyones posts and their experiences with applying to CRNA school and was wondering do I have a shot at getting into CRNA school working an average of 24-36 hours a week? Truthfully I work two 12 hour shifts in the ICU a week and then every third week work three 12's. Also I pick up 2 shifts a month in the ER, but my "full time" job is a Firefighter/Paramedic/PHRN (24 on, then 48 off). I tried to down play that during my one interview, thought it went well, but then was wait listed.

Here is my resume and experience of sorts. Tell me what you think...

RN/BSN, 6.5 years experience (5 ER, 1.5 ICU, 6 PHRN/EMT-P) ER Charge RN (Adult and Peds specific) volume 57,000 pts/yr, Level II trauma. Currently in ICU, 44 beds. Level I trauma, staff RN, now orienting to open hearts. Firefighter Paramedic, suburban town 70,000 pop., 6,000 calls a year, 4,200 EMS)

Currently I work as a Firefighter/Paramedic (24/48), Nights in the ICU (24+hrs/wk), and 16-24hrs/month ER.

Certifications: RN/BSN, ACLS, PALS, BLS, CCRN, CEN, ABLS, ATLS, NRP, ECRN, TNS, CCEMTP, ENPC

GPA 3.65(4 scale), GRE 1175/4.5

I'm nervous since I've already sent my applications out this year, so if I don't get a call this time it'll be another 12 months of waiting. But then again I only applied to one program before, and got an interview, but I just feel like my limited ICU time will count against me.

So what does everyone else think? I'd appreciate the feed back.

Take care.

Well, if I were making the call, I'd pick you in a heartbeat. I like your diverse background and experience and work ethic, and your grades are certainly good enough. But as an earlier poster stated, someone might think your commitment to getting in and doing what it takes to become a CRNA might be lacking, as you have not totally committed to getting as much ICU experience as possible. It really comes down to what the person making the call thinks. That said, since you already have all that valuable experience from the ER and Medic work, I'd commit full time to getting as many hours in as possible in a high-acuity ICU. Basically, do whatever it takes to leave them no doubt as to your commitment to this endeavor. Still, if it were me making the decision, you'd be in.

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Specializes in CVICU, Trauma ICU, ER and EMS.

ssrhythm thanks...

I'm still up to the same old grind, happy to say I'm getting >95% in both of my MSN classes right now that I can roll into pretty much any Anesthesia program I applied to, so I'll have that going for me when and if I start school. I plan on knocking out as many transferable credits as I can to lighten my class load when it all starts, but until then I'm thinking about joining a few education committees at work in the ICU to once again try to stand out. I hope that this other anesthesia program I just applied to will ask me about my ER experience because that's something I certainly feel comfortable in talking about... but I digress.

Until then...

Take care.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

3.97 GPA

1370 GRE V/Q

5+ years critical care experience

Resume flush with "above and beyond" activities on the job.

Glowing references. A reference from a respected alumnus of your program would not hurt.

Good shadowing experience

Excellent interview skills. I highlighted how prepared I was for school...economically, emotionally (shared how I deal with stress well), physically.

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3.6 GPA BSN

990 GRE

CCRN

3 yrs CVICU

Most important two things are experience and interview! You have to show them that you are more than "numbers"

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Specializes in CCU, ED.

Ha, being the program director's kid. Although, if anything, I think I was scrutinized more carefully. My interview ended up being twice as long as anyone else.

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Specializes in Student Nurse Anesthetist, ICU.

B.S. Biology 3.4

BSN 3.21

GRE 1080

18 months CCU experience

BLS, ACLS, PALS

certifications: CCRN, CSRN

Applied to two CRNA schools. Interviews to both. Accepted at one. Starting this Fall.

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Specializes in ICU.

BS psychology, 3.0

BSN, 3.2something

GRE 1200?

CCRN

5 years of ICU, although a pretty tame one. I've been at a 5-bed'er in a little community hospital in VT for 2.5 yrs.

Took two grad-level sciences and got A's to prove I could do advanced coursework.

I applied to five schools and was invited to interview at them all. I interviewed at three and was accepted to all three. I'm starting at Albany in August.

Honestly, what I credit most was being nine months pregnant for the interviews.. it was a little something to help them remember me. I imagine the program directors discussing applicants and someone saying, 'what about the pregnant girl?' i told them i had noted the hospitals along the route in case I went into labor and shrugged and said, 'it's just childbirth. i can do this.'

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Specializes in Student Nurse Anesthetist, ICU.

Dawncquinn,

where did you interview at? Did you interview at MCG in Georgia? There was a pregnant girl interviewing there when I interviewed at MCG. I got accepted to MCG, and I'm starting this August. Yaaay! I'm so excited!

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Specializes in ICU.

Haha.. Congrats, Allie! No, I interviewed at UNE St Joe's, and Albany. I can't wait to start!.

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