Advice on applications?

[meganhali, BSN, CNA]

Hi everyone! I’m in the process of studying for both my CCRN and GRE with the hopes of applying to CRNA school in the next 1-2 years.

About me: BS in Cell Biology and Genetics with a 3.6gpa undergrad, 4.0 in nursing school prerequisite classes (A&P 1&2, micro, nutrition), BSN with a 3.2 GPA (medsurg really took me out ?). Been working critical care on a combo SICU/MICU/Neuro/COVID unit since Feb 2020 (my hospital does not specialize in cardiac patients unfortunately). Comfortable with ventilators, proning, CRRT, vasoactive drips, sedatives, paralytics, code blue protocol, code crimson protocol. Obviously have my BLS/ACLS and will shortly be getting my PALS. 
 

I’m about 8 years out from taking Gen Chem 1/2 and Biochem 1/2 and trying to maximize the time I have left before I have to retake these classes (however, I did receive a C in biochem 2 as that was my final semester of senior year and, realistically, I stopped caring).

 

Advice on where to go from here? Should I retake these prerequisite classes or just attempt applying? Should I take a graduate level class or two to prove I have what it takes? Should I consider transferring to a level 1 hospital? I feel like direct COVID patient care should count for a lot, but maybe I’m wrong? 
 

Thank you for your time!

[helllooownurse, BSN]

I suggest joining the FB group ICU Dreaming About Anesthesia. Then joining their CRNA Prep Academy. They mentor people through the process and get excellent results, it’s totally legit. There are faculty members who mentor and you can pay for their time for a transcript review.  There is also an awesome podcast by the same folks. I can’t recommend it enough. Other paid services should be resume review, mock interviews. There are tons of free educational rescources and CEs within the Prep Acadeny once you join too. 
 

Another suggestion is to contact your top three schools and ask for a transcript review and what you can do to make yourself as competitive as possible. I don’t think you have much to worry about, but the 3.2 and the one Biochem grade *might* be an issue with some programs so you really will benefit from their advice at this stage too. Go for it!! 

[loveanesthesia]

Don’t pay anyone to review your transcripts. Contact programs and go to open houses put on by programs. They’ll tell you what they’re looking for. I think your experience is fine and you’re ready to apply.