Advice to apply?

[dog1]

Can someone tell me what else would help my chances of getting into CRNA school? Here is what I look like on paper so far:

15 years in critical care (mostly open heart)

Remain prn at bedside (regular ICU) but have been in leadership for last 4 years.

CCRN

TNCC

GRE only 1010

GPA from MSN 3.92 in 2007

GPA from BSN 3.90 in 2004

References from CEO, anesthesiologist and clinical mentor/charge nurse during 10 years in open heart

Shadowed 2 CRNA's in last 12 months.

My biggest concerns are that I am only at bedside prn (although program director said it was enough) and that my GRE is only 1010 (required 1000 at program I am looking at)

Any more suggestions? Thanks and congrats to all that began this semester and who have gotten accepted for January 2009.

dog1

[soon2becrna]

Well, I guess it definitely depends on the program, but most of the ones I'm interested in require "current" critical care experience. Some of them want 1yr from the time you are admitted and others want 2 years current continuous exp. I'm in the same boat as u (sort of). I worked CVICU/CCU/SICU for my first 5 years of nursing then for the last 6 yrs been in Cath Lab/Special Procedures/Radiology. So in order to make myself current I went back to CVICU 2 days a week while remaining full time in Radiology.

You look good to me otherwise. Excellent ref's, great GPA, and good GRE (better than mine...I got 970 & can't decide if I should take it again).

Most of the programs that I've looked at have a Dec application deadline for August start. I did apply to one that has an April app. deadline for a Sept start. Anyway, seems like you're doing all the right things but you should talk with the program you are interested in to find out about current critical care exp.

GOOD LUCK:)

[dog1]

Thanks. I have a mtg with the dept director next week to discuss what else I need. I got a 910 last year on GRE and did not get an intv but know someone who got in with a 970 this year. Once I hear from him what else I need to do, I will make every effort to get there before the intv period in January. He did not seem concerned about a lot of recent bedside experience...as long as I kept at it. Good luck to you too. Where are you applying?

[soon2becrna]

I'm applying to OLOL in Baton Rouge, Wolford College in Naples, and Allegheny Valley (LaRoche) in PA....kinda all over the place huh? These programs looked good to me for one reason or another...plus I know people who have gone through these programs except Wolford...but I like Wolford because it is solely dedicated to Nurse Anesthesia plus I love Florida! All my apps are in and now it's a waiting game...don't know when I'll know if I have interviews or not. What about you..where are you applying?

[crnahopeful2011]

Just depends on which program you apply to. If in doubt just contact the program director. But everything else looks great. Good luck