Advice for Kaiser CRNA program

[SigmaChi-FS]

Hello,

I am a nursing student at Fresno State. I am very interested in attending the Kaiser CRNA program @ CSU fullerton. I was wondering if anybody had any advice on setting myself up as an attractive applicant for the program. Besides of course the pre-reqs to the program. For example any employment with Kaiser as a nursing student.

Thank you for your time

[ICURN2CRNA]

Work in a high acuity teaching hospital such as UCLA, either the liver transplant/SICU or cardiothoracic ICU. Join some organization, shadow CRNAs, know about the nurse anesthesia practice, and take extra classes while working as a new grad in the ICU. Also, don't limit yourself just to one CRNA school, always have a back up.

[SigmaChi-FS]

Thank you, What type of extra classes would you recommend?

[Sheri257]

Dont work for Kaiser, they rather someone work in a high acuity teaching hospital such as UCLA, either the liver transplant/SICU or cardiothoracic ICU.

Really? That's interesting .... is that what they told you?

Over 900 students applied for Fall 2006 class, 80 got interviewed, and 35 got accepted. So about 3% chance. Go beyond what they ask for, take extra classes, but make sure you have good grades in your BSN program...

My question is how many of those 900 were actually "qualified" applicants, meaning, they actually meet the minimum requirements. Because from what I understand, many apply but don't actually have a bachelor's, ICU experience, or whatever ...

:typing

[ICURN2CRNA]

Before you apply you have to have a counseling session. You meet with someone on the admissions committee before you send in an application.

[Sheri257]

BTW I called Kaiser ... it was more like 400 applicants, and about half actually met the requirements. So the acceptance rate is still small at about 15 percent, but not quite as bad as 3 percent.

:typing

[SigmaChi-FS]

Well I have familiarized myself with the requirements. All that is required is atleast a 3.0 GPA, minimum one year experience in critical care nursing, post anesthisia, or emergency, a driver's license, a B.S. in nursing (or another B.S. will be evaluated), RN license, and two letters of reccomendation. It does not even require the GRE

So my question is, you reccomended taking extra classes, what would those be?

[ICURN2CRNA]

Medical physiology, respiratory therapy classes ( you learn how to intubate, vent settings, vents, and other cardiorespiratory issues) join some organizations like society of critical care medicine, association of critical care nurses, start a PI or QI project in the ICU, join committees at the hospital you work, do things that make you unique from other applicants, most applicants will have more than the minimum requirements and some more, also if you apply and don't get in, dont give up