Based on current experience, is it worth reapplying?

[Jessica Moskovits, MSN, RN]

A little background: For as long as I can remember, my career end-goal was to become a CRNA.  My undergrad GPA wasn't much to write home about, but when I got into nursing school at a masters entry level, I more than made up for it with my nursing school grades.  I graduated and started working, got my CCRN.  Everything got derailed after some bad luck with a couple different job switch ups.  I started doing agency nursing in both ICUs and ER, with no lasting/networkable professional/academic connections.  Before doing what I'm currently doing, I was working as essentially a hybrid of ER RN and critical care leadership/rapid response/vascular access RN. 

This leads me to my current dilemma:  Last year, I applied to a CRNA program local to me, that I was advised was a fairly widely accepting program to get into.  I thought, that with the length and breadth of my experience and certifications, I could get in, but of course, like many others, I was rejected without an interview.  What's more, is that my science courses and GRE scores are a little more than 10 years old at this point.  I was not memorable in nursing school and have no academic connections to draw on.  My current role as Mobile Vascular Access RN does not allow me to create/foster any professional connections with MD/DO/NPs as it is not in my role to communicate with them.  I don't see why I should retake the GRE if I already have a graduate degree and have demonstrated that I am capable of successfully taking and passing graduate level classes.  I'm too burned out from ER/ICU nursing to go back.

I'm looking into online CRNA programs, but the requirements appear similar to the in-person programs.  I am unable to travel outside of my state because I am tied down with a young family and cannot afford to.

Is it even worth it for me to reapply to other programs?

[loveanesthesia]

Anesthesia classes are not in the same category as MSN classes. Take a physiology class to get into the swing of studying a science. If you get a job in an ICU you can make connections. 

[PVCCHoo]

Like the above already said, get back full time in ICU right away. Schools want current ICU experience. I wouldn’t worry about old science classes and an advanced pathophys class can’t hurt.

But tens years as an RN already and what I can only assume is an age range already getting towards mid to late 30’s CAN hurt in the application process. Older students and more experienced RNs just don’t do as well in school or on the boards as the younger ones. Over 40 on the NCE have a 20% lower first time pass rate than under 30.

[loveanesthesia]

The pass rate difference by age isn’t true for every program. Evidently it is for some, or even a lot of programs because you are correct about the national statistics. Our program doesn’t see that. 

[helllooownurse, BSN]

On 9/20/2021 at 4:22 AM, loveanesthesia said:

The pass rate difference by age isn’t true for every program. Evidently it is for some, or even a lot of programs because you are correct about the national statistics. Our program doesn’t see that. 

I wonder if you might be able to private message me loveanesthesia? I don't have privileges to direct message anyone yet and I have a question for you if you have time. 

JMo, to discuss your situation. I hope I don't discourage you because I believe it's absolutely within your grasp to be accepted into CRNA school someday. But because CRNA school itself is so hard and requires non-negotiable commitment and focus, you will need to show equal commitment and focus to becoming a SRNA. You say it's always been your dream, but your career focus definitely shifted away from that goal. I've never heard of any school who would accept applicants from an ancillary department like that. If your dream school requires GRE, then you must take it. If your school requires current full-time ICU, then you must be currently employed full-time in ICU. Maybe try a fast-paced SICU, Trauma ICU, or CVTICU with high turnover, that's the sort of unit that helps keep me from burnout personally. You didn't mention leadership stats, but having preceptor/committee membership, etc. is important too and you should be an ICU team member to get that. What about PICU? Most schools won't take NICU but PICU is often accepted and could show you expanding and getting out of your comfort zone and could give you an edge on pediatric portions in anesthesia school. Again, for me, learning a new field also keeps me out of the burnout zone. I wouldn't move into PICU though unless you feel like you mastered adult ICU and took all the hardest patients with lots of vasoactive gtts and vents, nailed ICU pathophys and pharm, and can speak to all the CCRN type questions that might be in a CRNA school interview. 

Anyway, schools usually have pretty thorough details about their requirements listed on their websites; I would make sure you meet all of them and even meet their "suggestions" to give yourself more of a competitive edge next time. I would also shadow CRNAs and try to meet CRNAs in your shadow experience who went to your dream school. Network as much as possible. 

I recommend a free podcast with excellent info called CRNA School Prep Academy. There is also a huge private FB community associated with that Academy called ICU Dreaming About Anesthesia. It's an incredibly supportive and inspiring community. It has made a huge difference for me, giving me so much more drive and focus on my personal journey. My previous plan to application was going to cost so much more money and take more time. Good luck to you, I hope you go for it. 

[Asherah, BSN, RN]

On 9/19/2021 at 10:31 PM, PVCCHoo said:

Like the above already said, get back full time in ICU right away. Schools want current ICU experience. I wouldn’t worry about old science classes and an advanced pathophys class can’t hurt.

But tens years as an RN already and what I can only assume is an age range already getting towards mid to late 30’s CAN hurt in the application process. Older students and more experienced RNs just don’t do as well in school or on the boards as the younger ones. Over 40 on the NCE have a 20% lower first time pass rate than under 30.

Yeah, so I’m not going to rebut this statistic, it is very evident.  But, I think it should never be a deterrent for someone to try to progress through this goal if they want it.  Do I feel that older SRNAs are less able to handle the rigors of school and academic success just based on sheer will or brainpower?  No.  I wonder if those who are chosen in these later ages are also encountering interpersonal struggles like marriages and growing children, which younger SRNAs may not have to manage concurrently.  It’s hard to tell what the causes are, but I’m here to tell you that it’s not impossible.  I was 40 when I started and I’ll be 43 when I graduate.  I never allowed age to deter me and I addressed it specifically in my interview and what I had done to prepare for success, including the support system in my life to help me through.   I would also add that schools who are unilaterally focused on pass rates that place so much emphasis on the perceived or actual age of the candidate without seeing the holistic value of the person sitting in front of them…should be bypassed completely.