Bellarmine University CRNA 2024

[daggie82]

I haven't seen a post for the application cycle for Bellarmine University CRNA program for 2024 yet.  Anyone else applying?

[truestar2, BSN]

doolahloo said:

There are SO many ways an accepted applicant looks like, so while I could share my stats, I want you to know there is no cookie cutter formula to the accepted applicant. There are SO many types of candidates - this is the case in all cohorts, but I can confidently say so for ours. 

If you feel like you're not working at an ICU with highest acuity patients, my *biggest* recommendation would be to make that move —— Solid experience speaks for itself when you can instinctually & confidently handle various types of emergencies in the OR & not freeze up.  If you want to work in a specific type of ICU, go for it, but, overall, acuity is what really matters. Are you taking sick admissions/patients, with a really *solid* experience in handling patients on vents, multiple critical meds, lines, devices/therapies, and multiple clinical problems going on? If you already are, do you have multiple experiences shadowing, positions in leadership, research, recognitions, community service, etc.? How will you be a valuable asset to the CRNA profession & what work have you done to show that to the admissions committee? 

Those are the questions I would ask you regarding your candidacy. 

I work in a MICU with very high acuity patients, but sometimes worry that candidates with specialized experience (neuroicu, cvicu) are more competitive. I have multiple shadowing experiences & leadership roles! I will take some of your other points and look into doing those things! Thank you for the detailed response and good luck! 

[Cvicurncrnahopeful]

Hello! Another fellow nurse who started at a different program this August here. I would 100% agree with doohlahoo on this one. There is no cookie cutter way. Everyone has a different experience. My recommendation would also be to make yourself a very well rounded candidate - meaning sign up for the "extra stuff". Go to local meeting for nurses, look for opportunities to grow your knowledge professionally and NETWORK! Experience and GPA are certainly considered but they are not the "end all be all" for most admission committees. 
 

I personally recommend the CRNA School Prep Academy if you are able to get an interview! Don't wait until you get the invite to join, join now! Ahead of time. There is sooooo much material that is worth paying for/ reviewing regardless of if you get an interview this round or not. 
 

good luck to you! 

[doolahloo]

truestar2 said:

I work in a MICU with very high acuity patients, but sometimes worry that candidates with specialized experience (neuroicu, cvicu) are more competitive. I have multiple shadowing experiences & leadership roles! I will take some of your other points and look into doing those things! Thank you for the detailed response and good luck! 

I'm here to disban that myth — MICU can be just as high acuity as Neuro/CV. It all comes down to what your unit's patient population is like AND if you can properly articulate the  types of patients you care for & their complexities. I know several NARs in different programs who come strictly from MICU backgrounds! Truly, one critical care specialty does not take precedence over another 🙂

[truestar2, BSN]

doolahloo said:

I'm here to disban that myth — MICU can be just as high acuity as Neuro/CV. It all comes down to what your unit's patient population is like AND if you can properly articulate the  types of patients you care for & their complexities. I know several NARs in different programs who come strictly from MICU backgrounds! Truly, one critical care specialty does not take precedence over another 🙂

Thank you so much! 😊 I've received interviews at a few schools now, so I know I am being seen as a "competitive applicant" or "interesting" at the very least. I'm doing all the extra stuff! Mainly came on to ask about one ICU over another. Thanks for answering!

Cvicurncrnahopeful said:

Hello! Another fellow nurse who started at a different program this August here. I would 100% agree with doohlahoo on this one. There is no cookie cutter way. Everyone has a different experience. My recommendation would also be to make yourself a very well rounded candidate - meaning sign up for the "extra stuff". Go to local meeting for nurses, look for opportunities to grow your knowledge professionally and NETWORK! Experience and GPA are certainly considered but they are not the "end all be all" for most admission committees. 
 

I personally recommend the CRNA School Prep Academy if you are able to get an interview! Don't wait until you get the invite to join, join now! Ahead of time. There is sooooo much material that is worth paying for/ reviewing regardless of if you get an interview this round or not. 
 

good luck to you! 

congratulations on being an SRNA! thanks for the encouragement and insight. really appreciate it!!😌

[CRNA School Prep Academy]

Cvicurncrnahopeful said:

Hello! Another fellow nurse who started at a different program this August here. I would 100% agree with doohlahoo on this one. There is no cookie cutter way. Everyone has a different experience. My recommendation would also be to make yourself a very well rounded candidate - meaning sign up for the "extra stuff". Go to local meeting for nurses, look for opportunities to grow your knowledge professionally and NETWORK! Experience and GPA are certainly considered but they are not the "end all be all" for most admission committees. 
 

I personally recommend the CRNA School Prep Academy if you are able to get an interview! Don't wait until you get the invite to join, join now! Ahead of time. There is sooooo much material that is worth paying for/ reviewing regardless of if you get an interview this round or not. 
 

good luck to you! 

Thank you! We appreciate the support- cheering you on! 

PS-- Stellar advice in this post and from @doolahloo.....

WAY TO GO! Love seeing nurses inspiring fellow nurses!!