can i really get into crna school

TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN · Apr 20, 2015

The reality of life is that not everyone will be happy for your success. Many will resent your success. Be successful anyway, you don't need their permission. Seek out people who are supportive and keep doing what you are doing regardless of all the negative people you will encounter.

gassy2be · Apr 21, 2015

It's unfortunate that your fellow staff isn't supportive, but you will need at least 1 recommendation letter, usually 2, from someone you work with. This person generally needs to hold some type of supervisor position, i.e. director, nurse manager, charge nurse, etc.

Trauma Columnist · Apr 21, 2015

Moving to the SRNA forum.

taylor-ccrn-cmc · Apr 21, 2015

Moving to the SRNA forum.

How do I move it to the SRNA forum?? I'm new to this site :-)

gunrock · Apr 21, 2015

There is more to nursing than just knowing your medications and being able to pass exams... It's also more than researching patient histories and care plans. I think that's what your coworkers are trying to tell you.

Yes, CCRN and CMC are tough exams, but honestly anyone can study and pass them. I passed my CCRN exam with a little over a year of experience, did that make me a good nurse? To me, it just meant I could study and pass a test. There are tons of nurses I've worked with who were brilliant and never bothered to get certified and there also just as many nurses who are certified, masters prepared and are horrible nurses...yes they are book smart but their bedside manner is awful and they are clueless when it comes to simple things like keeping your room clean, not leaving a list of tasks to be done, not leaving the patient looking like a mess at shift change, etc.

I'm not trying to diminish your accomplishments, but take a look at all the other things: patient care, getting along with coworkers, etc. You also have VERY LITTLE experience, a year is nothing...so you should be able to reflect and take their feedback and grow from it.

You say your coworkers believe you need more experience and you respond with GPA and tests you've passed, not how your patients feel you treat them or the care you provide them. Are you involved in committees? Are you trying to better your unit?

And yes, for school you will need at least 1 or 2 letters from coworkers / managers who can speak to your nursing ability. There's a reason they ask for coworker feedback.

Do I think you'll get into CRNA school? I think you'll probably get interviews, but without being able to get letters of recommendation from peers / co-workers you might not even get an interview.

What will you say when the admission committee asks why you don't have any letters of recommendation from coworkers / peers? You CANNOT say they were mean and weren't supportive....the fact that you couldn't find at least one person at work who would vouch for you, says something.

lady_stic · Apr 21, 2015

I've gone through the same thing you did and guess what? I'm in school now and doing amazing! You'll do great as well! They treated me terribly in the unit and told me the same things they're telling you. I knew why I was there, what I wanted and that soon enough none of these people would even be a factor in my life. I would love to go back to my unit and take a patient back to one of those haters. :) If you even give these negative bitter people a second thought, we're gonna have some issues. Lol. Seriously, your stats look good and it's great that you got those certifications. Great ICU experience is priceless and if you feel like you're ready to apply, go for it! Most schools know how it is with getting recommendations so sometimes you're not even required to get one from a supervisor (just talk to the school about it). Good luck! Hope to hear some good news soon!

taylor-ccrn-cmc · Apr 21, 2015

@ gunrock bsn The reason I didnt want to get a recommendation letter from my staff is because I dont want them in my business. Like you, they are so negative. I can get a letter thats not the issue. I am a great nurse, I have recieved numerous awards in my short time as a nurse for patient satisficatin. Past patients have even came back to the unit when they got better to thank me personally.

I appreciate your opinion, however I dont agree with it. Not everyone can pass the CCRN/CMC/CSC, most people are not motivated enough to even study for it. Trust me, I am not the smartest person in the world, but when I want something I give it my all. I think like my staff members, your are overwhelmed by my ambition. My stats come from hard work and dedication. I dont have to be a nurse for 10 years to be a crna. Look at lady_stic she's doing amazing!!

taylor-ccrn-cmc · Apr 21, 2015

thanks lady_stick for your encouraging words

gassy2be · Apr 21, 2015

@ gunrock bsn The reason I didnt want to get a recommendation letter from my staff is because I dont want them in my business. Like you, they are so negative. I can get a letter thats not the issue. I am a great nurse, I have recieved numerous awards in my short time as a nurse for patient satisficatin. Past patients have even came back to the unit when they got better to thank me personally.
I appreciate your opinion, however I dont agree with it. Not everyone can pass the CCRN/CMC/CSC, most people are not motivated enough to even study for it. Trust me, I am not the smartest person in the world, but when I want something I give it my all. I think like my staff members, your are overwhelmed by my ambition. My stats come from hard work and dedication. I dont have to be a nurse for 10 years to be a crna. Look at lady_stic she's doing amazing!!

Why did you even ask for other people's opinions then? You clearly believe you're ready, so just apply and see what happens.

taylor-ccrn-cmc · Apr 21, 2015

I guess what I'm asking is can I get in and stay in? I want to hear from SRNA/crna's who had less than 2 years of experience and how that effected them. What do they recommend?

lady_stic · Apr 22, 2015

Yes, you can get in and absolutely stay in. No doubt about that. It's the hardest thing you'll probably ever do but it's such an awesome journey and well worth it. Several of my classmates only have a year of ICU experience...granted most trained at high acuity level 1 centers. I'm not taking anything away from ICU experience. I believe the intuition and 6th sense you gain as as an experienced ICU nurse is great but it's not the end all be all like people make it out to be. Think about it...years ago, ICU experience wasn't even required for acceptance to CRNA school. AAs don't have any prior medical experience at all. I may be opening a can of worms but you get my point.