can i really get into crna school

taylor-ccrn-cmc · 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.

@lady_stic you are really inspiring. I guess you can relate to my concerns . And your right AA's don't have any prior experience. And I bet they are great at their jobs. Thank you for being so positive. I joined this website to get inspired and your doing just that. By you successfully completing your program, it has given me hope. I know I can do it, but hearing from people like you make me feel certain that it's an achievable goal

lady_stic · Apr 22, 2015

I can definitely relate because I've been through the same thing. I suppose if I was more discouraging, I could be solidifying my job security like many CRNAs do. I don't believe in that, however. What's meant for you is meant for you and I won't be the one to deter anyone from following their dreams. One thing you'll find out is that anesthesia is extremely political. It could be considered blasphemy among CRNAs saying that "AAs are good at their jobs." :) I'm a SRNA btw...almost done with my first year. I sent you a PM with my email if you have any additional questions. I'm not sure if you can receive PMs yet.

sarahneeyah · Apr 25, 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.

I'm sorry when I read your comment, I tried not to respond to this but your advice or comment is silly. Majority of nurses pretend that they know what the admission committees are looking for and this is usually coming from people who haven't even applied to a program yet. I went through something similar and guess who got accepted in her first and only try. My coworkers were shock because I have drive and determination. Please, let's put our ego aside and support each other. Lord have mercy. Two of the nurses who told me I wasn't ready didn't get in and I'm heading to CRNA school. One of them interviewed at the same school and on the same day. She haven't spoken to me since but I am too mature to bring it up. I am sure that the above nurse will get into a program.

sarahneeyah · Apr 25, 2015

Hi Nursing family, I am new to this blog and I am truly grateful it exist. To begin with, I have been an ICU nurse for a little over a year. I work in SICU/ MICU, we get a lot of cardiac surgical pts (ex: valve replacements, CABG). I am the type of person who always seems to doubt my abilities. I work very hard but it never seems good enough for me. Being a minority I feel like I have to bring more to the table, because all I always hear at my work place is that "CRNA school is difficult, I don't think your ready". My unit can be described as being very discouraging. I recently passed my ccrn 3 weeks ago and passed my cmc this friday, both on my first attempt. I also plan to take my CSC in the upcoming weeks. The comments I hear at my job are very mean, they say that I am just book smart, but need more hands on experience. I believe I am a great nurse. I study each case after work to truly understand my pts plan of care. Before I give any medication, I research why the pt is receiving this medication and the exact method on how the medication works on the body. After telling my unit I passed my ccrn, a lot of the staff seem to be mocking me. So I will not tell them about my recent CMC exam.
The reason I am writing this post is to get your honest opinion on my ability of getting accepted to CRNA school. Below are my stats:
1. GPA: 3.7
2. experience: 16 months in ICU
3. certificates: ACLS, PALS, CCRN, CMC, ( working on CSC soon)
4. recommendation letters from: past undergrad teacher and missionary director. Should I even ask staff from my job to write me a letter? they don't seem to care about helping me to obtain my future goals.
5. plan to take my GRE after I successfully pass my CSC
thanks any advice will help

Actually your stat looks better then mine and I got in on the first try. My director refused to write me a recommendation letter because I refuse to work over-time. Something about not working over-time when the census is high. My attitude is this: My contract stated 36 hours a week. I am a wife and mom and I was also taking some grad courses. I told her that my career goals are more important than the hospital census because when the census drop, they will send me home in a heart beat. I also work with some type A's (I hate life and happy people type of nurses). I was told that I wasn't ready and I wouldn't get an interview. I dropped the subject and never brought it up. I got a letter from my old director, a doctor and a crna. None of my coworkers knew that I applied (not even the one's I like). I heard one of the nurse who told me I wasn't ready got an interview at the school I applied to. I prayed to God that it wasn't on the same day. But her mouth dropped when I walked in because my interview was actually 30 minutes before hers. I said hello and wished her well. Two days later, I got my call from the school. She never received a call and she kept asking me if I've heard anything. I kept my mouth shut because I knew that the school only call those who are accepted but mail out rejection letters. I really didn't want to crush her spirit because I know that there was a lesson in there and if she is smart enough; she will learn from the experience. Remember this, On your way to your dream, "NEVER ask the opinion of others who are trying to attain the same dream." I never came on this site to ask the famous question, "Do I have what it takes?" or "Will I get accepted?" Honestly, your #1 job is to try and try again. I am a woman of faith, so I knew that if God wanted to shut mycowokers up, He would do it better than I ever could. On this site, you will find many positive people but you will also run into a few of the one's who have replied here. I am a nice person but the Taurus in me don't take crap. You will get in if this is your #1 priority. Best wishes and my coworker only has 13 months of experience and he and I are leaving those crazy nurses behind. Go for it!!!!!!!! I bet you will get in and when you do, please let us know.

sarahneeyah · Apr 25, 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!!

Ok! Your answer right there let me know you are ready and you will do well. It's good to be nice but it's also smart to let someone know if their comment stinks. Good for you.

CCRNCMC11 · Apr 25, 2015

There are several people in my class that have less than 2 years experience. The class median is 3 years. I agree with previous posters, your icu experience doesn't make you a good crna. You can spend 20+ years in the icu and you still don't know squat about anesthesia and how to think like an advanced provider. I also disagree with another poster up there about testing. I think the ability to take a test is critical to success in crna programs because 99% of your grades are from tests! You could be the best care provider in the world, but if you suck at test taking then you will fail. Schools want to make sure you can do two things: not kill your patients and pass the board exam. So, in paper your stats are great! Definitely find good letters of recommendation though. Shadow a crna several times and get a reference there or maybe from a doc that you get along with.

taylor-ccrn-cmc · Apr 25, 2015

There are several people in my class that have less than 2 years experience. The class median is 3 years. I agree with previous posters, your icu experience doesn't make you a good crna. You can spend 20+ years in the icu and you still don't know squat about anesthesia and how to think like an advanced provider. I also disagree with another poster up there about testing. I think the ability to take a test is critical to success in crna programs because 99% of your grades are from tests! You could be the best care provider in the world, but if you suck at test taking then you will fail. Schools want to make sure you can do two things: not kill your patients and pass the board exam. So, in paper your stats are great! Definitely find good letters of recommendation though. Shadow a crna several times and get a reference there or maybe from a doc that you get along with.

Thank you for your kinda words and I'm off trying to get letters. And congrats on being in crna school. I truly appreciate you taken the time out your busy schedule to reply to my post

taylor-ccrn-cmc · Apr 25, 2015

Ok! Your answer right there let me know you are ready and you will do well. It's good to be nice but it's also smart to let someone know if their comment stinks. Good for you.

After reading so many blogs on this site you see a lot of negative haters. But people like you make up for it tremendously. I was happy to hear your story. I too believe in God and your coworker should be humbled by that lesson.