Competitiveness

507Nurse said:

Hey All, 

I just joined the community and I'm looking for some insight. I've been a nurse for the last 5yrs with 3yrs in a level 1 surgical/trauma unit. My undergrad GPA is 3.0(which I know is low to be competitive for CRNA school). I'm involved in multiple committees on my work unit and I'm also a preceptor. I have experience working as a Rapid Response Nurse. I've also obtained my CCRN and currently studying for my TRCN (which I know may or may not make much of a difference). I have excellent recommendations for school (Trauma surgeon, supervisor, and ICU NP). I've completed an Advance Pharmacology course a year ago and after speaking with a school I was interested in, they recommended I take Advanced Patho and Intro to Nurse Anesthesia through Barry University. I recently completed those courses in the Spring and received an A. I'm just wondering if there's anything else I can do to stand out more... that's honestly the reason I plan on taking my TCRN. 
 

Thanks for your assistance. 

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Hi 507Nurse! 

Kudos to you for taking steps these steps! The good news is, there are programs out there that look more holistically at applicants rather than "just GPA", so you're on the right track! 

Each program can vary a little bit in what they consider "competitive", as well as what they would prefer you to do as far as taking grad-level courses. It's great that you got that feedback and were able to get A's in those two classes! 

Do your desired program(s) require the GRE? Scoring well on that would be another way to stand out. 

Another suggestion would be attending nurse anesthesia conferences and events, networking opens doors! 

Another question-- have you started attending open houses for programs you're interested in? Not only can you network with program faculty and begin to let them start getting to know you, it will help you understand the individual nuances of each program and what they would recommend/prefer you to do to be considered "competitive". 

Cheering you on!!