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Hello All,

Just wanted to get a feel for everybodys' creditials before applying to your crna program. What was your GPA? How much nursing experience did you have before applying? And what areas did you work in?

I'm 34 and just starting my bsn this winter. I would ultimately like to become a crna, but I feel like I'm too old. After 4 years to get my bsn, then a year experience in the ICU and were talking 40 years old before even starting crna school. I also feel like only 1 years experiece really isn't enough to get me ready for crna school, so that could push me back even further. What do you think?

By the way...Does anybody have a time machine?

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I am not a CRNA, but that is my long term goal. I will over 40 when I will be at the point of starting to apply to CRNA schools. My advice is don't sell yourself short. If that is your goal why let a little thing like age get in the way. There are various posts on this website that detail older students being successful in programs. Age is not one of the major determining factors of success; willpower, determination, perseverence, a passion for the profession. The list goes on, but age is just a number right? You will be fine, just go for it. That is mine and other's plan. Good luck.

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Thanks TBICU.

I see you are from Michigan as well, what area? Are you currently in school or working?

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don't let age stop you...even if you are 45 when you finish CRNA school ...assuming you stay healthy, you will have 20 years to work. And besides you are going to hit that 40 year mark either way...may as well be settting yourself up to do something you will enjoy. As for grades I had a 4.0 in nursing school and a 1200 GRE (turns my program didn't even require GRE.. go figure). Don't get down though if you get an A- or B+ in a class. At most anes. schools 3.6 and up is competitive and since it sounds like you're starting from scratch (if you have 4 years to go?) you are in a good position to keep a high GPA. Just do as well as you can. AS for ICU experience I had 1 year in a SICU/LIver transplant unit at a level 1 center....go wherever you can work with the sickest patients. Personally I feel that 1 year in a high acuity center will give you the basics of hemodynamics, drips, sedation, paralytics, etc..For the most part though, what you will be doing in anesthesia is very different from ICU. (....don't recall intubating, using vaporizers, or placing central lines in the unit...however; some will strongly disagree and tell you should stay in the unit longer...do whats right for you.) Also things like leadership roles, volunteer hours, research, or being on commitees in your unit will help make you a strong candidate..its not ALL grades. Good luck man.

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Thanks TBICU.

I see you are from Michigan as well, what area? Are you currently in school or working?

I am in the AA area. I am working on my ADN and then next fall right back into a RN-BSN program at one of the yet to be determined schools in the area. I work part-time in a Level 1 Trauma/Burn ICU for the experiences and learning/knowledge and to hopefully move right into a RN position after graduating. If you are just getting started, I would much suggest a part-time position when you are eligible, and also get into an externship between your junior/senior years. The experience is well worth it. Any other questions, let me know.

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Specializes in ICU, oncology/organ transplant.

Like others said, I wouldn't get discouraged with age, it's only a number. The way I look at it, I don't want to be 50 at the bedside still helping people onto bedpans....I know my back won't last that long!

I had a 3.8 GPA, only a 960 on my GRE's, um, I recommend preparing for at least 6 months before taking GRE's. I studied for about a week and it was a lost cause..... I needed way more study time.

I am certified in Med/Surg (did that while working on an organ transplant floor) and got my CCRN before applying. I also work part time at a local University teaching clinicals.

I work in an ICU that has diverse patients including neuro, trauma, medical, and surgical. I applied when I was there about 18 months and with the wait time I will have another 18 months experience.

Almost all the schools in my area have waiting times for 18 months to 36 months once you get accepted. I was just accepted for starting class of 2010, soooo, I would start applying as soon as possible after getting into ICU if the long wait time is also the case with the schools your interested in.

Look into nurse extern positions in the ICU, it'll give you a head start!

Keep trudging and good luck!!!

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I was 42 when I was accepted, so trust me you are NOT too old! I've had to postpone for a year due to illness so I will actually be 44 when I begin my program (my b-day is 2 weeks before class starts, so I'm 43 now). Anyway, I'm getting older no matter what so might as well go for it! My GRE? It's a secret, but it was not good. My MAT, scored really high. My CCRN score was around 110 (yes, one of my schools asked for it), have my CNRN also. 16 years neuro ICU, trauma ICU, & Level I ER Army hospital experience. Is 1 year critical care experience too soon to apply? Not according to the AANA. Will you learn more & more about assessment, etc each year you spend in the units? Absolutely. Does that knowledge help with your CRNA? Must, or they wouldn't require it, right? But there were many times on the unit when I wanted that 1 year ICU nurse at my side who was eager & ready to learn vs that stagnated 20 year ICU nurse who felt she'd already earned her dues and didn't want to get off her duff. On the other hand, there have been times when I'd do anything to pawn off the 1 year ICU nurse with the cocky I-know-all-and-you-can't-teach-me-anything-new attitude for the wisened, critical thinking older-timer. It's all about the effort someone puts into learning & the right attitude. I wish you the best of luck!

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