CRNA applicant - am I missing anything?

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Specializes in CVICU.

Hey all,

I have just finished up an accelerated direct entry master's in nursing and am planning on applying to CRNA school within the next few years. Here's the synopsis of me:

MSN w/ CNL: GPA 3.93 (All A's and 2 A-'s I think)

B.S. In Biomedical Science: GPA 3.46 (chem/bio/ochem/biochem all B's and A's). I might have to retake a couple prereqs if they expire depending on the school's requirements when I apply; I'm confident I'll get A's if I have to retake anything.

I'm starting my career on an interventional cardiac medical unit (they classify as a progressive care unit). I'm hoping to transfer into their CVICU or another ICU within the next 12-18 months. I would like to work in the ICU for 1.5-2 years before applying, and plan on having CCRN at that point as well. I'll be 27 or 28 when I apply. I'm also male if that changes anything (I hear it does from some people, that it doesn't from others). I have shadowed two CRNAs for a total of 20 hours so far, will probably do another 40-50 hours because it was fun lol. I'll also take the GRE a few months before I apply.

With all that said, I have been very confident that I'd get accepted based on my nursing GPA, but I'm not sure if my undergrad GPA will hold me back at all. Basically I just grew up and performed better in school the second time around because I learned time management and took it more seriously.

What do y'all think? Is there anything I'm missing that I should work on, and will I have a pretty good shot at most places I apply? I live in the Boston area with my wife and would ideally like to go to BC or Northeastern if possible to avoid relocation.

Thanks for any input!

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Specializes in CRNA.

Learn as much as you can in the ICU, save some money and you are set for success. You have a good plan.

2
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Specializes in CVICU.

Thank you! That's the plan for the next couple years for sure.

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You should be just fine. Please get THREE years of ICU experience, and then apply freely. Again, you will do just fine.

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Specializes in CVICU.

Thanks for the input! Why do you suggest three years? Just curious ?

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On 7/22/2019 at 1:23 PM, yesrun said:

Hey all,

I have just finished up an accelerated direct entry master's in nursing and am planning on applying to CRNA school within the next few years. Here's the synopsis of me:

MSN w/ CNL: GPA 3.93 (All A's and 2 A-'s I think)

B.S. In Biomedical Science: GPA 3.46 (chem/bio/ochem/biochem all B's and A's). I might have to retake a couple prereqs if they expire depending on the school's requirements when I apply; I'm confident I'll get A's if I have to retake anything.

I'm starting my career on an interventional cardiac medical unit (they classify as a progressive care unit). I'm hoping to transfer into their CVICU or another ICU within the next 12-18 months. I would like to work in the ICU for 1.5-2 years before applying, and plan on having CCRN at that point as well. I'll be 27 or 28 when I apply. I'm also male if that changes anything (I hear it does from some people, that it doesn't from others). I have shadowed two CRNAs for a total of 20 hours so far, 40-50 hours because it was fun lol. I'll also take the GRE a few months before I apply.

With all that said, I have been very confident that I'd get accepted based on my nursing GPA, but I'm not sure if my undergrad GPA will hold me back at all. Basically I just grew up and performed better in school the second time around because I learned time management and took it more seriously.

What do y'all think? Is there anything I'm missing that I should work on, and will I have a pretty good shot at most places I apply? I live in the Boston area with my wife and would ideally like to go to BC or Northeastern if possible to avoid relocation.

Thanks for any input!

CCRN

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8 hours ago, yesrun said:

Thanks for the input! Why do you suggest three years? Just curious ?

Because you really need that much to be a strong SRNA and then a strong CRNA. Honestly, if you are thinking about applying after 18 months and hope to have 2 years in before school starts, to me that is problematic. If you have completely, totally, mastered everything there is to be and know about being an ICU nurse in 2 or less years, than you are in a very easy, low acuity ICU. Otherwise it is just not possible. Do yourself a favor, and give yourself the best chance at long term success.

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Specializes in ICU/PACU/anesthesia.

I think you have a great shot with your current plan. I had a 3.1 undergrad BSN GPA and a 4.0 MSN GPA. I had 6 years ICU and 12 in PACU. CCRN & CPAN. I got accepted and I’m 37. I think it’s redeemable if you’ve shown that you’ve improved over time. Not sure that it will matter that you have a MSN instead of a BSN, just check with the school you’re applying. Good luck! ?

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