CRNA applicant - am I missing anything?

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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! ?