CRNA Application Advice

Hello! I can see how you may start to waiver, but do not give up! Your stats are impressive(good experience, strong extra-curriculars); perhaps maybe taking a graduate level class would boost your GPA even further? And show how serious you are. A class that you could transfer easily into your accepted program would be worthwhile(one of the three P's-physical assessment, pathophysiology, or advanced pharmacology). I would continue to reach out to the schools to find out exactly where they thought you might improve. Don't give up! You are serious about this and want to know how you can improve. And yes-I would say you should have more recent shadow experience. How many hours have you shadowed so far?

Yes- I think it's absolutely worth it to have someone other than family read your essays! Of course they will be partial ?

I wouldnt switch ICUs. Most important is the quality of experience you are getting there. Are the pts higher acuity and are you getting lots of experience with vents, airways, titrating gtts, hemodynamic monitoring, and critical thinking scenarios? 
 

There are so many great resources now more than ever for aspiring CRNAs! Personally I joined two groups that really helped me succeed(even through the journey of school). And there are many more! You can find them through social media(FB, Instagram, etc). Amanda Kay coaching group https://www.amandakaycrna.com/ and also CRNA prep academy (https://www.cspaedu.com). There are podcasts and YouTube resources as well. My two faves (even after becoming a CRNA) are Rhea Temmermand's Atomic Anesthesia https://atomicanesthesia.com/ and Chrissy Massaro @ confidentcareacademy.com

Stay strong! It's a long journey but incredibly worth it!! ❤️

Pipsy,

Thanks for the kind and encouraging words! I have about 40 hours of shadow experience but just reached back out to my hospital's chief CRNA to see if they might have any more available days for me to come in and shadow! I've heard of CRNA prep academy but will be sure to check out Amanda Kay as well. Thanks again!

EyeSeeYou3 said:

Pipsy,

Thanks for the kind and encouraging words! I have about 40 hours of shadow experience but just reached back out to my hospital's chief CRNA to see if they might have any more available days for me to come in and shadow! I've heard of CRNA prep academy but will be sure to check out Amanda Kay as well. Thanks again!

Pipsy gave great advice in her reply-- 40 hours of shadowing is excellent and I'd recommend you consider putting your efforts into other aspects of her advice she shared. 

How's the acuity at your unit? Are you getting "the sickest of the sick"? If not, then you need to focus there-- not necessarily switching units (then you have to start all over again) but getting hungry for and going after those tougher cases. Do you have supportive management? You don't HAVE to disclose you're going for CRNA, but you can absolutely indicate that you want to learn more/take on sicker patients if not. 

(If you really are in an unsupportive unit, can't get leadership roles or higher acuity, THEN it may be worth considering a switch). 

We now have a job board with high acuity positions around the country here: www.jobs.crnaschoolprepacademy.com 

Also, as they mentioned already too- taking grad level classes may help; leadership roles will too. 

Last question-- are you applying and not getting interviews? Or have you applied and gotten interviews? 

We can help further once we hear back from you! 

You GOT this-- don't give up!

it seems like your grade is good, it may not be the most competitive, but it should be enough to get you interviews. I would say, while you're waiting, continue to seek leadership roles and possibly look for a new experience and diversify your ICU expertise. another thing I should point out is really carefully tailor your CV and your personal statement, these are all they look at, outside your transcripts, and determine if you should be granted an interview. A good personal statement and CV will make you stand out from other applicants who have the similar grades as you. the interview. practice both EI, science, and clinical questions and practice now! know the school you're applying to and make sure you keep it professional, always. the interview starts with how you connect with everyone from the moment you step foot in that building, including the secretary, security, etc... this is me personally, but send a thank you letter, make sure you include things that were mentioned during your time there so it looks like you're really sincere and put a lot of effort into this email and not just sent a prewritten one. another addition is network!! 

Hi guys! I'm just now joining the discussion, but I am looking for any and all advice on how to improve and make my application more competitive. I recently applied to UTC and did not receive an interview so I am looking to make major improvements prior to applying to other schools! 

First Degree GPA 2.97 (10 years ago)

BSN GPA 3.68

Cumulative GPA 3.37

Science GPA 3.73 (currently taking general chem)

16 shadow hours (plan to have more)

3 years of CVICU experience 

2 years precepting 

ECMO/LVAD/RVAD/IMPELLA/CRRT/IABP

CCRN, ACLS/BLS (currently working on PALS)

CVICU96 said:

Hi guys! I'm just now joining the discussion, but I am looking for any and all advice on how to improve and make my application more competitive. I recently applied to UTC and did not receive an interview so I am looking to make major improvements prior to applying to other schools! 

First Degree GPA 2.97 (10 years ago)

BSN GPA 3.68

Cumulative GPA 3.37

Science GPA 3.73 (currently taking general chem)

16 shadow hours (plan to have more)

3 years of CVICU experience 

2 years precepting 

ECMO/LVAD/RVAD/IMPELLA/CRRT/IABP

CCRN, ACLS/BLS (currently working on PALS)

Hey there! Those are strong stats-- curious about how your resume and personal statement look? 

Remember, it's not *always* all about stats! And Interview Prep needs to be starting now, while you're working on your next round of applications. 

As guest1126576 mentioned above-- interview prep isn't just clinical anymore. Faculty will push you to the edge of your knowledge so they can find out what you do when you DON'T know the answer. Be ready for this! EI, personality questions, and in general learning how to speak at a Graduate Student Level with Grad Program Faculty. This is NOT a job interview! 

CRNA School acceptance rates hover around 12% - 15%; Program Directors and faculty have told us they KNOW they're turning away qualified applicants every cycle. 

We'd love to help! Nurses who are with CSPA for 6 months or longer have an 80% Acceptance Rate into CRNA School; our 12 Month Intensive Program has a 100% Acceptance Rate (among those who've done the curriculum) for three years in a row! 

You can check out more info as to how this is possible here: https://crnaschoolprepacademy.com/blog-the-secret-behind-cspas-80-acceptance-rate/

Cheering you on!