CRNA Application

[AbbyWinters, BSN]

Hey Everyone! I recently sent in two applications for CRNA school and I was wondering what you thought of my odds of acceptance:
-BSN, went to an accelerated nursing program (3 years)
-Overall gpa 3.85, science and math gpa 4.0
-Work in a CVICU where we recover cabgs
-Experience with- IABP, impella, CRRT, etc...
- 1.5 years of experience (started in ICU)
-Went through a 1 year critical care residency program
-Charge Nurse and Co-Chair of unit council
-CCRN, BLS, ACLS, PALS
-Research volunteer for oncology trial program
-Shadowed CRNA
My GRE score was not the greatest (298) but only one school required that I take it. I considered retaking but decided not to.. My concern is that I only have 1.5 years experience, even though the requirement is just a year I’m afraid they would want more experienced candidates. Any tips or thoughts? Thanks!

[yournurse]

I think you're a great candidate! Apply to more schools!

[MQ Edna]

If you read through various threads you will find your stats and experience on par above and below some applicants. Hard part is done, rest is out of your control. If you look at most programs 2-3 years is preferred. By the time you start you would have around 2.

[i.in2b8.u]

You have good stats! The only one worth mentioning to me is your ICU experience. Working in CVICU and having experience with cardiac devices is solid for CNRA school. However, I think you need to put in more time.. Having gone through CRNA school myself, having 3,4,5,6 years experience makes a difference between 1 or 2 in ICU.. Putting in more years gives you chance to mature as a clinician, have a chance to be involved in more clinical scenarios, and improve your clinical-decision making. I feel like with your experience, you are barely scratching the surface of CVICU nursing. But thats just my opinion. As for your odds, its at least a good 60:40 (60% getting in) because you have a solid GPA and Ive seen schools give more weight to GPA than experience. As for your GRE, if you don't get in this year, just retake it again next year.. Best of luck!

[yournurse]

I really think you have a good chance. Although GRE needs to be above 300. There are a lot of programs that don't require GREs if your GPA is high (i.e. Columbia Univ- if your GPA is >3.4 i think, they'll waive GRE)! And if you really want this. You're a great candidate, tbh. Apply to schools, and look at their requirements. I have a few friends who got in one of the programs in CA with 1 yr of MICU !! If you get an interview invite, practice! You seem like you know what you want, watch videos of people who's going through CRNA schools on YouTube! There's a ton! Do more shadow time with a CRNA, I did 5 shifts (not a lot). If you really want to go to a school, email the program director- tell them you really want to go to that program and ask if you can shadow them. You know? Be proactive. Do something that makes you stand out. If you work in a specialized unit, do another certification like CSC or SCRN in addition to your CCRN. All that good stuff. Hope that helps and good luck. Research and don't waste time! ?

[LouDogg, BSN, RN]

Get your CCRN. Your stats are decent... Make sure you have a good admissions essay/personal statement and you should be able to get an interview. I think most applicants have good numbers, it's the essay/statement that separates you from the others. Then the interview finalizes it.