CRNA programs that accept minimal ICU experience

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I'm just going to be starting in the CV ICU in January and am looking to possibly start CRNA school for Fall of 2012. That means when I apply I'll only have 6-9 months experience. Does anyone know of schools that are more apt to accept people with minimal experience. My GPA is 3.8, working on GRE and shadow experience. I've known I wanted to be a CRNA forever so I'm just anxious to start school and am willing to move wherever. Thanks!

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Most schools only require at least 1 year minimum ICU experience to apply. With that being said, most applicants have >1 year so your chances might be slim. On the bright side- I know of RNs that got accepted with 1 year experience, but you'll need to work at a big university hospital, adult-ICU, high-acuity unit. If you also have a high undergraduate GPA you'll have a better chance. My advice is to start taking basic MSN courses now, then work towards getting your CCRN when your eligible. Good luck :)

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Specializes in Transplant/Surgical ICU.

None!

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Specializes in ICU.

At least in Florida they all require a minimum of 1 year of experience. Also, I would recommend completing your CCRN which will also require about one year of bedside experience.

Good luck!

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I realize that I will need the 1 year experience...I was just wondering if there were programs more likely to accept with the minimum 1 year experience as long as I have all the other requirements and have desirable stats in the other areas.

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Specializes in CRNA.

While there are programs that will accept one year, many strongly encourage at least 2....I applied to a program with less than one year experience and was accepted, but I declined, realizing that I needed more experience with higher acuity patients (I moved to a surgical ICU in a level one trauma center)....your ICU experience is really beneficial and while anesthesia is a whole different type of work atmosphere, there are many parts of your ICU training that will come in handy. I am not of the mindset that you need 5-10 years experience, but 2-3 I think would really prepare you well for your program and give you exposure to different types of patients (the majority of the classmates in my program had 2-5 years of experience). I firmly believe that one year of experience is really the BARE minimum and I personally wouldn't feel comfortable going into a program with only that.....I am SO glad that I waited, as that experience enabled me to gain more confidence in my basic nursing skills, assessment skills, titrating drips, etc. Best of luck!

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Specializes in critcal care, CRNA.
I realize that I will need the 1 year experience...I was just wondering if there were programs more likely to accept with the minimum 1 year experience as long as I have all the other requirements and have desirable stats in the other areas.

Not sure that this question can really be answered. I am sure every school has accepted people with the minimum 1 year, but to ask which one is more apt to do so would be hard to tell you. Your application and reference letters would be huge for this process. If those are of average quality then you would be less likely to get an interview. Are your manager and charge nurse behind you in the process? I was lucky and recieved an interview my first time out. I had just 14 months experience at that point and one of my future intructors even asked my why I should be in the program with such experience? Interview is huge and they can ask you anything.

Best bet is to apply to a bunch of schools and do not count on those schools which are "easier" to get into. Every school will get more applicants than they have spots for, so you need to decide if you stand out or not?

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