CRNA question....

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I have a question for CRNA's or anyone who is currently in CRNA school. I'm 29 yrs old and in my last year of nursing school (ASN). Each student in our Med-Surg class had the opportunity to stand in on a surgery. The CRNA position has intrigued me ever since. I know I have a long ways to go but I am motivated to do whatever it takes to give myself the best chance.

I started out college as a "slacker" and pretty much just got by. I was still able to get into an associate's nursing program at a school that is none for being pretty difficult. With A's and B's I can bring my GPA up into the low 3's. I have plenty of classes to take and feel my GPA should be near 3.1 or higher before all is said and done. After doing a lot of research I have found that is on the lower end of getting accepted. I'm curious to know some "stats" of people who are CRNA's or those in CRNA school. (GPA, critical care experience, GRE scores, etc...) Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much...

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

moved to pre-crna inquiry forum ... full of threads with info your seeking.

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Specializes in CRNA.

The door isn't shut on a nurse anesthesia program for you. Look at a few things:

1. Did you 'just get by' in your sciences such as chmesitry, A&P? if so then repeat those courses. Taking a grad level course in patho or pham doesn't count, you need to have a strong basis so get a good grade in those undergrad courses

2. Seek out and get great experience as an RN, one year is not enough, go for at least 2 or 3 years

Good-luck

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Specializes in ICU.

I can only speak for the CRNA programs in Florida.

First, all CRNA programs require a bachelors degree either in nursing or in another science. I would suggest getting a BSN and working hard to improve your grades. Second, take some sciences and kick butt at them - ex. physical chemistry, organic chemistry, pathophysiology, pharmacology.

You'll need at least a full year of ICU experience under your belt before your application will be considered for CRNA school. I would also suggest completing your CCRN certification after you've finished your first year in the ICU.

As for the GRE, scores are good for 5 years and the minimum score most schools will accept is 1000 - (500 reading, 500 math).

There are a wide variety of applicants for CRNA school that I've run in to. Some students have 4.0 GPAs, others have a 3.1 GPA. Most applicants have their CCRN. GRE scores range from 1000 to 1200. Experience levels range from 1.5 years to 16 years in an ICU.

Your interview for a CRNA program counts for a lot. But be prepared to explain why you made the grades you made. Some programs understand "immaturity" or life happening or whatever so long as you show a definite improvement once you started planning to go to CRNA school.

So, study hard, show the admissions committee that this is what you want, and speak from the heart in an interview and you may secure yourself a spot! Look around these boards, several people have posted their stats.

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Specializes in ICU.

P.S. Make sure you shadow some CRNAs! It would be good to get a letter of recommendation from one when it is time!

Good luck!

I got accepted :)

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Thank you so much everyone. I really hope schools can understand how "immaturity" can wreck your GPA. I am taking a few classes again just to eradicate those blemishes from my GPA. I believe I got into the nursing program here because I was able to show the advisor the exact spot on my transcript where I decided to kick it into gear. I have a few core classes left to apply to the BSN and Im going to give it everything I've got. Once again, thanks for the advice!!

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Congrats!!! I know you have to be so excited

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