CRNA School Admission Chances

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Fellow Nurses,

Hi everyone! Though I have used "all-nurses" as a career adviser for several years now, this is actually my first post; I am looking for some real advice from individuals who may have once been in my situation. Any legitimate advice wound be greatly appreciated.

My primary question is centered round whether or not I should seek admission during the upcoming CRNA school application cycle (2016).

I am a 23 y/o male who graduated with my BSN from 4 year university in May of 2015. I finished my degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.62 and was involved in a number of extracurricular activities (nursing and non-nursing), as well as a spent a semester abroad at King's College London with supplemental studies at Oxford University; both of which are globally ranked as top 20 research facilities (probably irrelevant on CRNA app).

I currently have 9mo of ICU experience in a Level 3 trauma, 36 bed, mixed high acuity medical/surgical/cardiovascular/neuro critical care unit in rural Indiana. Nearly 70% of my patients are on mechanical ventilation, and nearly all are on vasoactive gtts at some point in their ICU stay. I am proficient in management of nearly any patient my unit houses, except for one day post CABG patients. Additionally, I am proficient in management of both the CRRT, Rotoprone, gtt titration, rhythm analysis, etc (general ICU skills that all other applicant will also possess). I am comfortable with intubation, extubation, and all associated ventilator management and weaning. I will reach one year of ICU experience on August 28, 2016. I do feel that I am just now starting to develop the necessary critical thinking that is required to safely take care of a critically ill patient. My credentials are limited, as I currently possess BLS & ACLS only. I am currently working on CCRN, though I am not sure if I will have it, nor the the GRE, completed by time of application (I am aware that this limits my choices of schools).

I would also like to note that I was just offered a CV-ICU position at the states largest level one trauma facility; Indiana University's Methodist Hospital located in Indianapolis, Indiana. My question is whether or not I should push through another 6mo-1yr on the floor to gain additional experience/credentials by taking this new offer/position, or should I continue working at my current rural hospital position and apply this cycle.

If you would like any additional information to provide me with a better answer please let me know and I will happily provide. I am very informed on the CRNA application process, requirements, and competitiveness, but am simply looking for mentor like advice from those who have once been in this situation.

Thank you.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Welcome to allnurses.com

Thread moved to Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist forum where Students and CRNAs will respond.

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Specializes in CTICU.

" I am very informed on the CRNA application process, requirements, and competitiveness"

Since you are very informed on the application process, requirements, and competitiveness you should probably get your CCRN, GRE and shadowing hours all completed first. During that time, moving up to a Level 1 trauma center would obviously make you a more competitive applicant....but then again you're already informed...right??

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......

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Welcome to the site. You seem like you're on the right track to anesthesia school. No doubt you'll be admitted. If I were you, I'd take the CVICU position just because it offers level 1 experience and super high acuity. You realize the more experience, the better, but it sounds like your current unit is equipped with what you need already. You could apply for the 2016 applications and see where that takes you. Many people have got in with less than a year exp. If you don't get in, just keep building on your experience and get that CCRN.

Could you take the level 1 offer and then if you got into CRNA school just leave the job earlier than expected? And if you didn't get in…you will have set yourself up for guaranteed acceptance for the 2017 year.

P.S. I am surprised a level 3 center does Rotoprone, that's interesting. For donors and ARDS I presume?

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P.S. I am surprised a level 3 center does Rotoprone, that's interesting. For donors and ARDS I presume?

Level 1 is significant for trauma only. I have never worked in a level 1 trauma center but have significant experience with ECMO, rotoprone, very high acuity patients and the only transplant center in the city.

OP--would you be able to leave your current job and still get a recommendation?

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ICUMan,

Thank you for the advice! My unit that I currently work on does indeed provide a great deal of experience, and more than likely everything that one would need for a suitable application. We have had atleast two employees every year for the past several admission cycles that have been granted acceptance (Murry State, SC Greenville?, Okland, Arkansas State, and more). I figured that if I planned to delay applications, or even not delay applications, gaining experience at a larger hospital with higher acuity patients on a CVICU performing transplants and ECMO as a daily routine would be highly beneficial. My current unit performs probably 100? open hearts annually. I would be open heart training (no ecmo/transplants) in 4+ months.

My clear goal is without a doubt CRNA, thus I am seeking advice on whether or not applying now or in a few months is realistic given my stats, and wheather or not staying in the small town for the next year + (I would prefer to move - but understand that I may be in the perfect place for CRNA applications) is advisable.

And to answer your question, yes, we run up to three rotos on the unit at any given time. Primarily utilized for ARDS patients if we can get them on early.

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I see. Well your current unit sounds like a winner. Consider applying this year and see where it takes you. If not, you're that much more prepared.

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It can't hurt to apply and try.

Even if you don't get in you'll at least get the feel for the long and arduous application process. It would be even better if you made one of the final cuts and get to actually interview in person at the school. Even if you don't make the final cut it's really helpful to get a feel for the interview process and get feedback from the professors if they don't take you in the final cut.

I personally just got accepted to a CRNA DNP program that starts in August. Lots of my friends/co-workers have also got in to various programs. I don't know anyone who's been accepted with under 2 years strong ICU practice and who doesn't have their CCRN though.

Go out and apply, try your best and enjoy the process. Even if it takes you a few years applying and about $1000 in application fees and flights to interview at programs it will be worth it when you finally get in. Good Luck!

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I cannot urge you strongly enough to put in a few years at your current unit, 2-3, before applying. Less than one is simply not enough time. Period. You seemed to indicate that you have soaked up all the ICU has to offer, and I assure you that is just not the case. I have been a CRNA for a long time, and sat on admissions committees for two different programs. You are currently not a viable candidate, although you are on the right track, and doing it well. A very solid ICU background helps make a very solid SRNA. As far as Level I, it is vastly overrated, and not really considered particularly helpful. That is a long term myth. We just like experience. In fact smaller units offer far more opportunities for growth. What one gives up in acuity, one makes up for it with autonomy, critical thinking, and independence. Your current unit sounds just fine, just give it another two years and then apply. You will then be a stud. If you apply now, you WILL stand out, and not in a good way.

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Another reason not to change jobs, or apply now with minimum experience, is that you will have nobody you can ask for references. Certainly no Nurse Manager can give you the type of reference you will need after just 9 months. If you change units, it is even worse. You have a jilted after 9 months previous manager, and a current manager who would be truly pissed to find you attempting to leave after a very brief stint in their unit. Truly, both reference would suck. Stick where you are at, work two more years, take classes (ABG, Acid-Base, ACLS, ATLS, etc) and get your CCRN, and be an asset to your unit. Then you will have the experience you need, and the references you need to go with it.

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I got in with 1 year of experience. You can do it! My university wanted someone with dedication. They saw all that I did to prepare myself for school. I got my GRE and CCRN done within my first year. I would definitely apply. I'm glad I didn't listen to the people who told me to wait. It can't hurt to try!!!

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