CRNA School? Is it too early?

[Kitkat222]

Hello my fellow nurses! I need some input...

I've been working on my CVICU unit for the past 3 months. I've been a nurse for over a year (worked in the ER for 1 year and moved to CVICU). Now, I'm attempting to plan a timeline of where I'd like to be in the next 3 years or so, and I know want to attend CRNA school. I've gone back and forth about either becoming a NP while in the ER, but after moving to CVICU I've realized how interested I've become with the profession, while taking care of my intubated and sedated patients. (I believe 3 years will move quickly, and I want to make sure I have some sort of plan/timeline before getting married and committing to other responsibilities outside of work...but obviously there are some things we cannot control but I think you get what I mean!)

So, would applying to CRNA school next year be too early? Again, I started working on my CVICU unit in August of this year (2018). Next year, I'd apply in August 2019 and hypothetically start the program I'm interested in (if I were to get in) the following year in the fall (2020). I'd continue to work on my unit until school started which would give me a 2 years of CVICU experience, and an overall total of 3 years of nursing experience.

• My GPA out of nursing school was 3.63.
  
• I have my bachelors in nursing.
  
• I have recently joined the CLABSI committee on my unit.
  
• I plan to getting CCRN certified after completing 1 year of CVICU experience.
  
• I still have to take my GRE.
  

I know, I won't be the most seasoned nurse but I do know I want to become a CRNA and the more I spend time on my unit taking care of fresh heart and lung patients from the OR motivates me to pursue this field of nursing. I want to know if you guys think I'll have a shot at getting into CRNA school or if I should wait and gain more experience even before thinking about applying. Your opinions will be greatly appreciated!

[go_jets82, BSN, RN]

I think you have great stats, apply and get interview experience!

Questions for the more experienced CRNA's does science gpa mean nursing science gpa (anatomy, physiology, pharm, patho, chem, organic chem, etc)? Because I was a bio major before switching to nursing and did terribly but once i switched to nursing I have straight A's

[JRN1234]

All sciences. Although some programs look at the last 60 units taken.

[Kitkat222, BSN, RN]

On 12/10/2018 at 10:46 AM, BigPappaCRNA said:

Your goal should not be how fast or how minimum your experiences have to be to get accepted. Your goal should be how do you become a great nurse, and then a great CRNA. If your CVICU with a busy one, there is simply no possible way you have learned and mastered all you should or all you can. While one does not "need" more experience to meet minimum standard, why not do what gives your the strongest base, and the strongest move going forward for your career? The fact that you are asking this question at all means you already know the answer, and you just want to hear a different response.

Recently came back to my account and reread your response with a little (emphasis on little, lol) more experience.

Last year, I didn't understand what you meant by "give you the strongest base," bc I was looking for the minimum standards to keep moving forward. But after working on this unit for almost 10 months, I appreciate your post. There's no way I'll be applying anytime soon, I've got so much left to learn and figure out what my strengths are as an ICU nurse. Thanks for your response BigPappaCRNA.

[Liberation]

17 hours ago, Kitkat222 said:

Recently came back to my account and reread your response with a little (emphasis on little, lol) more experience.

Last year, I didn't understand what you meant by "give you the strongest base," bc I was looking for the minimum standards to keep moving forward. But after working on this unit for almost 10 months, I appreciate your post. There's no way I'll be applying anytime soon, I've got so much left to learn and figure out what my strengths are as an ICU nurse. Thanks for your response BigPappaCRNA.

I just do not understand how a program accepts people with just 1 year icu experience ... by the time the school starts ?!?!?! for real ! by the time the school starts. smh*

[BigPappaCRNA]

23 hours ago, Kitkat222 said:

Recently came back to my account and reread your response with a little (emphasis on little, lol) more experience.

Last year, I didn't understand what you meant by "give you the strongest base," bc I was looking for the minimum standards to keep moving forward. But after working on this unit for almost 10 months, I appreciate your post. There's no way I'll be applying anytime soon, I've got so much left to learn and figure out what my strengths are as an ICU nurse. Thanks for your response BigPappaCRNA.

You bet. It is a pleasure to help you both now, and hopefully as a colleague in the future. Good Luck.