Do I have what it takes?

cathys01 · Mar 2, 2009

Everybody stands a chance. But there are some things you can do now to improve your chances. Generally, there's not much you can do for your GPA, so I would work on other areas.

1. Retake the GRE, use all the prep books and get your score above 1000 (>1100 would be even better) - most schools that require the GRE would prefer scores above 1000

2. Get your CCRN certification (and take the CSC also if you can)

3. Get ACLS and PALS certifications

4. Find another reference besides the "good friend"...preferably somebody you have worked with - preceptor, CRNA you've shadowed extensively, etc.

5. Shadow a CRNA (multiple times if possible)

6. Wait a year and apply with 2 years experience

BTW, each school calculates GPAs differently. Some schools include nursing classes in the Science GPA (can't imagine why, but they do). Are there any classes you can take to boost your last 60 hours GPA? Organic chem or biochem? If you can take them and pull an A, you'll improve your last 60 GPA and your science GPA.

Probably the best thing for your "chances" would be additional experience, and if you don't get in on your first attempt, you'll get that anyway while waiting to reapply the next year.

Good Luck!!!

bucknangler · Mar 2, 2009

I believe you stand a fair shot of getting in your first go around IF: Raise your GRE!!

hmm... your overall GPA hurts your chances. Your last 60 hours seem to be pretty standard for CRNA applicants. However, you can easily compensate your "average" GPA with a great GRE score. With regards to your GPA, I was told by a UAB SRNA friend that their program within the past several years really hasn't interviewed many applicants with below a 3.4 GPA. I say this as a standard for "most" CRNA programs. In fact "word of mouth" is UAB will NOT interview anyone with below a 3.4 GPA. On the other hand, I'm not sure how accurate her statement stands. I agree with taking the CCRN. I would also reconsider your letters of recommendation to include a CRNA and drop the close friend.

You have a shot! Now go get it!

APwips · Mar 2, 2009

I agree with the above post, but if you really want to get in quick and feel clinically sufficient then I would say to apply as soon as possible. Why wait the extra year if there's a chance you can get in. I know people who have done it with the amount of experience you're going to have. The worst that can happen is that they say no. I just wouldn't apply to a ton of schools and waste good $. Be selective. Good luck.

slaughts3 · Mar 2, 2009

Thanks everybody for your time. I am applying to Union University, and was curious if i was wasting my money and or time.

My_brain_hurts · Mar 3, 2009

I say go ahead and apply. Worst case is you have all your things together, but don't get in. Then you can call school and say "I wasn't selected for an interview. What do I need to do to be an excellent candidate for an interview next year?"

That's what I did. I knew if I kept putting things off I would do just that --keep putting it off and putting it off. So I applied, got an interview, AND got accepted (woo WHOO!).

Your grads are probably actually average for CRNA application. I have various different GPAs depending on who/how they're calculated. Last 60 (which is also all the nursing classes) is like 3.8 or something. Sciences --depends on what classes are included, probably 3.3 or something. Previous degree GPA is like a 3.2. . . without adding the prereqs I took at junior college, which would bump that up some. . . see? too many ways to count it all! I will say I had some Cs in organic and biochem that required explaination during interview. GRE was 1200 (kaplan review books from bookstore, the one with the CD with computer practice tests was a huge help I thought). During the interview when I was asked to explain my poor grades (Cs), I said something like ". . . but I am confident I will be able to handle the material in this program" and the interviewer goes "Well, with a GRE of 1200 I have no doubts you can handle the material". So retake that GRE, I guess it s shows committment and ability to study??? I must laugh though because the material on the GRE does not at all seem related to nursing nor CRNA school. Oh well, another hoop to jump through to show you can do it, right?

I had about 17months ICU experience in a level I trauma center MICU, so decent acuity. Lots and lots of vents, sedation for sure. Arterial lines, CVP monitoring, fairly frequently have pt's on pressors. Everybody says SICU or CVICU is really good experience too. I think medical is okay as long as you get a lot of vents and stuff. Although I bet you get good experience with pain control on SICU. Get you ACLS for sure, PALS if you have time. CCRN would be very good. I didn't have it, and I got in anyway, but I sure would have felt more confident if I'd had it. Most everybody else interviewing that I talked to had it already (so I was freaking out!).

Good luck! feel free to ask more questions.

slaughts3 · Mar 3, 2009

I do have acls, and will take pals. I just bought a book to help with the CCRN. With CVICU I feel like i get a lot of experience with hemodynamic monitering. I do mess with vents a lot, but it's just until they wake up. I have tons of experence with pressors already, and sedation, but i feel like i'm missing out of a lot of longer term problems. So I got a job in CCU/ICU at another hospital.

I will retake the GRE, and study like crazy before my interview if i'm granted one. I will also try to get the CCRN before my interview. If i do not get in, which i'm not a realist and i'm not betting the farm on this year, i will take it as a learning experience and use it for 2011.

next question.....Does anyone know anything about the Union University program? How the interview goes, and what the main questions are?

cak1219 · Mar 7, 2009

My Brain Hurts, where did you get accepted? Thanks.