Experience

[Jshep, BSN, RN]

Hello. I’m looking for some insight. So my end goal is to become a CRNA. I’ve been a RN for almost 6 years. Here is my experience with the most recent first:

2+ years in IR where I administer conscious sedation

2+ years in CVICU where I handled pressors, vents and fresh post op patients

1 year NICU

1 year Med surg

so I recently was offered an anm position in ED Obs. I am wondering if I was to change to that role would that affect me negatively when it comes time to apply for CRNA school? I have a 5 month old and was thinking of applying next year or 2020 after taking chem and the GRE. Should I just continue in IR until the time being so that I can strengthen my app? Those of you in CRNA school or CRNAs can you give me a little insight please. Thanks!

[TPN1986, RN]

It will impact you negatively because most schools will not consider applicants that are not currently practicing in the ICU.

[Jshep, BSN, RN]

8 minutes ago, TPN1986 said:

It will impact you negatively because most schools will not consider applicants that are not currently practicing in the ICU.

So I probably need to return to the ICU? I spoke to another friend in a program and she just replied to my text message saying the same thing

[DreameRN, BSN]

To have the best shot at getting into CRNA school, recent ICU experience is going to be your best bet. The higher acuity the better.

There are a couple schools that will consider ICU further back but they are few and far between, and you will definitely have to prove that you get and know how to manage critical patients.

just my .02. Good luck!

[Jshep, BSN, RN]

Thanks for your input!

[S3682]

I would try to get back to CVICU. Most all applications I’m working on state “current beside” in ICU. My past experience was not acceptable so I had To go back to a level 1 trauma center CVICU

[Jshep, BSN, RN]

7 hours ago, S3682 said:

I would try to get back to CVICU. Most all applications I’m working on state “current beside” in ICU. My past experience was not acceptable so I had To go back to a level 1 trauma center CVICU

I think I’m going to. I emailed USF and they said me having 4 years experience is strong but compared to another nurse with 4 yrs and currently working in the ICU they might earn more points. How long did you work in cvi before appying?

[S3682]

Well I will Have my 1 year current experience by March 2020 when I meet Deadlines. I’ve moved around departments as then CRNA was not on my list. I’m going into my 11th year as a nurse.

[TPN1986, RN]

38 minutes ago, Jshep said:

I think I’m going to. I emailed USF and they said me having 4 years experience is strong but compared to another nurse with 4 yrs and currently working in the ICU they might earn more points. How long did you work in cvi before appying?

I think you would be doing yourself a disservice and potentially wasting your money, some programs have 300 applicants applying for 30 spots, and almost 99% of them are currently working in some form of ICU. I'm not saying all programs are like this, some schools definitely have smaller pools of candidates, but generally most applicants are really strong 3.5+ gpa's multiple certifications and current ICU experience. If your goal is truely to become a CRNA i highly recommend returning to the ICU as many committee's will weigh this heavily against you.

[Jshep, BSN, RN]

2 hours ago, S3682 said:

Well I will Have my 1 year current experience by March 2020 when I meet Deadlines. I’ve moved around departments as then CRNA was not on my list. I’m going into my 11th year as a nurse.

That’s awesome. Good luck!

1 hour ago, TPN1986 said:

I think you would be doing yourself a disservice and potentially wasting your money, some programs have 300 applicants applying for 30 spots, and almost 99% of them are currently working in some form of ICU. I'm not saying all programs are like this, some schools definitely have smaller pools of candidates, but generally most applicants are really strong 3.5+ gpa's multiple certifications and current ICU experience. If your goal is truely to become a CRNA i highly recommend returning to the ICU as many committee's will weigh this heavily against you.

I am trying to return to CVICU. I still have to take chem and possibly retake A&P ?. I’m going to take my time and really try because my science gpa isn’t the greatest.