Extra Edge

[USAF0625]

My ultimate goal is to become a CRNA some day, but in order to achieve that goal I as well as many of you out there need to be as competitive as possible. My question is this, does it matter what school you earn your BSN from if not what will give us that extra edge to compete for those scarce slots?

[chicagrl72]

don't want to touch that with a ten foot pole

[underwatergirl]

USAF,

IMO, I don't think the school matters as much as what experience you have afterwards...what certifications you contain...just to begin but I am sure you already have ACLS, PALS, but what about RN first assist...there are so many different ones you can be trained in...those will give you more of a cutting edge than what school you choose...also if you want CRNA, I would say a wide variety in Circulating and Recovery Room, meaning not only hospitals but same day surgery centers, plastic surgery, ortho surgery, cardiac, digestive...whatever experience you gain is what is gonna look impressive...the only thing I think may qualify you more for CRNA with your education is you carry a high GPA statis...Just my .02

Annette

[catcolalex]

There are people in my class including myself, who started with less than 2 years ICU experience, some in my class got a BSN from University of Phoenix online, I think a big part of being accepted is the interview process and how personable you are and how you interact with people.

[Kiwi, BSN, RN]

I know of one particular NA program that refers to "feeder schools", as in, schools that contribute many students to it's program

[William_SRNA]

It doesn't really matter where you go to school your grades are what they are going to look at.

[apaisRN, RN, CRNA]

One of the things I love about nursing is that no one gives a ^%# about where you got your undergrad degree (with the possible exception of Excelsior). You get no more respect with a BSN from Georgetown than you do with one from Nowhere State College. I was a liberal arts major (French) for a couple years at a high-powered school and it was really obnoxious, all the comparing of one school to another and whether it would affect your chances in jobs/grad school down the road.

Even graduate nursing doesn't matter that much, an NP or CNS is pretty much valued (or not!) no matter where they went to school. It's looking that way for CRNAs too, although I don't really know because I've never worked in the OR or had more than a few days' shadowing contact with CRNAs. I do like that the school I'm attending is in the USNews top 10, but I know in my heart that the ratings are total baloney and I would have been thrilled to get in ANYWHERE.

[rn29306]

..also if you want CRNA, I would say a wide variety in Circulating and Recovery Room...

Annette

At my school and sitting for adcoms this year, circulating doesn't count for squat. Don't waste your time. CRNA programs know what circulating is and what it isn't - writing times, making sure paperwork is filled out, and fetching items. Circs don't take care of patients, that is what anesthesia is for and that is why we are there.

[stklgs]

Lets clear up some misconceptions here! I am an SRNA in the midwest with 6 years ICU experience (Cardiac, Burns and Surgical) under my belt prior to applying to a program. Yes, true.. It doesn't really matter where you go to school prior to applying. Grades from my experience were not a really big deal either. Yes, they may give you some edge. I have found, based on my experience and many others that I know that have gone through a program, having a good resume and interview seems to be the most important. Shadowing a CRNA helps tremendously also.

It doesn't really matter where you go to school your grades are what they are going to look at.

[RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN]

[color=#00bfff]welcome to the family. best wishes to you