How did you choose where to apply?

Sedatetime, ADN, BSN, MSN, CRNA · Sep 25, 2011

I would google (all crna schools) where you can look at the info on all the CRNA schools. From there I would write down those that will take PICU. There are actually a lot of schools that will, there are even some that will make exceptions if you contact them and present your case.

Also think about where you want to spend 2+ years of life, the schools program, cost of living, of course tuition. A biggie for me was were the clinical sites close by, because some schools have to travel out of state up to 3 months at a time.

Anyway you find out most of this on (all crna schools). It is an awesome website if you have never been on it. This site usually lists what the school will or will not accept, even the pre-reqs, cost, sometimes the attrition rate.

Goodluck.

allnurses Guide · Sep 25, 2011

1. You need schools that will take PICU experience, if your PICU works with teenagers I would definitively point that out on your application.

2. To me the most important thing is a school that would teach me to work anywhere (independent or ACT practice).

3. Does the school offer peripheral nerve block/PNB rotations with ultrasound and peripheral stimulation? Will you get at least 50 PNBs and equal amounts of epidurals and spinals? You should get at least 15-20+ central venous lines also.

4. What is the pass rate of the students the first time around on boards?

5. What is the attrition rate?

6. What is average number of clinical cases for recent graduates? It should be around 1000+.

7. What is the average number of speciality cases will you get i.e. hearts, cranis etc.? You should for at least 20 in each of those areas.

8. The total cost of the school not just the tuition. How far will you have to travel? What are the miscellaneous costs etc.?

9. If you are married is where you are going to live during school going to be suitable for your spouse and children while you are going to school? Is there decent public schools? Is there reasonable employment opportunities in the area for your spouse?

MatthewRN · Oct 1, 2011

My parents are on faculty at the school I'm attending which qualified me for free tuition. That made for a pretty easy decision. All of our clinical sites are within a 30 or 40 minute drive max from the school which was also a nice draw.

climberrn · Oct 13, 2011

Thank you for the replies. Sorry for the delay, I've been on my phone and hate posting from there. Sedatetime, that website is awesome, thanks for pointing it out to me. wtbcrna, those are all good criteria. Are these things I would find out on an interview or would it be good to talk to former/current students?

Matthewrn, yeah the free tuition would be a no brainer for me too!

allnurses Guide · Oct 13, 2011

Thank you for the replies. Sorry for the delay, I've been on my phone and hate posting from there. Sedatetime, that website is awesome, thanks for pointing it out to me. wtbcrna, those are all good criteria. Are these things I would find out on an interview or would it be good to talk to former/current students?
Matthewrn, yeah the free tuition would be a no brainer for me too!

Those are things you find out from your interview and talking to former/current students. Some schools will readily disclose certain information and some won't.