Okay, so I just wanted to share my story on being accepted into CRNA school. My story is different than most, and a lot of things had to line up for me to get accepted. But I just wanted to share, because it has been a LONG journey for me. I haven't started school yet, but I begin in January 2020.
Firstly, I will share my stats. I have been working in a level two Trauma Intensive Care Unit for about 2 years now. This has been my only position as a nurse, I started off in ICU and have been here since graduation. My cumulative GPA is a 3.51, and nursing GPA is a 3.2 My first semester of nursing school, I failed pharmacology. I also received a C in health assessment and a C in pathophysiology. I had to wait an entire year to retake pharmacology in which I received a B+ the second time around. In my prerequisite courses, I also received a C in microbiology. I have my CCRN, TCRN, PALS, ACLS, TNCC. On my GRE my score is a 290, Verbal: 143 Quantitative: 147 and Writing: 4.0 So, I knew my chances were slim. So this is what I did.
I received a few certifications that would help my odds. I got my CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse). Most programs do not require this, but with how competitive programs are becoming, I would suggest to just go ahead and think of it as a requirement. I also got my TCRN (Trauma Certified Registered Nurse). This is a newer certification that trauma nurses can now take and receive. Not a requirement, but I needed all the help I could get. Another thing I did was take the TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course). Again, not a requirement but schools love this certification. All of these show my dedication to learning and show that I have determination in the field of critical care. Something else I went ahead and did was receive my PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support). Normally not required until admitted, but I wanted to show how bad I wanted to get accepted so I took it. I got involved with my hospital as well, joining multiple committees to show my participation in any kind of improvement in the hospital.
I believe the most important thing I did and anyone could possibly do, is study your BUTT off for the interview. I looked up every possible interview video I could, took notes on how to appear confident in an interview. I created a study guide for my interview. Yes, a study guide. I broke down medications down to the cellular level, bought multiple pharmacology books so I could understand the medications more. I mainly studied pressers to help prepare myself for the interview but it depends on what you use on your unit. I work in trauma, so I also created a separate study guide where I would give myself scenarios and what I would do to treat a patient that I am presented with. I also created a guide with personal questions, and what I would answer to them. A very true point is that you cannot possibly know what kind of personal questions they will ask you. But, this helped me not appear caught off guard and I appeared calm and collected and if the question I was asked wasn't word for word, then I would spin off of a question that I did practice and I could come up with a good answer. ELABORATE on your answers, they LOVE that. I was asked about what drug class Precedex was, and honestly. I couldn't think of the answer. BUT, from my studies I remembered what was being stimulated (Alpha 2) and I studied on what is happening in the body when it is stimulated (stimulation of Alpha 2 ultimately causes a decrease of calcium to the sarcoplasmic reticulum and causes a decrease of Norepinephrine within a cell, which is why you see a decrease in bp, hr, etc.) So I explained all of this in depth, and then one of the interviewers simply stated, "So it's an alpha 2 agonist?" And I answered, "yes sir, I am sorry I went a little in depth there." And the interview committee all laughed. SO, they saw I could work through things that I did not know to get to that answer. Also, if you get an opportunity to make them laugh, DO IT. They are people too, just like us. They know you're nervous, lighten up the mood. Not a silly random joke, but if you do get a chance, try to make them laugh.
The reason I am saying that my case is different than most, is because I was an Alternate. I got called the first day that alternates could have been called so I believe that means I was one of the first on the list. I live in Nashville, TN. and I knew the competition would be hard because I live in a city where Vanderbilt University Medical Center also exists. And this is a level one trauma center and most schools prefer a level one trauma center. But, I studied and studied for months to prepare for the interview. I bought multiple Pharm books and used multiple resources to help my chances. And it paid off. I'm not saying this will work for everyone, but it worked for me. And I couldn't be more thankful. So STUDY and PREPARE for the interview. Show em what you got!!!!!
Hi everyone! I am still in nursing school right now, however being a CRNA is something I aspire to become one day. I am in my third year and currently have a 3.9 GPA. This semester, unfortunately, I may get a B+ in a class. This is my first B in college and I am very upset that this may happen. I would have to do extremely well on the final to get an A-, but since I have been averaging A- all semester, it is unlikely I will get high 90s on the final. So my question is, how much does GPA impact someones chances of getting into school. I am going to try to continue to get all As for the rest of nursing school, however as classes get harder, it becomes more challenging to do. What GPA should I try to aim for / keep above? In addition, is there anything I can do as a nursing student to better my chances of getting into CRNA school down the line? Sorry for all the questions! I unfortunately do not know anyone in the field, and have tons of questions about it all! Thanks in advance ?
Hi everyone! I am still in nursing school right now, however being a CRNA is something I aspire to become one day. I am in my third year and currently have a 3.9 GPA. This semester, unfortunately, I may get a B+ in a class. This is my first B in college and I am very upset that this may happen. I would have to do extremely well on the final to get an A-, but since I have been averaging A- all semester, it is unlikely I will get high 90s on the final. So my question is, how much does GPA impact someones chances of getting into school. I am going to try to continue to get all As for the rest of nursing school, however as classes get harder, it becomes more challenging to do. What GPA should I try to aim for / keep above? In addition, is there anything I can do as a nursing student to better my chances of getting into CRNA school down the line? Sorry for all the questions! I unfortunately do not know anyone in the field, and have tons of questions about it all! Thanks in advance ?
Honestly, your GPA is great. I had a 3.5 and I got accepted. Just do your best in nursing school. I’d say above a 3.7 is pretty competitive. Keep in mind though, there are so many other factors that contribute. I would focus on getting great ICU experience once you graduate because that is going to be your ticket in. That should be your primary focus. GPA is extremely important, but it’s not all they look at. I am a prime example of that considering I was on the lower end with a 3.5. Learn all you possibly can in a level one trauma designated hospital in a CVICU for example. Focus on graduating for now, find an ICU where you will learn a lot, maybe look into schools your interested in applying to and see what students who have been accepted have as their GPA. But you have a long road considering your still in nursing school. Just try and learn all that you can.
Honestly, your GPA is great. I had a 3.5 and I got accepted. Just do your best in nursing school. I’d say above a 3.7 is pretty competitive. Keep in mind though, there are so many other factors that contribute. I would focus on getting great ICU experience once you graduate because that is going to be your ticket in. That should be your primary focus. GPA is extremely important, but it’s not all they look at. I am a prime example of that considering I was on the lower end with a 3.5. Learn all you possibly can in a level one trauma designated hospital in a CVICU for example. Focus on graduating for now, find an ICU where you will learn a lot, maybe look into schools your interested in applying to and see what students who have been accepted have as their GPA. But you have a long road considering your still in nursing school. Just try and learn all that you can.
Thanks for the help! Did you go right into ICU after graduation? Do you recommend this? Or suggest starting on med surg unit first?
Thanks for the help! Did you go right into ICU after graduation? Do you recommend this? Or suggest starting on med surg unit first?
If you are dead set on going to CRNA school - go straight to ICU. they will train and teach you everything you need to know. I wouldn't waste time in any unit besides an ICU. try to get your senior practicum in an ICU and if you like it (and they like you) - make sure you talk to the manager to express your interest in working there or at least get their contact information before leaving. Use that practicum as a working interview and impress everyone you come across. the manager could ask anyone what they think of you
If you are dead set on going to CRNA school - go straight to ICU. they will train and teach you everything you need to know. I wouldn't waste time in any unit besides an ICU. try to get your senior practicum in an ICU and if you like it (and they like you) - make sure you talk to the manager to express your interest in working there or at least get their contact information before leaving. Use that practicum as a working interview and impress everyone you come across. the manager could ask anyone what they think of you
My school offers an OR practicum. I was going to think about that one. Do you think ICU would be more beneficial over OR?
My school offers an OR practicum. I was going to think about that one. Do you think ICU would be more beneficial over OR?
If I were in your shoes I would do ICU without hesitation. It is a foot in the door into an ICU. Being a nurse in the OR would only benefit you in getting familiar with the environment, which is something you'd also learn in the ICU. without hesitation -- should definitely choose ICU
If I were in your shoes I would do ICU without hesitation. It is a foot in the door into an ICU. Being a nurse in the OR would only benefit you in getting familiar with the environment, which is something you'd also learn in the ICU. without hesitation -- should definitely choose ICU
Thank you for the insight! The practicums are always up in the air at my school, so if they offer ICU I will do that one. If not, I think OR could be beneficial. Thanks for the help!
Thank you for the insight! The practicums are always up in the air at my school, so if they offer ICU I will do that one. If not, I think OR could be beneficial. Thanks for the help!
OR nursing is very specialized, and would NOT benefit you if your goal is to work in a critical care environment when you graduate. If your goal is work attain a critical care job as a new grad, get a job as a tech in the ICU if possible, get your foot in the door as an employee at an institution with the highest acuity possible. Make connections, make it known that you are seeking a job in an ICU, and demonstrate a strong work ethic so that you are a preferred candidate when the time comes.
OR nursing is very specialized, and would NOT benefit you if your goal is to work in a critical care environment when you graduate. If your goal is work attain a critical care job as a new grad, get a job as a tech in the ICU if possible, get your foot in the door as an employee at an institution with the highest acuity possible. Make connections, make it known that you are seeking a job in an ICU, and demonstrate a strong work ethic so that you are a preferred candidate when the time comes.
Thank you for the advice! Since sometimes ICU preceptorships aren't available, between OR and med surg, should I choose med surg? I am trying to make as many connections as I can. The only thing is that in my city, I have heard a lot of hospitals will NOT take new grads into the ICU, no exception. Which is obviously very understandable. I will try my best to express my interest, however. Thanks for responding!
The only thing is that in my city, I have heard a lot of hospitals will NOT take new grads into the ICU, no exception. Which is obviously very understandable.
I can appreciate that you have heard that. I would go a step further than rely on what you've heard. Demonstrate your hunger, respectfully. Try to initiate contact with HR departments in facilities to verify their policies. Consider facilities farther away from home if possible. Make connections with existing employees. Med-surg would still be beneficial for you over an OR environment. At least you are caring for patients, you are learning time management, you are understanding and managing different diagnoses. Also, I'd make the point that it would be best leave OR practicums for those who are actually interested in pursuing OR nursing.
K11345
80 Posts
Hi everyone! I am still in nursing school right now, however being a CRNA is something I aspire to become one day. I am in my third year and currently have a 3.9 GPA. This semester, unfortunately, I may get a B+ in a class. This is my first B in college and I am very upset that this may happen. I would have to do extremely well on the final to get an A-, but since I have been averaging A- all semester, it is unlikely I will get high 90s on the final. So my question is, how much does GPA impact someones chances of getting into school. I am going to try to continue to get all As for the rest of nursing school, however as classes get harder, it becomes more challenging to do. What GPA should I try to aim for / keep above? In addition, is there anything I can do as a nursing student to better my chances of getting into CRNA school down the line? Sorry for all the questions! I unfortunately do not know anyone in the field, and have tons of questions about it all! Thanks in advance ?