I need some CRNA school advice

[KateBSNRN]

hello, I am open to any advice you have to give me- good or bad. I can accept it. I have been an RN, BSN for 3 years now. I worked for 2 1/2 years on a cardiac telemetry floor, and this past January I started working in the OR. I absolutely love the OR. I've got to see what exactly a CRNA does and have acquired quite an interest for it. I looked into CRNA schools- I know I need ICU experience, which I'm in the process of leaving the OR now and obtaining an ICU job preferably in a coronary care unit or cardiothoracic unit being I have the cardiac experience. My question is: my overall undergrad GPA is a 2.22. I struggled my first two years of undergrad because I actually had to teach myself the correct way to study the material. I did improve my gpa over the last two years of undergrad. Is my gpa too low to be considered for CRNA school? On the otherhand, my references can without a doubt support me-every employer has told me I am an asset to their organization. I'm hard working, I crave knowledge and always continue to learn more.

Do I have a good chance of getting into CRNA school even though my gpa is low? Can anyone give me a step in the right direction. I know I need ICU experience, I am ACLS and BLS certified, I do need PALS. Bottom line, is the interview with the anesthesia school key? Is sticking with a cardiac ICU a good choice due to the fact that I already have the cardiac background? What are some good ways for me to become more well-rounded? I've read on forums that it is really good to have an article published and belong to as many organizations as I can (e.g. ANA, CCRN etc) help me out, am I off to a good start so far?

[iLovemyJackRT]

I would start looking into taking classes to prove you can do work. My gpa is low as well and I took organic chem this summer and got an A, and right now am taking grad level patho, which I'm pretty sure I'll end up with an A. This, in my opinion is the only way to go. You need to take some harder classes to show you can do the work.

Don't get discouraged about your gpa. It might take you an extra year or two to get there because you'll have to do a few more things, but you'll get there. Also, get your CCRN.

[seansanf120]

KateBSNRN,

My advice for you would be to strengthen areas which will drag your application down. For instance, your GPA is low. Is that because you didn't do well in your science classes, or were they liberal arts classes? If you did poorly in sciences classes, then I would retake them. Strive to get A's in A&P, and Chemistry. Then get yourself into an ICU, you mentioned Cardiac ICU which would be a great clinical experience. Get your CCRN cert, this will help make up for lowsy grades, but since your GPA is too low for anesthesia school, I would start there. Keep your head up, and have a great attitude. I hear the interview is a big portion along with letters of rec which it sounds like you have some good resources. Good luck with your endevour!

[KateBSNRN]

Thank you so much for your great advice. I actually struggled with A & P in my freshman year. So I guess I should retake them. I currently work in the OR which I can also get certified (CNOR) equivalent to icu's CCRN. Is it worth it for me to stay in the OR another year to obtain that (I feel OR experience doesn't count toward CRNA school) or immediately apply for an icu position, get my CCRN and apply for anesthesia school? Would it look better if I had both CNOR and CCRN certifications?

[MNrun]

Get your GPA up or you are not going to be competitive whatsoever. Many schools will not consider you if you can't meet the minimums, such as GPA, GRE, etc.

[loveanesthesia]

Good advice to retake science courses that you didn't get an A in. That will be helpful, it's not just about the GPA, which is very important, but also being prepared for the volume of information that you will need to learn once in a program. You need to have a firm undergrad basis in A&P, and Chem to be able to step up to the next level in school. Once you get in, you want to be prepared so you don't wash out of the nurse anesthesia program because of grades. I would move to an ICU, preferable where you care for surgical patients, and not stay in the OR to get the certification. The additionally ICU experience will be of greater benefit.

[seansanf120]

If I were you I would get out of the OR as soon as you can get into an ICU. I am just speaking from schools in my neck of the woods, but they feel that ER and OR nurses without much ICU experience don't do as well. It's a totally different ball game in the ICU. However don't throw your experience as an OR nurse out the window. You are exposed to the CRNA profession everyday which is more than most people. So get in the ICU, and take the CCRN cert once you have the hours put in. I would also try to do volunteer work or join some associations, and you can also get smaller certs in specialized areas in the ICU like hemofiltration, ECMO, things like that. First step is to get in the ICU, STAT!

[trav2CRNA]

transfer immediately to the cardiothoracic ICU. you need a high-acuity surgical ICU experience. preferably at large teaching hospital- preferably at a top hospital. do not stay for any certifications in the OR as the only one that really matters is the CCRN. Retake your sciences and get all As and get a great score on the GRE. You will be accepted no problems.

[wspfan]

I too, had a "past" with my academic attempts. My GPA started out low after my initial attempts (20 years ago). I had a 3.75 GPA from my BSN (2003), and a 2.75 (1999) from my associate and a Really low from my previous college. 3 years ago I applied to five schools and got flat out rejected. Only one (horrible) interview and a rejection from that school. That was with 4 years ICU experience and 3 year ED. I had great references and an incredible work history.

What I found out is that schools wanted recent grades. The second time I applied was last year and I only applied to one school. They interviewed me, but told me to take more science courses and repeat the ones I had received a C in-and they rejected me. This year, I applied to that same school after retaking the A & P II over, Organic Chemistry (getting A's in both) and completing 1 1/2 year of graduate school for my MS-N and was placed on alternate list. I then applied to five other schools, have been accepted at one (FINALLY), and am interviewing at one this week, one in December and one in January.

I would recommend taking a specialty certification. CCRN is highly encouraged, but also study for the GRE! That was a truly big obstacle for me, as I found that test not relevant to nursing or anesthesia in any way!

Moral of the story: Do not give up. If this is your passion, follow through. These programs like persistance. I have been very honest with them in my interviews and focused on what I can do now, versus what I have done. It is frustrating, I'll be honest. Keep trying! You can do it!

[japaho41]

I will be honest your GPA is well below a competitive level. You have to consider when most schools set the benchmark at 3.0 I would guess that there would be ample candidates that by far exceed the minimum. Taking a few class and getting A's in them well help raise your GPA, but unfortunately after 80 credit hours or so (which you most likely already have) once it is down it is a slow climb back up. Sorry if this seems harsh but it is the reality of your situation minus a sugar coating.

[KateBSNRN]

Do I just go and buy a GRE study book, study from that and then take test? AND....I plan on retaking A & P I & II, taking a chem, and retaking microbiology. Should I take them at a college/university or can I take them at a community college? Does it matter as long as they transfer?

[wspfan]

KateBSNRN,

You need to talk to the directors of some of the schools you are interested in. Each school has their own philosphy as to how much weight a class carries from a community college or university. The school I just interviewed in last week said they don't care which type of institution the courses are from where as the one I interviewed in this summer preferred university classes. If you write the directors of the programs, I have found they are very honest in what their expectations are and will help guide you.

As far as the GRE, I wished I would have spent the money and done a Kaplan course. That just boils down to what kind of learner I am. I did not like trying to study from the book and wanted an explanation from a person, not a book. I have some friends, who said the book was fine for them.

Hope this helps. No matter what naysayers offer, do not give up. If this is your dream, be prepared to show how you have changed as a student and keep at it. Good luck.