I'm in. Info for others and what worked for me.

[paid to pass gas]

First post. I thought I'd wait until it was useful.

I used a lot of information from this forum to prepare myself for CRNA school and more importantly, the dreaded CRNA school interviews. I thought I would pass on what worked for me, with the hope of helping other RNs looking/trying to get in.........

For me, the two most important things that I got from the forums were the scores (GPA, GRE) and experience level from those that were accepted, and the personal interview experiences, both good and bad. The specific questions that others were asked at their interviews helped me to prepare for mine.

Any time I would get frustrated because I had an average GPA and didn't know if I could get in, the GPA/GRE posts helped to keep my confidence up. 4.0 means you're good with books. It doesn't mean anything if you can't back it up clinically. The schools know this too.

I was accepted after my second interview with an overall GPA of 3.34, a GRE of 1200 (4.5 on the writing) and 8 years of ICU experience.

Prior to my interviews I studied like a mutha...... I definitely overstudied for my GRE, but feel as though it paid off. I probably overstudied for my CCRN, but know that it paid off.

I scoured the forums for every post related to questions asked at the interviews. I then copied and pasted all of them onto one study sheet. This sheet was studied ad nauseam. In combination with studying for the CCRN I was able to identify my weak areas and learn what I needed to know.

My first interview was horrible. Clinically, I was prepared. What I was not prepared for was how I was treated personally. By the time it was over I felt belittled and dismissed. Not exactly what I was looking for.

My second interview rocked. They treated me with respect. They also grilled me for 45 minutes, but I never felt as though they were anything but nice. I was accepted on the same day.

I had applied to a third school and didn't even get granted an interview! Some schools are more concerned with their accepting GPAs, but that's no longer my concern.

This post is long enough, so thanks to those who posted information vital to me, and best of luck to those trying to get in!!!

'PTPG

[nspeed22]

Hi-

I'm currently only in my second semester of a BSN program, but my ultimate goal (since highschool) is to become a CRNA. I know I have a while to go, but seeing how fast this first year has flown by, I know it'll come sooner than I think. I want to start getting the credentials now that will make me a more competitive applicant. I have the GPA down so far, with a 3.95 (stupid A- in an elective ruined my 4.0:devil:). My only concern is my involvement in University activities like NSA (nursing student association) and similar organizations. The school never really made too much effort in recruiting people to join, so I kind of just put it on the wayside and focused on my studies. The freshmen that did join sort of just "fell into it". Did CRNA schools you interviewed at ask questions/look at info about organization involvement in your undergrad career?

Thanks and congratz on getting in

[MayisontheWay]

Congrats to you!

I also want to thank you for prefacing your post with what worked for you. I think folks oftentimes confuse what worked for them with what is right for everyone.

May

[Nacki, MSN, NP]

Could you tell me what your first interview was like? I know you had things down clinically but how did they treat you personally?

[jemommyRN]

How did you prepare for the GRE? How long did it take for you? What books did you use? What was your study schedule like?

[mrigas]

Congrats on getting in. I was also admited this year to a program and wanted to let everyone know that I did pretty much the same thing for preparation.

A friend and I worked very hard at compiling a list of interview questions that prepared us clinically and professionally. Once we had compiled these questions and came up with answers, we would call each other and quiz ourselves. This really helped. Just as the OP had done, however, my friend and I had overstudied these questions as well as overprepared for the CCRN. We were still nervous going in but felt confident that we knew our stuff.

Not only did I have my CCRN, but I had TNCC, PALS, and device certifications. The board seemed impressed with the fact that I had accquired so much in so little time after becoming a nurse. So, my advice would be to get the certifications if you are applying with less than two years of experience.

[paid to pass gas]

Sorry for the delay in responding to the posts, I've been busy working A LOT to save some extra cash for school.

nspeed22 -

Any GPA above 3.5/3.6 is fine, don't think twice about not having a 4.0 CRNA schools don't place much, if any, emphasis on what organizations you are part of before becoming a nurse. They care about what you are currently doing when you apply. Once you graduate, focus on being part of organizations relevant to the area(s) in which you work. I work in a CVICU/MSICU and in a NICU (neuro, not neonatal). I am a member of AACN and AANN. I have my CCRN and was studying for the CNRN. The interviews tend to focus on areas that should be your expertise. IMO, you'd be better off focusing on building a stellar clinical resume. Work in high acuity CVICUs, MSICUs, NICUs; areas that will give you exposure to, and experience with, Swanns, vents, pressors, etc. Good luck.

NurseCutie -

My first interview sucked. I was very nervous, and they made it worse. Upon graduation from high school (a LONG time ago) I went to a local community college and did poorly. I took some time off, then went back to school and did fine. They complete berated me on grades that I received when I was 18 yrs old. In particular, one interviewer was rude the entire time. She is known for playing "bad cop" while someone else plays "good cop". The intent is to see how I handled pressure. Being a rude and snotty isn't pressure. Let's go to a code, let's handle a crashing pt, let's deal with interns that don't know what they're doing. That's pressure. I left feeling like crap.

My second interview was exactly the opposite. I interviewed with a panel that was twice as large as the first interview, but they made me feel welcome and not nearly as nervous. They grilled me for 45 minutes with clinical questions and scenarios. The entire time they were pleasant, professional and even humorous. They continued the questions until you couldn't answer a question. Then they would give hints to see if/how you figured out the answer. They wanted to know what I know and how I think; critical thinking.... I was offered a position in the program the same day. I enthusiastically accepted.

A friend that is in another CRNA program said, "You'll know it's the school you want, when you feel like it's a good fit." I completely agree.

jemommy -

I've already given my GRE books to coworkers, or I would give you the exact names. I used two large study guides (similar to the NCLEX guides) and one GRE word book. I studied the words for 6 months. Flashcards, flashcards, and more flashcards. Dictionary.com became my most visited site. I started studying the guides about 4 months before the exam. I did take a review class, but felt like I didn't gain much from it. 3-6 months study time is enough. Some people might say they spent a lot less time studying, but I know what works for me. I like to do things right the first time.

As an overall suggestion, KNOW YOUR STUFF. They want knowledgeable, competent nurses. They aren't looking for Dr's office nurses (not a dig). You have to think like a resident, not a nurse that depends on the resident. I studied more in preparation for the interviews than ever before. Somehow I have a feeling that will be nothing compared to this fall. LOL.

Best of luck to all,

PTPG

[Tulanegal]

I had several people tell me it was going to be a clinically based interview and to study for the CCRN. I was prepared for questions, but I was not prepared for how they would treat me in the interview. When I was walked to the room, one of the interviewers ask me if I was looking for the high school- I laughed it off, thinking he was just picking around. Once the clinical questions started the mood totally changed. The interviewers all gave me blank stares as I answered their questions. They never gave me any indication if my answers were complete or if they wanted me to keep going. I made the comment once, asking if they wanted more and one replied sharply "if you think that is enough". I knew my answers were correct- I just didn't know how in depth they wanted me to go with the answers. They ask me a question and then in the middle of my answer they told me it was wrong (they told me hypovolemic shock is not a form a shock). I knew it was, but then I was in shock- I didn't know how to respond. I think my body language told them I was suprised. Then after a pause, I just kept going and still listed it as a form of shock. The rest of my interview I felt like went horrible. As I answered the rest of the questions, all I could think about is the kids that I have taken care of in hypovolemic shock. Then they ask me a simple question at the end of the interview and my mind went blank- it was like they ask me to interput Chinese. I had to say, "I don't know". As soon as I walked out the door- it all came flooding back to me. I wish I would have been warned that it is somewhat of a mind game. I wasn't prepared for the blank stares, lack of any sort of confirmation and especially them telling me that I was wrong- when I knew I was right. I've thought about how I would respond now- I think I would have ask them to explain it to me. A girl who interviewed in another room while I did said that they ask her how many times 3 went into 15. Don't be caught off guard by anything. Best of luck. Hope this helps.

[mrigas]

I have to say that I also got MANY blank stares. This is very nerve-racking...especially when they ask you something general like "tell me about epinephrine." So you start rattling your brain for everything you know and as you're speaking and trying to read their faces you start to 2nd guess yourself. They almost look @ you like you don't know what you're talking about even if you are giving them the right info.

Try not to let this bother you (easier said than done). Study for the interview and be confident with what you know.