I am interested in becoming a CRNA. Currently I am a CNA and I feel that I have the capacity to be and to so much more. I have kindof been on this quest for quite sometime. I was a music teacher and it wasnt for me so i switched gears and got my CNA license as a backup just in case I couldnt find a job anywhere else (I never completed my degree in education, i kinda stumbled on the position at a private school). I feel like I kinda found something i really like. I am an incredibly resourceful person and I have the ability to separate myself from a given situation and operate objectively from the facts. So i feel that this would be a good position for me.
Here is my plan, tell me what you think
CNA to EMT-Para
Paramedic to ADN
ADN to BSN
BSN to CRNA
I currently work at a hospital and have contacted the head of anesthesiolgy to inquire about mentorship he seemed excited and game me his number to come and speak with him. I want to do the paramedic becuase I found a hybrid course that works well with my schedule (3 l'il ones under 4yrs old!) then there is a para to RN through excelsior that I want to do, as well as their BSN.
I also have a dilemma. I applied to four CRNA schools this year and I got three interviews. I didn't get into one school and I was placed on the alternate list for the other school. I'm going to turn down the other interview because I decided to take one more year to save money. So here are my stats: BA Psychology and BS Nursing, 4.0 Nursing school and Sciences GPA (not overall which believe it or not was one of the reasons I was turned down by one school!), CCRN, GRE >1200...however I work in a mixed ICU (SICU, CCU, MICU) with no open hearts or trauma. I have 4+ years of ICU experience. So here is my question...should I find another job at a higher acuity center? The nurse manager where I work is awesome and is perfectly willing to write as many letters as I need. I really don't want to leave my current job but I'm willing to leave if I need better clinical experience. Per diem openings seem to be pretty scarce right now but there are several full-time openings although that means commuting for at least 2 hours per day. Most of the people I interviewed with were either CVICU or Trauma ICU nurses. I'm already planning to take a couple of graduate level courses until it comes time to reapply and apply again. I'd appreciate ANY input thanks!!!!!
I also have a dilemma. I applied to four CRNA schools this year and I got three interviews. I didn't get into one school and I was placed on the alternate list for the other school. I'm going to turn down the other interview because I decided to take one more year to save money. So here are my stats: BA Psychology and BS Nursing, 4.0 Nursing school and Sciences GPA (not overall which believe it or not was one of the reasons I was turned down by one school!), CCRN, GRE >1200...however I work in a mixed ICU (SICU, CCU, MICU) with no open hearts or trauma. I have 4+ years of ICU experience. So here is my question...should I find another job at a higher acuity center? The nurse manager where I work is awesome and is perfectly willing to write as many letters as I need. I really don't want to leave my current job but I'm willing to leave if I need better clinical experience. Per diem openings seem to be pretty scarce right now but there are several full-time openings although that means commuting for at least 2 hours per day. Most of the people I interviewed with were either CVICU or Trauma ICU nurses. I'm already planning to take a couple of graduate level courses until it comes time to reapply and apply again. I'd appreciate ANY input thanks!!!!!
You have pretty good stats. Better than me. I too work in a mix ICU (16 beds) with 4 years experience, CCRN, did not take GRE (waived) and have a 3.5 GPA (3.25 science GPA) and got accepted to two schools (Upenn and Drexel). The fact that you got three interviews shows you look on paper. Not to be harsh but maybe you should brush up on your interview skills. How did the interview process go for you?
I would not turn down the other interview because if you do get accepted you can try to defer admission for another year (which is what I did). That way you save money but have a spot for school.
During my interview process they did not seem to care what kind of ICU I worked at or was concerned about the acuity level of my unit. If you love your job I would stay. To me it seems like you were passed over becuase you did not make an impression during your interview. You already have the ICU experience, CCRN, a good GRE score, a perfect GPA and got three interviews which is already 2/3 of the battle.
I would not assume that you can ask to defer to the next year, many programs will not allow that and may be annoyed that you took up their time when you are not ready to begin the program. If you turn down the interview, but want to interview there again, contact them and let them know why you turned down the interview. They may not choose to offer an interview again if you don't explain your reason. I agree that you should consider your interview skills, or did you appear ambivalent in the interviews? I suspect it's one of those 2 factors.
Thanks a lot or your input. I had mixed feelings about the two interviews I went to but I think you are right that the interviews were most likely the factor. Being the anal ICU nurse and Patty Planner that I am I applied last year assuming I would most likely have to reapply again because I've read everywhere that most people don't get into CRNA schools the first time around. Perhaps they sensed that I wasn't entirely ready? I haven't in the past had a problem with interviews but I think it's time for a refresher course. :-) Thanks!
Runnergirl20
3 Posts
I also have a dilemma. I applied to four CRNA schools this year and I got three interviews. I didn't get into one school and I was placed on the alternate list for the other school. I'm going to turn down the other interview because I decided to take one more year to save money. So here are my stats: BA Psychology and BS Nursing, 4.0 Nursing school and Sciences GPA (not overall which believe it or not was one of the reasons I was turned down by one school!), CCRN, GRE >1200...however I work in a mixed ICU (SICU, CCU, MICU) with no open hearts or trauma. I have 4+ years of ICU experience. So here is my question...should I find another job at a higher acuity center? The nurse manager where I work is awesome and is perfectly willing to write as many letters as I need. I really don't want to leave my current job but I'm willing to leave if I need better clinical experience. Per diem openings seem to be pretty scarce right now but there are several full-time openings although that means commuting for at least 2 hours per day. Most of the people I interviewed with were either CVICU or Trauma ICU nurses. I'm already planning to take a couple of graduate level courses until it comes time to reapply and apply again. I'd appreciate ANY input thanks!!!!!