Just getting started

RooneyRN · Sep 29, 2007

If you are applying next year, you are probably giving yourself plenty of time. I took the GRE and I got the Kaplan review books, a computer program that was pretty helpful and had practice tests, and a review math book by either KAplan/Princeton review.

I made lots of vocabulary flash cards with the words in sentences that seemed to have helped. I did have to retake any of my sciences because they were all fairly recent. I would look at the schools you are looking at, see what their requirements are and tailor a plan of what classes, certifications, and experiences.

I would also try to get as much face time with the program directors to show that you are really interested in becoming a CRNA, by shadowing, or it they have conferences by going to those if available.

I would also get your CCRN taken as soon as you can. A few of the schools asked why I didn't have it at the time, others did not but it looks good to have and it isn't as bad or hard especially compared to the GRE. Hope this helps. Good luck!

quote=JTT123;2424844]I am just getting started with my MICU career after being an RN for 10 years. I do have 1 year ICU experience from about 3 years ago, but did not get to see too much in the way of swans.

I am very intersted in becoming a CRNA and have aspired to do so for the last 3-4 years, but kids, and married life have pushed my efforts to the back burner until NOW!! I am so excited to finally be on the track to CRNA. I need to take my sciences over because they are outdated, so that is my first step along with taking the GRE. Can someone please give me a few tips on how to prepare myself (books, interview, etc)as I would like to apply in 2008 to attend in 2009. Is this too soon???

Just trying to start the preparation immediately:idea:

JTT123 · Sep 30, 2007

I will definitely take your advice including the CCRN certification. What is the best way to prepare for it? Any review books, classes? Being that I have to take the 3 science classes, GRE and the CCRN, is it realistic to apply to CRNA school in fall 2008?

RooneyRN · Sep 30, 2007

Well I took the GRE, a distance learning physics class, my PALS, ATCN, CCRN, and a open heart class in the last year while applying and interviewing at 4 schools all out of town. I also planned my wedding, got married during that time ad went on a honeymoon, then moved across country for school. This has been all in the last 15 months of so. Can you do it yes, will it be hard yes but school is going to be really hard. Organization is key. School is the hardest thing that I have ever done but it really worth it. I would plan a goal to apply for next year and get as much done. Apply even if you still have to take a certification or are still finishing up a science class. If you apply and are granted an interview, you might not have to take that last science class. Or you might interview and not get accepted but now you have that experience of interviewing and know what you need to prepare for a little bit better. I used the CDs for the CCRN by some lady. I listened to them on the way to work every day for a month and then took it. You need like an 85/150 so you can miss a lot and still pass. It is heavily focused on CVICU so if you do that it will be pretty easy. But the tapes are good and really prepare you for the test. I also bought PASS CCRN and I didn't really use it. It has a practice test CD and that is what it is good for. The book has some nice pictures but that is about it. Hope this helps. good luck!

JTT123 · Oct 1, 2007

:bow:WOW!!! You are Awesome!!!! Your advice has really helped to put things in perspective!!! Thanks so much....Hope to be where you are in the near future!!!!! Good luck with everything!!!

japaho41 · Oct 2, 2007

Gre Prep: Princeton Review Book/Cd-Rom & ETS CD (that you can either download or they will send you once you register to take the GRE.

CCRN: AACN core review discs and Pass CCRN, I found that the actual test questions were easier than AACN but more difficult than Pass CCRN.

As for your science courses and applying; just make sure that you have all your classes completed prior to applying otherwise if you are still taking a class and this is not acceptable to that school then you will be wasting your time and money applying.