Making progress in reaching my goal

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Hello! I'm 23 and I've been pursuing my goal of becoming a CRNA since I was 17. The last time I posted in the forum, I was still in nursing school and was precepting in the Neuro ICU. A lot has changed since then!

I landed my first nursing job in the Cardiothoracic ICU in a large teaching/magnet hospital. I've learned SO much since I started working there -- I hit the 7 month mark yesterday. I have taken care of ECMO pts, open sternums, seen chests re-entered at the bedside due to tamponade, and much more. I love it!

Recently, I introduced myself to the director of the CRNA school which I plan on applying to (she still practices anesthesia in the same hospital in which I work). She let me come and help with their senior anesthesia simulations and told me I could come shadow her in the OR.

GPA wise, things could be better. Last 60 hours is a 3.2, and my combined sciences is a 3.5. But I'm hoping that since I know the director of the program, have interacted with all of the members of the interview panel, and acquired a job in CICU, that my chances of getting in are good.

I will be taking the GRE this summer, and I will apply to the program in September! Wish me luck!

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wow, good luck and great job! Make sure you feel prepared, there is a lot of info out there about years of nursing experience and anesthesia school, on both sides of the fences. Did you take any extra sciences after you graduated, undergrad or grad? Showing high grades in those might help them reconsider your gpa.

good luck!

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Specializes in Mixed ICU, OHU.

Your GPA is not that bad. I'd be more concerned with experience. Best of luck. Remember to continue seeking experiences in your ICU.. Even if it is not your patient, you can still learn!!! That's how I got in with 2 yrs ohu/icu

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Specializes in Peds Med/Surg; Peds Skilled Nursing.

that's awesome....Good Luck!

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sounds like you are really working hard...good for you! I would take a grad level science course that you could apply to the program you want to go to. Ace it and show them how smart you are :). Sounds like you're very focused and ambitious which will help you in all areas of your career. I wish I was like that when I was 23....I was too busy partying!

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Nice! Keep up the good job and congrats! Best of success to you!

You all are role models to me and I want to follow your foot steps! Keep it up and shine bright!

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Wow sth90. That is really impressive. With that kind of focus, it will b hard to not get in. There's nothing impossible if u put ur mind to it. Best wishes in your endeavours.

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I have not taken any graduate level courses yet! If I do not get in on the first try (which I'm not getting my hopes up for), then I am going to take more courses to boost the GPA and show them that I can handle graduate-level work.

Thanks for your input! :)

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