Need some advice from a CRNA~

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2006

My story sounds similar to yours and I am a current SRNA. I had a 2.85 with my Bio degree and a 3.9 in my accelerated BSN program. I got into school without a problem. Just get good grades in nursing school and do halfway decent on the GRE. I would recommend applying to CRNA programs as soon as possible because many programs accept people far in advance. I was accepted over a year in advance of my program start date with only 8 months experience at the time in the ICU. As soon as you feel comfortable, volunteer for leadership positions in the unit-- be a charge RN, preceptor, join commmittes, etc. I also joined the AACN and went to conferences. As for your last question, I can only say: be careful!! One of my classmates is having her tuition paid by a hospital and she is doing clinicals there now and not liking it. Look at any contract very carefully!!

CRNA2b06 · Jul 19, 2006

Thanks EmeraldNYL, appreciate your response! So your saying to apply as soon as I start working basically? Silly question but it'll save me time on research, what is the difference between a SRNA and a CRNA?

skipaway · Jul 19, 2006

Thanks EmeraldNYL, appreciate your response! So your saying to apply as soon as I start working basically? Silly question but it'll save me time on research, what is the difference between a SRNA and a CRNA?

SRNA=student registered nurse anesthetist (in school)

CRNA=Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (finished school and boarded)

CRNA2b06 · Jul 19, 2006

Thanks for the clarification..makes sense now~

Just a CRNA · Jul 19, 2006

Thanks EmeraldNYL, appreciate your response! So your saying to apply as soon as I start working basically? Silly question but it'll save me time on research, what is the difference between a SRNA and a CRNA?

You may apply at any time...even complete the interview process. The AANA mandates that you have a year of critical care experience prior to starting the anesthesia program.

CRNA2b06 · Aug 1, 2006

Question to "Just a CRNA" when you applied did you already take your GRE? or did that come later before the program actually started? Thanks again!

Just a CRNA · Aug 1, 2006

Question to "Just a CRNA" when you applied did you already take your GRE? or did that come later before the program actually started? Thanks again!

When I applied, some 26 years ago, GREs were not mandated.

RNgirlie · Aug 1, 2006

hello emeraldnyn,

may i ask you what school are you in currently for the crna program. i would just like to know because i am in the tristate area as well and will soon be sending out applications. thank you. vbmenu_register("postmenu_1739074", true);

DreamMatrix · Aug 1, 2006

Hi, I have some questions in hope of some answers! I graduated with my Biology degree and now working on receiving my BSN in 14 months from St. Joes Hospital (accel program), which is offered from the same university I got my B.S degree at. I do plan on attending the CRNA program but here are some things I was just curious about:
I received a 3.3 GPA when I graduated with my Biology degree. I plan on doing MUCH better on my Nursing, but will that 3.3 GPA affect me in a negative way when applying to the CRNA?????
Will I be able to apply to the CRNA program during my first year working in an ICU?????
What helps future candidates stand out (i.e. volunteering, shadowing, certifications, etc....)????? I know I have some time but planning in advance helps avoid mistakes, its just me~
I heard that some hospitals pay for tuition & living expenses with of course X amount of years working for them in return (with pay) when finished with school! Is this a good route some facilities have to offer?????
I appreciate any input on these questions....Thank you

The 3.3 GPA I don't believe would hurt you at all, thats pretty decent. Most schools will let you apply with 1 year experience, however, you might not be as attractive as some other applicant with 3-4 years experience, the national average for experience is about that many years. Any certification you get can only help not hurt. Some hospitals and anesthesia groups will pay for tuition or assist in some way, however, remember that you make a committment to them and you might not want to fulfill that committment in the end when you have other opportunities before you. So if you have to commit for assistance OK, but don't unless you just have to.