New BSN graduate-I need CRNA advice

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Hello. I just graduated with my BSN and maintained a GPA of 3.75. I am a member of Sigma Theta Tau (prof honors society) and was a student representative. I am a wife and mother. Initially, I began my education with a BS in Biology with a Chemistry minor. I was a senior when I changed my career choice to nursing to become a CRNA. I successfully completed organic 1&2 with labs, physics 1&2 with labs and calculus 1&2. These classes came fairly easy to me. I love organic, pharm, and math. I have intensely researched a career in anesthesia and feel it is a perfect fit for me. I read everything I can get my hands on about the career. I am reading a book on Nitrous Oxide and find it fascinating. I worked in a CVICU in the Texas Medical Center for a year as a student nurse. I cared for patients with Swans, CVVHD and balloon pumps. I got a lot of experience in the unit. I desire to be the person that does central line placements, pain control, surgical anesthesia, etc. This career excites me like no other. I have secured a position at a CVICU in the med center. I did my critical care rotation in this hospital. I feel I am a good fit for this career but I would like to know what other people think especially CRNAs. I want to get ACLS certified asap and take the GRE. I want to apply to the CRNA program in November 2004 for August 2005. By the time I enter the program I will have worked 1 yr as a student nurse in a CVICU and 15 months as an RN in a CVICU. Do I have what it takes to get in? Can I get in this quickly? Is there anything else I need to know? I have asked a few CRNAs what I should expect at the interview and I feel prepared. Any advice is greatly appreciated. :)

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Also recommend that you take PALS. Many programs require it.

Good luck.............. :balloons:

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Hi, welcome to the board, you seem very motivated, as most of us who are working towards a goal of becoming a crna. I have been a nurse for six years ranging from telemtry to Sicu, Cticu, anyway I just want you to realize it might take time before you get accepted apply for next year you certainly sound like you have what it takes but if you get turned down do not let it bother you just come back so you face and work on getting ccrn if you can hopefully you will get in on your first shot best of luck nec :)

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Specializes in SICU, CRNA.

I think you have a great chance, my numbers and experience is just like your describing, and I got in on my first try.

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sounds like you have a good resume, apply as soon as you take the gre, you shouldn't have much trouble as long as you score decent and do good on your interview, getting ccrn would definetely help, but if you don't you can at least use the ccrn review book to study for your interview

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You sound like you are well on your way. I too am a new grad currently applying to CRNA school-- I have an interview next month. I would also recommend shadowing a CRNA if you haven't already.

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You do sound motivated and the suggestions so far are spot on. I'm on a selection committee for an anesthesia program and we generally like candidates with a little more experience in nursing. Yes, I know only one year is the requirement; however, with the amount of applicants each year at our program, experience is a predictor of entrance. I personally, look at all the applicants qualifications and if there are 2 exactly or close to each other, I usually give the appointment to the more experienced. What also is interesting is if you read the thread regarding AA's and CRNA's and their differences. One glaring difference is the nursing experience that we bring to being a CRNA ie... patient care, piecing together the puzzle of multiple problems patients present with and then giving expert care, dealing knowlegdably with multiple drips, ventilators, etc..Nurses have this experience when entering anesthesia school, AA's generally do not. So, while 1 year of ICU experience is required, I personally do not think it's enough. Other's however, may and do disagree.

This response to your question is not to discourage you from applying, it's just to give you perspective from someone who has been selecting students for over 5 years. Good luck with whatever decision you make.

skipaway

Hello. I just graduated with my BSN and maintained a GPA of 3.75. I am a member of Sigma Theta Tau (prof honors society) and was a student representative. I am a wife and mother. Initially, I began my education with a BS in Biology with a Chemistry minor. I was a senior when I changed my career choice to nursing to become a CRNA. I successfully completed organic 1&2 with labs, physics 1&2 with labs and calculus 1&2. These classes came fairly easy to me. I love organic, pharm, and math. I have intensely researched a career in anesthesia and feel it is a perfect fit for me. I read everything I can get my hands on about the career. I am reading a book on Nitrous Oxide and find it fascinating. I worked in a CVICU in the Texas Medical Center for a year as a student nurse. I cared for patients with Swans, CVVHD and balloon pumps. I got a lot of experience in the unit. I desire to be the person that does central line placements, pain control, surgical anesthesia, etc. This career excites me like no other. I have secured a position at a CVICU in the med center. I did my critical care rotation in this hospital. I feel I am a good fit for this career but I would like to know what other people think especially CRNAs. I want to get ACLS certified asap and take the GRE. I want to apply to the CRNA program in November 2004 for August 2005. By the time I enter the program I will have worked 1 yr as a student nurse in a CVICU and 15 months as an RN in a CVICU. Do I have what it takes to get in? Can I get in this quickly? Is there anything else I need to know? I have asked a few CRNAs what I should expect at the interview and I feel prepared. Any advice is greatly appreciated. :)
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See my "Do I Have What it Takes" post....

Just when I feel pretty confident I'll have all the right stuff...someone like you comes along and sends me back into doubtful mode! Very good luck to you, though. I will be watching and waiting for your updates.

hanpat

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i got into school with approx. 1 year of icu. I would definitely take the CCRN if you want a legitimate shot at being accepted. It shows you can succeed on a very difficult exam that covers critical care scenarios. of course there are many things the acceptance committees are looking for. More expierence would be an asset be not a neccesity. Good luck

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