One year experience and accepted, credentials please

CRNAStudent · Apr 26, 2004

I think you should definitely apply now. I applied with the expectation that I would get waitlisted or denied, and then focus on the areas of my application that were weak and reapply next year. However, I lucked out and got admitted. Here were my credentials/stats:

*1 year CTICU experience (with IABPs, VADs, ECMO, and heart/lung transplants)

*undergrad GPA 3.3, nursing GPA 3.8

*GRE score 1280 and 5.5 (540 in verbal, 740 in math, 5.5 in writing)

*I had also taken graduate courses while I was an undergrad that I did well in (all As), so I made sure to point out that I had already experienced success in graduate courses (and therefore would be a successful graduate student).

I made sure to emphasize that although my experience appears limited, I made the most out of it by attending as many educational opportunities as possible (IABP class, VAD class, ECMO class, Advanced 12-lead EKG class, etc) within the hospital's educational offerings. Although I did not have ACLS, PALS, or CCRN by the time I applied (my hospital makes you wait six months after orientation is over to take the ACLS class...weird, I know), I made sure to address that in my personal statement and in my interview. I said that I was registered to take the next ACLS class, and that I had already begun preparation for the CCRN exam.

As far as the interview went, they only asked me one clinical situation. I was aware going into the interview that there may be concern about my maturity level (considering that I am only 24 and competing for a place against RNs who were a bit older with much more experience). I made sure that I was calm, rational, and confident in my decisions regarding patient care.

Apply as soon as you can...if you get denied, then make sure to ask what you can do to make yourself a more attractive candidate and then work on that area and reapply next year!

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Apr 26, 2004

Gee, I work in the MRICU of my local level I trauma center too. I have 8 mo. experience and was just accepted to Montgomery Hospital/ Lasalle U. Anyway, here are my credentials: Bio degree GPA 2.85, Nursing school GPA 3.9, GRE's (old test) 1510, member of Sigma Theta Tau and the AACN, some critical care continuing ed classes/ conferences, and molecular genetics research that I did during my bio degree.

I think you should just apply now-- if you don't get accepted, you can just reapply next year, and you will know all about the application/ interview process.

new-camc2006 · Apr 26, 2004

I was accepted to 2 schools. I just ended my one year of ICU experience in April and begin at CAMC in WV in May. I was also accepted to Raleigh, NC. I had interviews at 4 school last fall 6 months after my transfer from the OR to the ICU. I did have 10 years of nursing experience total though. Don't know of any tips for the interviews. Just relax (haha!) and be yourself. Not sure why I got in after one year of ICU, but I did work 9 years prior as an RN in different fields (OR, stepdown, ED). I just say try it, apply and see what happens. I guessed I would have to work in ICU several years, but I got lucky. Or they saw something in me that they wanted. I don't know. But those who don't apply will NEVER get into a program.

ctbsurf · Apr 26, 2004

one year PCU, one year ICU, w/ 6mo of the ICU time as charge nurse. ACLS, PALS certified. never got CCRN. overall GPA 3.45 w/ strong science background. chem I & II, Bio I & II, physics I & II. GRE 1610 overall (old test).

I applied at 2 schools at the ripe age of 24, interviewed w/ both , accepted at one, put on alternate at the other. have three semesters left to go before i graduate.

Trauma Tom · Apr 27, 2004

I had one year of Trauma/SICU experience in a level one Trauma Center prior to applying. Prior to completing nursing school I was a nurse extern in the same hospital for almost a year with six months in the ER and then six months in the SICU. I also worked as an anesthesia tech while in nursing school. I had a 3.3 average in my ADN program and a 4.0 in my RN to BSN program for an overall GPA of 3.5. This includes all A's in my science class with the exception of an F in my first semester of Organic. Retook Organic and made A's in both semesters. I scored 600 on verbal, 700 on quantitative and a 5.0 on my analytical on the GRE. Applied to 5, interviewed at 5, accepted at 2, alternate at 2 and shot down by 1. Have ACLS and PALS. Start in June of 2004. Good luck and I look forward to seeing your stats on this board too as a SRNA.

DIVER CRNA · Apr 27, 2004

Hello,

I had one year RN-PICU experience, with 8 years a as an LPN in med/surg with the military. Bachelor's in biochemistry, GPA 3.9, GRE 1280 new test. Interviewed at two school's, got accepted to two schools. Will attend Albany Medical college's, NA program strating this September. Good luck and go for it!--Jeff

trakstar · Apr 27, 2004

I am 25 years old have a double major from my undergrad graduated with overall GPA 3.3 with 3.0 in hard sciences (physics, o-chem, bio-chem, advaced physiology etc.). While completing my under grad volunteered at a metro level one trauma center OR and same day surgery suite 1 time per week shadowing CRNAs. CRNA schools like it when you know exactly what you are getting into hence job shadowing. Completed my BSN with GPA 3.8. Obtained senior preceptorship and eventual job at different level one metro trauma center. This gave me an advantage over the other applicants because the hospital was able to see how I'd perform for 6 months before hiring me. Had one year experience between trauma ICU and medical ICU. Obtained letters from academia, clinical professors and work. GRE 1150, wiriting 5.5.I know it sounds like a lot and it is, but getting into CRNA school is quite a difficult feat. You need to stand out from the crowd and get connected. The more CRNA you get to know the better they might end up on your admissions board interview. Also what helped me out is the letters I received from my work place which demonstrated my assignment selection which was maximized towards learning as much as I possibly could. Remember its the overall package the more well rounded the better. I applied to one school and got in. You can do it. Good Luck!!!

skipaway · Jun 20, 2004

New-CAMA2006

Your total of 10 years of experience was one of the keys to getting into the program. You are an expert nurse!! That's what nurse anesthesia needs. Your experience in patient care, organization, assessment and decision making can only come from time and that's what you bring to the table. Even with your one year of ICU experience, you still have years of "nursing." Again, no offense intended to those who got in with just one year, but, as a CRNA on a interview panal, experience is so very important. I would have chosen you with your 1year/9year experience over the RNs with just 1 year.

I was accepted to 2 schools. I just ended my one year of ICU experience in April and begin at CAMC in WV in May. I was also accepted to Raleigh, NC. I had interviews at 4 school last fall 6 months after my transfer from the OR to the ICU. I did have 10 years of nursing experience total though. Don't know of any tips for the interviews. Just relax (haha!) and be yourself. Not sure why I got in after one year of ICU, but I did work 9 years prior as an RN in different fields (OR, stepdown, ED). I just say try it, apply and see what happens. I guessed I would have to work in ICU several years, but I got lucky. Or they saw something in me that they wanted. I don't know. But those who don't apply will NEVER get into a program.

catcolalex · Jun 29, 2004

Kaiser permanente, 1 yr SICU experience at level I trauma. GPA 3.7, good references, I think how you handle yourself in an interview is key. most are pressure situations with lots of people etc. if you handle yourself well and are relaxed in a stressful situation, i think it speaks volumes about how you will handle school, and the profession.