PACU nurse applying for CRNA

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Specializes in Nursing Informatics.

I am currently a PACU nurse with 1 year experience of MICU under my belt. I initially planned on applying to CRNA school after two years of MICU. But upon herniating one of my discs @work, I could no longer perform the physical demands of ICU. That is why I am now in the PACU. Working alongside with many CRNA's @my hospital has re-inspired me to back to school to earn a CRNA degree. I have found a handful of schools on the east coast that accept applicants with a minimum of 1 year ICU. I plan on taking the CCRN and GRE exams prior to applying. My undergrad GPA from my accelerated BSN program is 3.4. Realistically, what are my chances of getting into CRNA school now that I am in PACU and having worked ICU last year for a year? Assuming I earn strong test scores from both the CCRN and GRE, should I bother applying to CRNA school?

Thank you all for taking time to read and reply to this thread:rolleyes:

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I would say that the lack of ICU experience could weigh heavily against you, but you never know so just take the CCRN and GRE and swing for the fences.

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Specializes in multispecialty ICU, SICU including CV.

The CCRN is a credentialing exam. It's pass/fail. You don't get an actual "score" - you get percentages of how you did on the different sections. To my knowledge, no one looks at your scores on the CCRN as admission criteria.

The one person that I know that was a former ICU nurse --> now a PACU nurse that applied to a CRNA program did not get in. She left the hospital and I lost track of her so I don't know if she got in on a second try or not.

Never applied, don't want to, but from knowing many that have applied and have/have not gotten in I don't think that either MICU or PACU experience is really preferred. I think schools generally prefer strong SICU/CVICU experience.

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Specializes in Family Practice, Urgent Care, Cardiac Ca.

Here at VCU/MCV (Supposedly the #1 Nurse Anesthesia school in the US), we have PACU nurses that get accepted often!

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Specializes in CVICU, ED.

Who knows, maybe with strong GRE scores, CCRN behind your name and strong references, this may be enough. Go for it. Why not?

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Do you not have to have a certain number of current hours in an ICU before you can even sit for the CCRN? If PACU hours count then disregard this post.

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

I have a new CRNA friend who was an ICU/PACU nurse.

SHE IS FANTASTIC...not only does she perform the anesthesia part well, but totally, and this is the most important part.

Thinks ahead to the disposition of the patient so that the patient has a generally good outcome.

I think it should behoove the CRNAs on their end to spend a few weeks (especially at the taile end of their clnicals or the beginning of their independent practice) to see how their intra-op experiences totally effect the patient.

If you interview well, and can handle it...and hopefully they will find your experience credible enough..I say go for it!!!

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When you take the CCRN exam, you will get a print out of how well you did in each section. Save that sheet and if you have good scores down the line, send a copy of it with your application. It's not a huge deal, but why not let schools see that you passed it with ease.

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Specializes in Cardiac, Pulmonary, Anesthesia.

I'm not saying it is impossible but with only one year and that year becoming more distant by the day, it would be very difficult to get into school. Apply much sooner rather than later so they don't think that the ICU experience is too old. Definitely get CCRN (which has it's own expiration date on experience). There are few schools that will accept PACU experience so it's good that you have some ICU. Work hard academically and apply very broadly and you'll have an almost decent chance. GPA is ok but if this is going to work you need some grad classes and retake any C's you have in undergrad science courses.

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Specializes in neuro/med/surg ICU / student anesthetist.

Yep, your chances are fair with only 1 year of experience but everything is program specific so depending on the other items in your profile (GRE, CCRN, other leadership activities, letters of rec) you could be a propelled in or dragged down. Many program directors will give you the straight talk about your chances if you contact them. It's also good to show them your thoughtful enough to go to the source for a proper appraisal (they are always on the admissions committee). And from my experience, any ICU experience is fine, they just want to see that you can care for complex, critically ill pts. Good luck...

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Specializes in Nursing Informatics.

Thank you all. After discussing this concern to my ICU buddy earlier today, I think its best I consider doing NP instead of CRNA. I do not miss ICU and do not wish to jeopardize my health in order to go back for a master's degree.

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Thank you all. After discussing this concern to my ICU buddy earlier today, I think its best I consider doing NP instead of CRNA. I do not miss ICU and do not wish to jeopardize my health in order to go back for a master's degree.

Good luck to you.

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