PACU nurse applying for CRNA

[ReeseW]

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:

[natbug]

Some PACU units are ICU overflow and take alot of the more critical surgery patients and some schools accept this as "ICU/critical care" experience. My suggestion would be to call and/or meet with the program director of a few programs that you are interested in and explain your situation and goals (CCRN etc.) and ask them if they would accept PACU or not. Even if they say no, you can get an idea of exactly what the particular prgram is looking for and the program director will also know that you are serious about wanting to become a CRNA. It doesn't hurt to ask. Good luck!