how to prepare for CRNA application

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Currently working in medical surgical ICU ~1yr, and would like to know what else to add to my resume to support my application to CRNA school.

For example, who to seek out for reference letters. It seems like managers are against letter-writing b/c they don't want to lose more staff.

Did you join committees/act as a charge nurse in your unit?

I haven't had any swan experience because we rarely ever see them in our unit. (even though largest hospital in the state with level 1 trauma center)

Did you get CCRN before application?

Outside activities?

Thanks so much!

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I'm not in a program yet but I know its nice to get some support. I have been advised to definitely take the CCRN. This makes you a well rounded applicant. The test is not that bad (and I'm no CV nurse) Laura Vonfrolio has great tapes available. Look on Ebay. Also Barbra Pope from Philly is even better. She only has lectures you attend, no tapes. Barbra Pope has a deal at Trends in Philly every April where you take her 3 day review and sit for the test on day 4. (pencil and paper)

My hospital will let you cross train in CV due to short staffing. They don't give you fresh hearts but you get swan exposure. See if your CV is friendly to this idea.

I'm taking a grad level stats class this summer.

Hope this helps

You may want to take the GRE because 2 programs I spoke with stated that GPA's have become inflated and they need another deciding factor.

I work 2-11 dog tired, hope this helps

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Specializes in Anesthesia ICU LTC Dialysis.
Currently working in medical surgical ICU ~1yr, and would like to know what else to add to my resume to support my application to CRNA school.

For example, who to seek out for reference letters. It seems like managers are against letter-writing b/c they don't want to lose more staff.

Did you join committees/act as a charge nurse in your unit?

I haven't had any swan experience because we rarely ever see them in our unit. (even though largest hospital in the state with level 1 trauma center)

Did you get CCRN before application?

Outside activities?

Thanks so much!

CCRN without a doubt. SWANS are falling out of use. Do not worry about those. Take more science courses if possible.... and I cannot stress this ENOUGH..... SHADOW A CRNA for SEVERAL days..

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Specializes in MICU.

agree with infidel, shadowing cannot be stressed enough. I have a coworker who quit anesthesia school 9 months into it, her reason was she did not really know what was invovled and didnt like the responsibility :no: (this is the reason she gave, and i have no other reason to believe it not to be true) but why in the world would a school admit someone who has no idea what the career invovles they are choosing to pursue. what a waste of time, and someone else they could have admitted who knows what the career invovles.

anyways, shadow several shifts. see a variety of cases. besides the interview commitee i find are impressed with people who go out of their way to shadow and shadow enough to see what the job entails.

tony

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Currently working in medical surgical ICU ~1yr, and would like to know what else to add to my resume to support my application to CRNA school.

For example, who to seek out for reference letters. It seems like managers are against letter-writing b/c they don't want to lose more staff.

Did you join committees/act as a charge nurse in your unit?

I haven't had any swan experience because we rarely ever see them in our unit. (even though largest hospital in the state with level 1 trauma center)

Did you get CCRN before application?

Outside activities?

Thanks so much!

I would disagree with the one who says "swans" are on there way out. Swans are a very important part in taking care of a critically ill pt. Also, reference letters, you need to find a CRNA to shadow, frequently if possible. This needs to be someone you spend enough time with so that they will know your character and your abilities. this will get you a much better letter of ref. I will tell you I spent probably 8-10 days with an anesthesiologist who was very helpful. When I interviewed for CRNA school they pulled the letter out and were very impressed. They told me that it showed a lot that I took the time to get familar with the field, so I knew what I was getting in to. Also this MDA wrote of my character and my knowledge base, I really think the interview process including letters of ref. are a big part of being successful for admission. If I can help anyway feel free to post again. Hope this helps.

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Specializes in ICU-CVICU.

I start school in August...

Definitely have letters from writers that know you well! I called to thank one of my references when I got my letter of acceptance. She told me she was called by the program director and was asked about every aspect of my practice, character, dependability, scholarship, etc, etc. Said she had never been "grilled" to such a degree.

My advice to folks who ask me how I got in...Rock the GRE, get great LOR's, get your CCRN, and buy the nicest, most professional suit you can afford for your interview.

May

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