GoldenPups

I agree with BigPappaCRNA! I've been in a general ICU that encompasses neuro, trauma, MICU, and SICU for the past five years. I chose general ICU over cardiothoracic ICU for this reason. I recently applied to my CRNA programs and have begun the interview process. Further, there's a certain intangible knowledge base that comes from years at the bedside you only achieve from the sheer amount of hours spent in critical care nursing. I'm thankful for every experience I've had thus far and believe its culminated to where I am today. Choose your place of employment, be patient, humble yourself, and your time will come!

I disagree with the LOR's being the most difficult part of the application process. If you've put your time in at the bedside you should have developed some sort of rapport with your managers and colleagues. Personally, the hardest part of the nurse anesthetist application process is in fact the wait! Patience is a virtue and certainly a learned skill. It has taught me the value and work ethic of the bedside critical care nurses who want to remain in the profession. It has also cemented my decision to pursue nurse anesthesia!

THIS!! CardiacDork I'm right there with you. I'm a nurse of five years employed in a general ICU at a level one trauma center and tertiary care facility. We've been incredibly busy and short staffed as of late, and to add fuel to fire the run of assignments have been down right atrocious (aggressive, noncompliant patients, unruly family, etc). My plans for anesthesia have been a long thought out process. However, I too have been questioning the premise of my career dream - is it really worth it? I've spoken with many CRNA's currently employed within our healthcare system, and not a single one of them have said they regret their decision. More so, all have reported that anesthesia to ICU is like apples to bananas. So, after a recent shadow experience my decision was made. Within the next year I'll also begin the application process and I couldn't be more excited for what lies ahead. Let's keep the good vibes coming!

My hard sciences are good - mostly A's a few B's. I had some stumbles early on that really affected my overall GPA. I greatly appreciate your time and insight here!

Hi all, Looking for some constructive criticism here regarding my experience on paper: 5-year staff nurse at large level one trauma center generalized adult ICU - MICU, SICU, Neuro, Trauma, CICU. Currently do charge, precept, clinician, and am involved in several unit-based committees B-code in nursing supervisor role Taught critical care courses to newly hired ICU nurses Currently enrolled in FNP program, plan to apply to CRNA schools within the next year Undergrad GPA 3.0 Graduate GPA 4.0 (5 classes, 15 credits) GRE Scores: Quan 156 Qual 153 Total 309 PALS, ACLS, BLS, CCRN-CMC certified I was on the fence about both critical care and the CRNA profession, however after a recent 16 hour CRNA shadow I was pushed over the fence. I loved the environment, the hands on critical thinking, and just the experience in general. Do I sound competitive at all? My undergrad GPA worries me, however I've taken many steps in my professional career to augment that. Just looking for some general criticism here. Is there something I can be doing within the next year to help stand out a bit more? All posts are appreciated!

06crna, Your years of experience and insight are truly appreciated. Thank you for that. What would be the number one piece of advice you would give to all prospective SRNA's looking into applying to graduate school in the near future?