fluffy

Hey, DONE with an A. It was a lot of powerpoints and learning on own. The reading was huge amounts and really didn't correlate with the weekly testing. You have to do a presentation online, ppt and also a research paper. It was alot and intense. I hope this helps. I am currently in Barry's Transition to Nurse Anesthesia course and it is going well. I am also taking the National Pain Management certification and currently starting applications. I plan to retake gre in the fall if asked and possibly do the Pharmacology course also in the fall. I hope this finds you well. I will keep pushing forward and let me know if you take the Adv Patho course. Fluffy

Thank YOU Thank You a million times over. I have taken to heart your journey and I am so glad you took the time to write all this. I am applying for a full time job currently to become staff so that I can have the more challenging ICU patients instead of babysitting. I have my CCRN already and I am working towards the pain certification now. I am taking the transition to nurse anesthesia course at barry university this Summer. I feel once I am staff then possibly people will get to want to know me more so I am hopeful that someone would be able to write a recommendation towards my applications. I have reached out to the previous schools but most of them just tell me "It is competitive" and don't really give me any guidance. In fact, One program director literally took the time to send me an email with one sentence saying " I have no time to give you advice on your application".? WOW!. Anyway, I am keeping my chin up and encourage myself to be strong and brave and to not give up. I am going to start working on my essay for the applications and focus on the things that I can control. Thank you again for helping me and encouraging me. In this global crisis we are all experiencing, Kindness is what we need more of. Stay safe

Thank You TNRN11. I picked up travel nursing to diversify myself. I see your points about the pros and cons of travel nursing. At times, I am not getting the sickest ICU patients so I am considering applying for a staff job. I just finished advanced patho and my GPA as calculated by the Nursing Cas is really low. I think my next steps are to find programs that only look at my last 60 credits (which are solid). Do you know any specific programs that I should look at? I am working on another certification and because I am not a staff nurse I am struggling on how to develop leadership or be more active in the community. Do you have any suggestions? I am all ears. Lastly, I only know by acquaintances people who are CRNA's. I struggle with getting recommendations because I am a bit introverted and a travel nurse. Anyway, Thank you for reaching out and listening. I am currently down about the admission process and trying to find the strength to re apply. I feel very discouraged and have been trying to think of ways to not let my past GPA of 25 years ago keep me out of the game. I feel judged for my past and dismissed because of it. I know that I am a great nurse and that I can be a great CRNA. I just need to find some program to give me a chance. Sorry so intense but that's what I got.

Thank you for this message. I need it right now. I have been pushed away because of my low GPA even though I have all the other requirements. I hold my breath everytime I step up to the plate only to get knock down by the committees. I am torn to pursuing my dream of CRNA or just give up. I am encouraged some by your story.

WOW!, incredible and inspiring stories. I am finishing up my Advanced Patho.... working at a Neuro ICU...very interesting...I am not sure how to go about leadership growth as I am a travel nurse...any suggestions? I am pondering if I should take advanced Pharmacology class next or focus on retaking the GRE scores? I got a 285... Interestingly, I started taking Organic Chemistry at UNE and HATED their teaching style and I immediately left and took it at Univ of Minnesota and IT WAS AWESOME. Highly recommend it to others. One more thing, have people been struggling with getting recommendations from their ICU managers? I know that we can't mention that we are working towards CRNA school in some situations ...feels like a dirty secret.... but yet committees want us to get the references....I am struggling with asking for letter of reference when some managers don't like the thought of nurses being there and using the ICU for the sole purpose of going to CRNA school. Thank you all for the stories and encouragement. I am working on certifications too and will bravely try again to apply. Does anyone know of any changes that are occurring regarding application processes since COVID-19? Stay safe and strong everyone

Hi Davida, I, too, have been told that I could not register for graduate classes as a non-degree student from many, many schools and others have said to "get permission" which has been ridiculous. I was even registered and paid in full for a January course and then the class was cancelled. UGGH. I have been chasing this around and around and had not been successful until today. Today I was able to "get permission" to register at UMASS Medical in BOSTON for online Advanced Pathophysiology course that starts next week. I will try to add a link for you but certainly check it out. There is advanced pharmacology too. As a non-degree student, we are allowed to take 2 graduate courses only from some programs but others will refuse you. I hope this helps https://www.umb.edu/registrar/forms Fluffy

Hi Nikki I started with UNE orgo and within the first two weeks It was driving me crazy with the style of "teaching" online. I quickly switched (and lost all my money) ended up with a B+ in the other course but I can honestly say I really did learn it. It is a difficult course anyway you cut it but I think a B in a Prerequisite class shouldn't be the determining piece whether you get in or not. I think you did a great job in the class getting a B and that should be acceptable towards the applications. My research about all of this, has taught me that they look at everything and not just one course. I don't believe a B will bring down your science GPA greatly either. Hold your head high and press on. PS I hate how Organic chemistry is the "course" that weighs in on people's future.

Hi, I too applied to various CRNA programs and did not get any interviews. I took the GRE (may have to retake), Have all the chemistry(A's), BSN with a 4.0, Graduate Biostatistics (A), CCRN, PALS,ACLS, BLS and been working as a travel nurse to level 1 hospitals. I reached out to all the programs and none of them were able to tell me why I was not invited and what I can do to improve my chances for next cohort. They keep saying, "It is competitive"? I don't know what more to do and I am impressed and intimidated by everyone's credentials. I am going to apply again but I would love any suggestions that could help me improve.

Thank you everyone I will definitely take the graduate course in pharmacology and continue in the ICU. I appreciate the advice greatly since I am trying to figure this stuff out alone. This application process is crazy and competitive and I really want to get in this field. I had applied to many CRNA programs and not one invite for an interview. ? I have a low GPA from 25 years ago but the committees continue to use it against me despite my 4.0 in my BSN and my extensive experience. I have taken one Graduate level biostatistics course (A) and have my CCRN. I don't know what else to do to show them I am good enough for their programs.

Hi I am trying to improve upon my application for 2021 cohort and I understand that it is recommended to take graduate pathophysiology or advanced pharmacology. I am also seeing that I can take an online continuing education from nurses.com and get a certification (It is a 25 hour online course). How do the admission committees of CRNA schools view the certifications? This one is specifically for advance pharmacology for the practicing nurse. Is it best to take the graduate course and would it automatically be transferred in so as I wouldn't need to take it again if accepted into the program? I also am trying to retake the GRE test and I work full time at a Level 1 hospital . Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you GL