GBID09

Dont sweat it. A look around at the students in my program, the far majority are 28-35. Almost all of us have families but we found a way to make it in and be successful in the program. If you were like me, you could probably think of a thousand different reasons why you wouldnt get in and why you shouldnt apply. I just had to redirect that mental energy into thinks like crafting the perfect application. I feel confident in saying, when you do apply and get in, you wont be the oldest in the class and you wont be the only one with kids. It is a long road but worth it. Good Luck

My program provides us with ACLS and PALS just prior to starting clinicals. Everyone will be certified and it will be valid throughout the duration of our clinical rotations. I am sure more schools do than don't.

I second Clinical Anesthesiology. It is money well spent. Good Luck

ICUDOUCME, I sent you a private message. Thanks

To some it will not matter how well you do academically in the Excelsior College program. There is a certain stigma, whether valid or not, to some that an EC degree is inferior. I do not say that to stir a debate on the issue, just pointing out a matter of fact. Think hard before you go that route, especially completing the entire program, that is the BSN in addition to the ASN there. The stigma that some carry may be to your disadvantage during your CRNA application process. My .02 cents being, make yourself as desirable as possible and limit the weaknesses that may make you less competitive, whether they ae actually weaknesses or not.....

Hi there.... I am not in the position to answer all your questions and I am a quiet lurker on this board but maybe I can provide some helpful insight. There is no doubt in my mind that my medic was a huge benefit during the application process of CRNA school and it will be to you as well, but the truth is I know of no way to circumvent the one year of ICU experience requirement. On occassion, you will run across or hear of someone that was able to get in based on ED experience at an urban Level 1 hospital (or the like) but I do think those people are very infrequent if they even exist at all. Admission committees can be funny creatures so I guess stranger things have happened. So if a CRNA program is in your future, plan on working in the ICU as an RN. In my opinion, the higher acuity the better. You may very well get an acceptance letter because of your medic experience sooner than you would have otherwise but I doubt it would come without your time in the ICU. Hope this helps........