ljmb

Thank you for the replies! I was particularly concerned about a potential job loss because I have 3 kids...one just started in college. I can't easily ignore that 2 incomes would be lost...mine (for school) and my husbands. That makes for an unbearable financial strain. I am fortunate, however.... my in-laws just offered to help financially should I get in. You all are right... I will move forward, go if invited, and do whatever it takes to succeed. I've worked too hard to give up this easily. There has never been a question of committment on my part...but the financial thing threw an obvious wrench in my plans and I had to pay attention to that. But, where there there's a will, there's a way...and I'll find it!!! Thank you, LJMB

Hello. I need some advice... I have been invited to interview at 2 different CRNA programs. I've had one interview and will be interviewing at the second school in a couple of weeks. I have worked so hard over this past 1 1/2 years to get ready for this opportunity...and I've given 1000% to the effort. Just as I received the first invitation to inteview, I learned that my husband may lose his job (architect)....a symptom of the bad economy. I am SICCCCKKKK about this...and a little angry (can't help it). I've waited 20 years for this chance and now I may not be able to go if I actually get in. This disappointment is overwhelming. I am VERY grateful that I can support the family if necessary but doing so will remove me completely from being able to follow my dreams. I am hoping that things will turn around and I won't be forced to make this kind of choice but... Does anyone know if a school will allow you a delayed admission? Is it possible, if you're invited to attend, to request admission for the following year? I can call the schools and inquire, of course...but at this point, I don't want to flag my name as one who may not be able to attend. Just don't want to give them any reason to not invite me. Anyone know about this??? Thank you!

For what it's worth, I would like to add my 2 cents to this conversation... I have been a nurse for 21 years. I am back in the ICU (after a long absence) with the intent of going to CRNA school. I have been in the ICU for a year and have just been invited for my first CRNA school interview. My 21 years of nursing experience includes 6-7 years of ICU experience, but I felt like a newbie returning after almost a 10 year absence. I am quite grateful to the nurses in the unit who have helped me along, answered my endless questions, and talked to me about my plans. When I went back into the ICU, I didn't immediately disclose my plans to pursue a graduate degree/CRNA school, mainly because I wasn't convinced I'd ever get in. I let it come out slowly. In the meantime, I focused on what I was in the ICU to do...take care of patients, learn as much as I could, and be a team player. I work harder than almost anyone there...and my co-workers and manager have noticed my effort, my drive and my sincere interest in learning and doing my best. I rarely sit down. If I have time to sit, I clean up and restock. They know if they give me a patient, I will be thorough and careful. They know I'm thinking things through. I've gained their trust. My work ethic and honesty have won many points. I've never made big announcements that I'm pursuing CRNA school, yet I was truthful when asked why I'd come back to the hospital after being in a very nice job. It's my feeling that your co-workers will always respect you if they see you working hard, giving 100% and showing sincerity. I have shown since I walked in there that I was serious about being there, I wanted to learn everything I could learn, I'd be happy to take the hardest assignments, and I'd ask questions. My co-workers have watched me work 2 jobs, go back to school to finish my BSN, and complete a huge research study...all in an effort to make a decent application for CRNA school. They know I've killed myself to do this and how important it is to me. They know I'm not viewing the ICU as a "dump that I can't wait to leave". They know I respect them and would work next to them any day. As the time has come to put in applications, they are the ones cheering me on and lifting me up. They have believed in me when I've lost hope. Two very experienced nurses have worked with me to bone up on what might be asked in an interview. I couldn't ask for better support. I guess it's a matter of attitude. Waltzing into an ICU for your "bare minimum one year and I'm outta here" is an attitude that'll not win friends. I guess what I'm trying to say is it's all in your attitude. When you're in the ICU, work hard. Then work harder. Do a great job while you're there...every time you're there. Don't sit down. Soak up the information. Give 100%. Give back a little to the people who are helping you reach your goals. They will respect you for your work ethic, they'll applaud you when you succeed. Maybe I'm working in an unusual place, but I feel lucky that I have a few friends on my side who are interested in "me"...and are happy to see me pursue something that means so much to me. Not one has been rude about my pursuits, not a single off-word said. I almost feel bad when I read these entries about the "revolving doors" and nurses abandoning the ICUs to pursue something else. It's just that I've wanted to do this for a very long time.... and I've worked really hard to achieve it... and I want my chance to do something new and exciting... and I think my co-workers understand that. I can't tell you how much I appreciate their support. It means everything to me. Oh.... My ICU manager even wrote glowing references for me.

Thanks for the replies. I guess there's no easy answer. I'm applying to 3 different schools and each has it's own requirements for the references. After everyone's feedback and some careful consideration, I've decided to give the schools what they ask for.... some ask for nurse only recommendations, one asks for a doctor, all ask for a faculty member, one asks for a nurse peer. I do have a CRNA who'd write a recommendation for me...but I'm not sure I"ll use that option. The doctor, peer, boss and faculty member all know me better... and can honestly attest to my strenghts and suitability for this career option. On a side note.... I talked to my brother about this topic and he gave me some good advice.... Ask for references from people who really know you and who really have something good to say. Don't expect an outstanding recommendation from someone just because they have a "title" or you think they might make you look good. My brother graduated with a Masters in Business/Finance from Duke. When he had applied there, he got 3 recommendations from various people. He never saw the recs. AFter he graduated, he got to know a member of the admissions committee who questioned him about his referrals... and he said it was obvious that person had never written a recommendation is his life!! Scary who we trust sometimes! Although the guy didn't intend to give a bad reference, it was so poorly written, it was a "joke". So, I've decided to go with the people who know me well...and who are professional and can write well.... and who have an interest in seeing me succeed... and I won't ask for a reference simply because it might "look good". LJMB

Hello, I am starting to send my applications in to 4 different schools. I am working on the Recommendation letters and have a question... Some of the schools specify who they would like letters from. Other schools do not. I have nailed down who will write my recommendations and why (some I chose because it was required by the school....others I chose because they know me well and would have something complimentary to say). In all, I have recommendations from an ICU co-worker, a doctor (surgeon that I've worked with for 7 years), a DNP from the BSN program I attended(she's the Chair of the Nursing and Science Dept), and my ICU manager. I debated on getting a recommendation from a CRNA or Anesthesiologist...but they don't know me quite as well as the surgeon I've worked for and I was reluctant to "take a chance" on someone who didn't know my work as well. At any rate, here's the question... Each school has their own recommendation form. I naively thought that my references would write a real "letter" to attach to that form....you know, one that tells the admissions committe how wonderful you are!!!?? I have been disappointed that they haven't done so....and are simply filling out the school form by hand....just a few sentences that only answer the questions. I wouldn't know all of this had these references not provided me with a copy....and each person said really wonderful things... (so, yes, I know there's nothing really to complain about)... but I would like to ask you fellow CRNA-wannabees.... are you specifying to your references that you'd like a "letter"... or are you just asking that they fill out the forms and send them in??? I'm thinking the content of the letters is more important... and it won't really matter in the end.... I'm just hoping to put my best foot forward...and I'm a little worried. Can you all please share your experience?? Thank you

jdiekhof, I live in Lexington, Ky. My options are UC, Texas Weslyan (Louisville and St. E's in Northern Ky), and Murray State (Morehead). I have a family and can't travel farther than that. When I spoke with UC (I talked to the coordinator as well), he specifically said a reference from an ICU manager was important. When I asked the question and said a surgeon wanted to write a reference for me, he quickly replied that an RN was preferable. Other schools I've investigated ask for references from a manager, a peer and a doctor. UC does not...so it's left up to us to figure out.

Thank you. I know so little about this...the thread you provided will help. Regards, LJMB

Just wanted to ask those who are either in CRNA school or who are out and practicing... What is your opinion on the upcoming PhD entry for practice? I will be applying to 3 different CRNA programs this fall and want to understand the issues...and be able to articulate my opinion (if asked). What can you tell me?? Is this a good thing? Will it happen? What's the benefit? Downsides? THank you! LJMB

Beedog, Thanks for all the information on UC. I will be applying for that program this fall. I would like to add one small piece of info. for any others reading this post... I left a message for the Director of the program. She personally returned my call within 2 days and answered all my questions. I was seeking advice about my experience, whether to repeat science and statistics classes, etc. She took the time to speak with me and I appreciate the advice she gave. In the end, I've decided not to repeat a stats class based on that conversation......just saved me time and money. Beedog, can you comment about the chemistry class you had on your transcript? I've had 2 general chemistry classes and one organic. However, both were years ago. I am willing to repeat one prior to applying but am unsure what to take. Got any opinion on what UC would prefer??? THanks! LJMB

Can anyone tell me which science classes are being evaluated when applying to CRNA school? I am looking at these as possibilities on my transcript: Anatomy Physiology Pathophysiology Pharmacology Chemistry and Lab Microbiology Nutrition (?) Of course, tons of nursing classes, research, stats, health assessment, etc...but I don't think any of these count in the "science" category. Just trying to decide what my "real" science gpa is. Do they include Psych??? Do they include stats? Thanks! Laura

where are you taking an online class? I'm interested in finding one but I'm not having much luck. Laura

I have 6 years of previous ICU experience (I've been a nurse for 21 years). I'm in the ICU now (again) for my year of "current" experience....and I'm finishing a BSN that I never had....(I had an ADN for that long). I have everything in place to make a decent application... I just thought it might be best to have the CCRN in hand... and the BSN almost done when I send the application in. What do you think?

Hello everyone, Can anyone tell me if there's an advantage to getting your application in "early"? I will be applying to 3 schools in the Fall. Texas Weslyan has a satellite program within an hour from my home so it's one of the programs I'm looking at. On their website they say they accept applications starting in June, with a Deadline of December. I'm wondering if I should get my materials in early or if waiting until October/November helps??? I only have one reason that I'd prefer to wait it out... I'm finishing my BSN in December...and will take the CCRN around October. I'm thinking if I had these things just about wrapped up, my resume might look a bit stronger. Any comments? Thanks! Laura

Thanks for your reply. I've started studying for the GRE already. I'll try to take that in another month or so. I think I have the overall "plan" well mapped out. I just find it nice to get some support and share some ideas on this forum. YOu all have been a great help! Thanks again, LJMB

I already have the ICU job lined up and will start next week. I knew I wouldn't have a prayer without the current experience. I never considered auditing. That may be a great option for me. Thank you! I'll look into it. I keep looking at all the requirements and, although I"ve done it all before (chemistry, statistics and ICU experience), I guess I'll have to do it again....to look serious if nothing else. Thank you for your comments and help! Most appreciated. Laura