TheguyRN

You really didn't give us anything to help you narrow it down with? 1) MSN or DNP programs? 2) Do you want to take the GRE? (there are very few schools that dont require this) 3) Do you want to take ochem or biochem (some schools require one of the other?) 4) Where are you looking on going? Denver doesnt have a school but they do have a distance site with TWU in Texas.. 5) Are you even in the ICU? 6) Did you get all the necessary certifications? 7) When are you looking at applying? 8) Most important, why do you want to be a crna and have you shadowed one to see if it's actually what you want to do? The program is hard so be prepared...

I actually received a job offer before I even graduated. Most if not all of my interviews were before or during Finals. I was literally taking a final and then driving to Houston that night so I could interview the next day for a job. (I went to UTHSC-San Antonio) I got a call from Methodist during a final review class, bolted out of the class only to hear that I was rejected from the CVICU! That was a shot to the gut during finals! I graduated in 2010. The competition is stiff! Literally everyone from every single nursing school is applying against you. I literally interviewed with the same people at 2-3 different hospitals. Most internships/versants programs are getting like 400+ applicants. I concur with beana34, she/he pretty much just explained everything of what I suggested in detail. I literally thought I bombed my interview at Ben Taub crossed it off my list and received a call 2 days later saying i got the job! Keep the determination! You'll land somewhere and hopefully you'll love it :-D

Well I'm just here to offer encouragement! I just quit my job at Ben Taub to start crna school I didn't read the whole thread but here are some thoughts. 1) Most hospitals in the Houston Medical center are looking for BSNs (sorry but thats the truth, ADNs do get hired but they have to show proof that they are in the process of getting there BSN) 2) There is a lot of competition so hospital can be picky, whoever said C=pass in nursing school did not take into account finding a job. I think when i started our average GPA was 3.3+ 3) You have to look daily, lots of hospitals put up and take down GN residency/positions super quick. Methodist when i applied had theirs up for only 3 days. 4) Don't get discouraged! I was rejected by many places until I landed at my hospital! 5) Have any of you actually walked into said hospital and talk to the recruiter or even yet the unit director/manager? I walked through the medical center with my resume wearing a suit going through units and talking to managers. (That actually got me interviews!) Otherwise good luck! If you have any questions about Ben Taub ask away :-p

Yes, you will need to shadow. Most places will ask you about your shadow experience. Why would they accept you into a CRNA program if you haven't even taken the time to see what the profession does. I shadowed a CRNA at my own hospital, does your hospital not have CRNAs? I was told it's difficult to find places willing to let you into an OR if you aren't a student/employee. Try emailing the CRNA school and seeing if they can set you up with an opportunity...

Can you even take just one section of the GRE? I retook it and my scores for math/verbal flip flopped but both improved. I just know if you take it again don't do worse.

You will be fine. I had a GPA of 3.14 with my first degree. I think my nursing GPA was 3.8 and I was also in an accelerated program. (I also had to make up grades like you :-p) Can't tell you much about your GRE scores because I took it with the new system in place. I honestly got interview everywhere I applied. For the most part every school pretty much asked about why my college GPA was so low and also asked me why I was a Bio major. I told them the truth about going for MD first but I made a lot of bad decisions and what I did to correct all my mistakes from then on. (Hence the better grades) The SICU at a trauma one is great. Your current app imo will get you interviews, it's how you conduct yourself and how well you answer their questions that will determine if you get in or not. TL.DR - I got in this year and we pretty much have the same qualifications/story

Honestly CVICU is nice to have. Other factors 1.) Small or big hospital? 2.) GPA science and your nursing school 3.) GRE scores 4.) Just critcal thinking in general that comes with the job Everyone that applies will have ICU experience... It's what you learn and what you do with that experience that counts

I would say so Aero! Trauma at a Level one definitely looks good! Trauma is exhausting though haha

I sent you a PM. Figured i'd tell you my name and where I work not in a public place haha. I wasn't planning on working at all. I actually planned to quit work in April and give myself time off. I actually don't have kids or a family or anything so thats why i'm quitting early haha

I'm from the Houston area. I work in the medical center as i'm sure you do also haha. Also interested in meeting our fellow classmates for the next three crazy years man!

I got in, bros we be! haha

I've gotten mine also! Good luck!

The medical center is pretty close in pay for each hospital so guess about 26-28hr

Shesarainbow - I pretty much explained that I was graduating soon and I was looking for a job in the unit because i've always wanted to work here.. Some places were great about it and others not so much. One Manager called me back 4 days later and set me up for a interview even before intern positions were available... (Also please do this even before your license as most intern positions are decided before you even graduate) NewHoustonRN and Ashlee - I would go into the hospital and talk to the recruiter or even managers to the unit. On paper everyone looks the same. Showing your face and your attitude helps. I also agree going to school out of state does not really help your chances :-( sorry

Harsh facts but 1.) Since there are so many nurses BSN/ADN every semester being pumped out of all the nurses school, the hospitals can afford to be picky :-( 2) GPA does count, refer to point one. This nursing shortage does not affect the med center haha. 3) I agree with accelerated sometimes a job anywhere beats being picky without a job.... also apply to the outlying hospitals because competition in the med center is crazy... with 500+ applicants for positions 4) Hmmm, to get some interviews I literally just walked into the hospitals with my resume and talked to the manager of the unit. (I actually got 2 interviews this way)