MNrun

If you want to have a better chance of getting into CRNA school quickly...get adult ICU experience.

Anyone else on this board going to RFU in March?

Call down to the OR or the anesthesia department at your hospital and tell them that you would like to shadow a CRNA.

You have 6 years before then in which you can make it through a program. Also, I don't think the DNP is going to occur in all NA programs until 2025.

Get your GPA up or you are not going to be competitive whatsoever. Many schools will not consider you if you can't meet the minimums, such as GPA, GRE, etc.

This is not the norm though, there is always the exception. Programs are taking a big risk by accepting a nurse with almost no experience off orientation. You can go and apply, and may get an interview, but most likely will not be accepted.

I started applying to schools in June 2009

I'm sure there will be. I have a feeling that commute is going to get really long! I talked with someone that is in the program now that commuted from there and she said it got really long when she had to commute for anatomy in the summer five days a week. We are going to live right on campus for the first 5 quarters and then decide what to do.

I received the form to send with the deposit. I haven't received anything related to class or books. Maybe all that will be coming once the spots are filled. Financial aid information is right on the website, and the office is very helpful. Are you going to be commuting far or living near school?

Congratulations! The deposit is $500. Is RFU your first choice or are you waiting on some other schools? I think it will be a great experience. I recently talked with a student in the program and she said without a doubt she feels she will be more than ready to practice in a variety of settings upon graduation. I know they is some travel involved, but they are always attempting to add more clinical sites. Do you know if the class is full, did you interview with about 4 or 5 others? They have been interviewing people for at least 2 months now.

You could apply for 2011, but you will most likely not be competitive and most managers are not going to write you a solid LOR at that point. If you start in the ICU in September of 2010, you would have to be applying for programs right away. You will still be on orientation and not really know anything yet (no offense) I graduated in May 2008, started in the ICU in July 2008 and was just accepted to CRNA school last month to begin in 2010. I'm sure there have been a few that had the minimum of 1 year experience by the time the program starts, but most people have 1 year at least by the time of interviewing. It only makes sense to get some good ICU experience outside of orientation before you are asking coworkers, manager, and docs for LOR. If you even got an interview, they would recognize right away that you really didn't have enough experience when you haven't even cared for the sickest patients on your unit. You will not be able to take your CCRN either with absolutely zero hours in the ICU. I hope this helps.

I bought a Master cardiology and I really like it....neccessary? Not really.

I admire the OP motivation. Bojar is a great resource. I started in the CVSICU right out of school and wanted to learn more than I was being taught and read all I could get my hands on. Take the CCRN. All the extra work I did payed off as I was accepted to CRNA school with 14 months ICU experience. More people need to be motivated to advance their practice like you.

Just be willing to relocate and apply to a few schools and you should get in on the first time around from the looks of your resume...if you can interview well.

Sorry GLBK, wanted to post some things privately, but cannot do that as I can't PM

I just received an invitation to interview via email today, so I would think you all would be hearing soon!

That makes sense. Yeah, we don't have any kids, but I imagine that makes it that much more difficult to be away. I have doubts about Mayo's program. I really didn't want to stay in Rochester as the town is as boring as it gets. I have heard the program sets you up to be a "Mayo CRNA." They only have one rotation out of Rochester and it is still within the Mayo system. I want to feel that I can practice independently in a variety of settings upon graduation. I don't want an MD looking over my shoulder the entire length of the program. And I'll be a CRNA nine months sooner than if I waited and went through the Mayo program starting next fall, meaning less time wiping butts!

Congrats...yeah, the distance might not be fun, but I think it may enable us to get some more unique experiences in smaller community hospitals that are more autonomous to CRNAs. I'm at Mayo, where are you at in the Cities? Good luck at Rush.

I sent in my deposit today, anyone else accepted/attending?

Why would they send you to the floor over a few mistakes? (as long as they are not major ones such as patient deaths). I would talk to your manager to get the real scoop and relay your concerns. Let them know that you want to learn and get better, I would hope after 8 months that you have a good grasp on things, otherwise you may need to reassess your dream of CRNA. If you can't hack it in the ICU, you will most likely struggle as an advanced practitioner, IMO.

Great! How were the clinical sites? Did you get some good experiences at CRNA only sites? I had a good vibe after the interview and am looking forward to getting started.

Go and get your RN and BSN...you won't be able to do much in critical care until then. You will need them to apply to CRNA school anyway.

I've been accepted to Rosalind Franklin University starting in March. Has anyone else on here been accepted?