bloomRN

I don't think you have any reason to wait and apply later. Your experience, certifications, and GPA all sound more than adequate to be a good candidate. I think you should definitely apply. In the end, even if you don't get in you have lost nothing, and have gained valuable interview experience which will benefit you when you re-apply. So...go for it!

Hey BrymanRN, Sorry to take so long to answer your question regarding who is in chage of class approval. I looked at my old emails and the person I emailed about this is Andrea. Her email address is [email protected] You should email her the course description along with a syllabus for the courses you wish to transfer. Also, remember that you can only transfer 2 classes to Penn. Good luck, -BloomRN

I agree that your best option in this situation (and in any situation in my opinion) is complete and total honesty. Were I on the admissions committee I would consider such honesty and integrity a tremendous strength. When you consider the profession of Anesthesia honesty and integrity is an absolute must as we handle controlled substances on a regular basis. Be honest, submit the missing transcript, and trust/hope that they will overlook the grades and remember your honesty...good luck!

I think that depends on the programs you are applying to. I would ask or find out what they like to see in a competetive applicant. I interviewed at three programs and only one of them asked if I was going to get my CCRN. I responded that I might but at the present time I was focusing on getting my applications in order and prepare well for interviews. They said they strongly recommended that I did, and that was all that was said...several months later I was accepted. Any additional certifications you can obtain are great! But, don't spend so much time doing the CCRN that you blow the GRE or are inadequately prepared for your interviews. With that said, I also think that studying for the CCRN is a good way to prepare for interviews (I used several CCRN prep sites to review material pre-interviews). In short, if you have the time and can swing it I say go for it! But, I think you have a pretty good chance regardless. Good luck! --bloomRN

Hi brymanRN, Congratulations on getting accepted! Oh, and congratulations on your soon to be addition to the family, exciting times for you and your family! To answer a few of your questions: Safe/family friendly areas in Philly: Roxborough/Manayunk is great and some people also suggested the Art Museum area. What to do to prepare: You can transfer up to 2 classes in so I would recommend taking 2 classes (they have to be approved through the school for transfer first, and you can do them online). Everyone I have talked to says doing that makes a huge difference. Liberty Univeristy Online offers a research class and another (I forget the name) that have been approved for transfer credit. Getting a PA nursing license: I didn't think it took very long or was too difficulty to get a PA nursing license. But, be aware that you will also have to get a nursing license from NJ and DE and they are a bit more of a hassle for some reason Which hospital should your wife work at: I don't know the answer to this one because I am not a pediatric nurse, and I have never worked in any of the Philadelphia area hospitals. But, there are a LOT of hospitals in the area and she should have plenty of options. Have I talked with any faculty/students: Yes! I have talked with the director several times via email and phone. I also spoke with several students from the program when I was trying to decide which program I wanted to attend. Furthermore, when you get closer to starting time, the program will set you up with a mentor (someone already in the program) to help you figure things out and get started on the right foot. I hope this information is helpful. Again, congratulations! SERIOUSLY consider taking some classes early if you can manage it. --bloomRN

My GPA cumulative was a 3.48 and my BSN GPA was a 4.0 At the time I was accepted I had 2 years of ICU experience in a non-specialized ICU where we took medical, surgical, trauma, and anything in-between. My certifications included BLS, ACLS, PALS, TNCC, ONS (Chemo). The schools I applied to include the following: Midwestern (AZ), Excela Health (PA), University of Pennsylvania (PA), and Thomas Jefferson University (PA), and Bloomsburg University (PA). I interviewed at 3 of the 5, declined to interview at 1, and was accepted to 2. There are enough programs out there that don't want the GRE or are willing to waive that requirement for a certain GPA. While still in the application process I spoke over the phone with the director of Bloomsburg's program and he basically said they don't care about the GRE because at it tells them is whether you can take a test well or not. I like that philosophy...anyone can study hard and do well on an exam, but that doesn't mean they have what it takes to excel in a critical clinical situation. Hope this is helpful, and good luck with everything. If you have other questions or I can offer any encouraging words or advice just ask. I know I received a lot of help and encouragement from those who did it before me!

Cool! Congrats, and good luck!

Hey rcon, Ofcourse I don't mind sharing...at the time I was notified that I was accepted I had 1 year of med/surg and 2 1/2 years of ICU nursing experience. I am not suggesting that this is the norm, every program is different. I just think it is important that people understand that you can get accepted without tons of experience. As long as the experience you have is good quality experience and meets the minimum program requirements you should be fine!

Don't have an answer for you since my program starts in June as well (actually late May). But, I am taking a few non-anesthesia classes early and can share my thoughts on them...I am currently taking Applied Pharmacology and Research. I was nervous about Applied Pharmacology because I haven't had Pharm for quite a while, and I also had them waive a pre-req of Graduate Pathophysiology just so I could take the course. With that said, the Applied Pharmacology class is not nearly as hard as I thought it would be. I have not worked very hard at it at all and have an "A" in the class thus far. The final is tomorrow, so we will see how it goes! I think you will be surprised at how much you still know (even from classes you took many years ago). Since our program start dates are so close I was wondering which program you are going to attend? Just curious I guess!

I can understand your dilemma. I struggled with the same situation you are currently struggling with. I was accepted into a CRNA program that will begin this summer, but would require that I move my family and I across the country to attend. Because attending the program required such a drastic change for my family and I, the decision not to get a job was an easy one for me. This time has allowed me to get my family settled in a new and unfamiliar area. It has also given me the opportunity to take a few classes early that will lighten the load a bit once the program begins this summer. Perhaps greatest of all is the quality time I have been able to enjoy with my family over the past few months. With that said, it all depends on your situation. What I chose to do will cost me more money in the long-run, but was worth it to me because of my wife and kids. Every person is different, and each situation unique. I don't think not working for these few months will harm me as far as skills are concerned. After all, most programs don't start you in the clinical setting until after at least the first semester (if not more if front-loaded). Good luck with your decision!

I think it is best not to focus on the qualifications of others who gained acceptance. Instead, it would be more valuable for you to focus on what the schools you plan to apply to like to see in an applicant. The thread and website mentioned in previous responses to your post should prove helpful to you. I personally used the website (all-crna-schools.com) a lot. But, I will caution you that all the information listed on that site is not 100% accurate. Don't hesitate to contact the school directly and ask them questions, they are your most accurate source for information regarding their programs. Hope this helps (I think it should be more helpful than simply listing my GPA, experience, credentials,...)

I KNOW you don't have to work in a Level 1 Trauma Center to gain acceptance to CRNA school. I know this because I was accepted to multiple programs and the only hospital I worked at was a Level 3 that functioned as a Level 2. The hospital was not even 400 beds, but because it was a regional hospital we had a wide variety of very sick patients, and the doctors relied heavily upon the nurses to know their stuff and perform well. I agree that you should contact the schools you are interested in and see what they like to see in applicants. But, I would say the type of patients you care for routinely is more importan than the type of facility you work in. During the interview process you will likely be asked to describe your typical patient, and that is your chance to demonstrate that although your facility may not be a Level 1 Trauma Center, you know how to take care of the sickest patients and your experience is not limited.

I don't think your age will be much of a factor at all. I think maturity level is more important than age, and the fact that you know what you want to do, and are willing to do what is required to accomplish it suggests maturity. As far as years of ICU experience is concerned, I wouldn't worry about not having enough experience if I were you. That is, unless the ICU where you plan to work is tiny and will only offer you a very limited clinical experience. But, if it is an average ICU where you will be learning to provide care for a variety of VERY sick patients then your amount of experience should be just fine. The previous comment made is true...you WILL be competing for admission with others who have TONS more experience than you. But, that doesn't matter because those who have done critical care know that you learn the most in the first few years. I only had just shy of 2 years ICU experience when I got accepted, and that wasn't even at a Level 1 Trauma Center (which some will argue is absolutely necessary). The admissions committees are very good at determining if you know your stuff (regardless of how many years of experience you have). Lets face it, we have all worked with nurses who have 20-30 years of experience and still don't know their stuff all that well. So, work hard, get good grades, and don't worry about being too young or not having enough experience. If you work hard and know your stuff, you will have no problem getting accepted somewhere. Good luck!

The answer to this question depends upon the schools you will be applying to. I had one school that requested documentation of shadowing time. All the other schools simply asked if I had shadowed CRNAs and then asked how many hours of shadowing time I had done. Every school is different in what they require. So, it's not a bad idea to make a simple spreadsheet/table where you can fill out where, when, and with whom you shadowed. I would even have the CRNA sign your documentation that way if it is a requirement you already have it. Good luck!

I don't know much about online Pharm or Patho courses...do you mean classes that would transfer for CRNA school, or are you re-taking under grad Pharm and Patho courses? If you want them to transfer for CRNA school make sure that they are approved for transfer credit by the program you plan to attend. Another point to consider is the fact that most programs will consider you for acceptance based upon your GPA when you graduated from a BSN program. You typically can't increase a GPA simply by taking more classes after you have already graduated. Having said that, you stated that your GPA is 3.48 and you should know that I was accepted to multiple programs with a GPA just below 3.5 so you are probably just fine.

It is true that many programs will simply spell it out for you and require letters from specific people (like a direct supervisor, a peer, etc.) But, if your program does not do that for you pick some people whom you feel will give the most honest and favorable representation of you and your ability to succeed. I asked a CRNA who really didn't know me that well on a personal or professional level, but who I had shadowed several times in the OR. I like what he did...one evening he called me and just asked me several questions to fill in the blanks on what he didn't know about me. He asked what I have done to prepare adequately for CRNA school, what types of patients I routinely care for, and my educational background. I also asked several doctors I worked with as well as some professors from my undergraduate program. I made it a point to give my cover letter and resume to everyone I asked to write me a letter. This is helpful to them especially when they may not know you as well as you would like. One final point is to ask people WAY in advance because some may not be as timely as you would like and you don't want to miss deadlines because they were slow about writing a letter for you. Hope this helps, and good luck!

If that is the program you really want to attend, then I recommend applying anyway. Often the admissions committee is willing to overlook one weakness on an application if other aspects are particulalry strong. Another thing you may consider is seeking out programs that do not require the GRE. There are several VERY good programs out there that either do not require the GRE, or waive the requirement for a certain GPA. I was accepted to 2 out of 3 programs with NO GRE score at all. I guess what I am trying to say is not to limit yourself to just that program, and realize that there are many options out there...many of which may get you around the GRE thing quite easily.

I agree with morificeko...I don't think I would tell them you are taking the CCRN exam unless it is an actual requirement for the program at which you are interviewing. I interviewed at 3 programs, declined to interview at another, and only 1 asked if I had or would be getting my CCRN. If they ask, tell them, otherwise I would not mention it for the simple reason that if by some odd chance you don't do well you have just shot yourself in the foot. I was accepted to 2 out of the 3 programs I interviewed at and all without the CCRN. My point is that these programs are good at determining if you know your stuff or not and sometimes offering too much information can hinder your chances rather than help them...just my opinion. Good luck!

I noticed that you included Excela in your list of programs and since I interviewed at that program fairly recently, I thought I might offer some information that may be helpful. First, you should know that Excela interviews ALL applicants...not just those they deem to be competative. They will have you fill out a few questionaires prior to the interview...make sure you have them completed and bring them with you. Obviously, failing to do so would likely ensure that you will NOT get in to the program. The interview itself is pretty straight forward...more of a get to know you and your personality/personal attributes. They do not ask a lot of clinical questions in the interview because they require you to take an exam after the interview. The exam is fairly challenging with questions ranging from pharmacology, pathophysiology, drug calculations, critical thinking, etc. Good luck to you! I hope this information is helpful to you and others!!

Elk280: you can disregard my previous question about whether those classes were approved for transfer credit at PENN. I just found out from an advisor that "another student submitted the syllabi for those courses and they were approved"...So, barring some problem with registering for classes, I will be taking the same two classes at Liberty as well! I am also going to take Pharm (N508) at PENN this coming semester. It took special approval to take this class since apparently Patho is a pre-req...but I got permission. Hopefully all this work early on pays off later during the program!

Hey elk280 I was wondering about the classes you said you are taking early at Liberty University Online...Did you get those classes approved for transfer credit already? I have been emailing an Advisor at PENN and she says I have to submit the course syllabus to PENN prior to taking them to ensure that PENN will accept them. I know they only let you transfer 2 classes in, so I was wondering if you already got those 2 approved?

My name is Jeremy and I am in New Mexico, but am moving to Philadelphia early December to start taking classes in January.

I officially decided to attend UPenn, so I will see you all there in May! Is anyone planning to take some classes early? If so, which ones and where are you taking them (if not at UPenn)? I plan to take several classes early, but know that you can transfer 2 classes from outside UPenn (it's a bit more affordable this way). I was just wondering what you all were thinking or planning to do.

Sorry, allow me to correct my previous post from earlier today. I forgot that UPENN allows you to transfer two classes in from other institutions (as long as the curriculum is approved in advance). So, my previous figuring did not include the cost of those two classes (because I will take them from another school that is more affordable). With that said, the actual difference is $16,376.

I actually called the financial aid/billing office for both schools, and the actual cost of attendance (including all fees, etc.) for the duration of the CRNA program might surprise most of you: UPenn = $105,941 TJU = $98,699 That's a differnce of only $7,242! I noticed that a lot of non-school afiliated websites have very inaccurate information when it comes to tuition/cost of attendance. The best place to get that information is directly from the school itself.