duluthrn

CABGx4, that is a pretty rude response. To the OP: there are many discussions on here about the requirements for CRNA school. Maybe start by reading them, researching on Google, and posting again with a more specific question.

It might help your GPA if you improved your spelling. I recognize this is a forum and not a classroom, but getting into a good habit of spelling things correctly will help you in school. (Yes, it has a ch not a k).

I have the same thoughts and fears as the OP. Ideally, I would like to stay in the area for a couple years after school is done (put down roots, get some intense Level 1 Trauma Center experience, etc) before moving to a rural practice. However, there is not a plethora of CRNA jobs right now. While I was shadowing, I was told many students are "absorbed" by hospitals during their rotations and have jobs lined up before school is finished. Current students and recent grads, please chime and share your experiences. Do many students have job offers before school is finished? Are they in the areas you wanted? Thanks for starting this post missnurse01!

I agree with the above posters, honesty is the best policy. You will hurt yourself more by not sending in all the required transcripts. On the up side, some schools will allow you to submit an addition statement if there are any extenuating circumstances you want the admissions committee to know about. Also remember, you will have a chance to explain yourself in an interview. Good luck!

premaseeker-Do you have any more information on the job market in the Twin Cities? I have been accepted to MSA, start in August, and I'm hoping to be able to work in the area for a couple years after graduation. Are students getting job offers from clinical sites? Are graduates who want to stay in the area able to?

Since you don't (and I'm assuming have never) worked in an ICU, it's going to be hard for you to compare your OR experience to what it's like in the ICU. Just because you know the tools does not mean you know how to use them on patients. There is a big difference between setting up a Swan and actually using it to interpret a patient's hemodynamic status and knowing how to intervene appropriately. The best way to answer your question would be to shadow in an ICU (or preferably work in one) and see what it's like or call a couple CRNA schools and ask them how they define acute care experience.

Maybe you would get some responses if you moved this post to the CRNA or SRNA forum. However, I'm not sure how to do that.

To the OP: I hope you have learned an important lesson, do a little digging before blinding posting questions. Five minutes of searching "CRNA" on google and you would have found that the minimum ICU experience (not just RN experience) is 1 year. Some posters have been a little harsh, and I hope you have not been too discouraged, but next time try researching the topic first.

I was accepted to a program with a BSN GPA: 3.45 and a science GPA: 3.82. Now, I took upper level undergrad science classes after my BSN, so the GPA of my last 60 credits showed improvement. If you don't get in on the first try, or have time this summer or fall, you could take a generic graduate level nursing class to show you can handle that class level. Also, CCRN will give you an edge. There are some little things that can strengthen your resume too, like join a practice committee at work, teach ACLS, or precept new employees and students. Best of luck!

In addition, not all schools will have switched to a doctorate level program by 2015. Schools that are not associated with a school of nursing have until 2025 to switch.

OP, have things gotten better? You began this thread a month ago, have you taken any advice given on the topic and how did it work? Hope things are better.

If you are truly unable to let it go, I think an option is to call the school and let them know students are stealing tests, so that it can be prevented in the future. But I agree that there is nothing that can be done to the students from your class.

I was just accepted to a CRNA program, my BSN GPA: 3.45, science GPA: 3.82, and the program didn't require the GRE. When I interviewed, they mentioned that they liked I had taken upper level classes in chemistry and biology, specifically biochemistry. Please remember though, there are a lot of other factors besides GPA to be considered for admission, like ICU experience, GRE, CCRN, etc.

adkrichman: BSN GPA: 3.45 Science GPA: 3.82 GRE: didn't take it ICU experience: 2 years by the time school starts RN: 5 years by the time school starts CCRN: didn't have time to take it before I applied ACLS, BLS, and taking PALS this spring Serve on the hospital's Ethics Committee Had a great interview! I would recommend taking your CCRN before you apply, it will give you an edge. They asked me about it in the interview. Obviously, though, you can get in without it. In order to boost your resume, join a committee at work (Unit Based Practice Committee for example) or teach ACLS/BLS as it will show you are invested in your RN practice. Also, take the opportunity to orient new employees or precept students. If your GPA is weak, you can take a couple generic graduate level nursing classes to show you can handle the riggers of the program; it is important to do well in these classes, so don't take them lightly. Shadow a CRNA and talk with as many as you can outside the OR. I had a current CRNA look over my personal statement and resume before I submitted them. In my opinion, what helped me the most was talking with CRNA's, they are full of advice and they've been there before. I was fortunate enough to know a current student in the program, and talking with her before my interview helped me understand the school better. I mentioned our conversation in my interview and they liked that I did a little research into the program. Thanks to the advice of a current CRNA, I also researched current events in the field (the conversion to DNP programs in 2025 and the proposed re-certification exam starting in 2015) and it was the major topic in one of my interviews. They have some set interview questions (Why anesthesia? Why this school? How have you prepared? Tell me about yourself) but mostly it is a conversation that goes where you take it. Prepare enough to have something to talk about. My interview was very casual, the professors did a good job making me feel welcome, like they actually wanted to talk with me (a panel interview I had at a different school didn't feel as friendly). Please remember that everyone is different and someone with better "stats" may not get in due to a bad interview or bad luck. Don't get discouraged. If you didn't get in this year, call the school and ask what you can do to make your application stronger next year. And remember, if asked in an interview what you will do if you don't get in, the answer is: "I will apply next year!"

I will be starting school in August 2012 at the age of 27, and finish right before my 30th birthday. At least I will still be 29 when I graduate! :)