Garrett1987

Most of the time Grad plus loans can cover everything. Making a few sacrifices helps a ton. I changed cell phone plans, dropped cable, and bought a cheaper car. One misconception is that if you don't have enough from the grad plus then you can get a private loan. That is false. It's a one or the other situation. You can only borrow up to the cost of attendance regardless of what loans they may be. So if the federal loans and grad plus reach your cost of attendance, then you will not be eligible for private loans.

If your first degree is from 10 years ago, and you made A's in micro/A&P's, I would apply. I believe you have a good chance at getting in. You should at least get an interview at a few schools. Some programs only go off of your most recent degree. It's worth checking into and it might save you a year of waiting. Good luck!

I interviewed at LSU and UTHSC in Memphis. I was accepted on the spot during the LSU interview. I turned them down for UTHSC, as it was my first choice. Usually, programs give you anywhere from a week to a month to decide to attend the program. If the program deadlines are spaced far apart, there is really no way around it. The only way to see if you get accepted at another program is to pay the deposit that LSU requires if accepted. If you choose a different program, you will loose that deposit.

My advice is get the DNP/DNAP all in one program. If you get a MSN and then a DNP, it will take twice as long and take more money out of your pocket. My DNP is an additional 8 months compared to a MSN. If I were to get an MSN and then go for DNP, that would be an additional year and a half, plus the increased tuition rate.

savings, student loans, spouse has two jobs.

Programs are not required to become a Doctorate until 2025, but I strongly encourage you to go ahead and apply to doctorate schools. MDA vs CRNA, No one can accurately give you advice on this because we are all nurses doing CRNA. We do not know what it's like to be a MDA. I strongly encourage you to consider CRNA. I enjoy school. It's not easy by any means but I feel accomplished and productive every day.

It all depends on the program. Some look at only your latest degree (BSN), others only look at your science GPA, and others look at your total cumulative GPA. Your GPA should be ok especially after you complete your BSN if you continue to make A's and a few B's.

I suggest 2-4 years experience both for your benefit as a nurse entering the program and to help with the first attempt at nursing school. I would not suggest applying with only 5 months experience. Most schools require you to have 1 year experience at the time of application, not at the start of the program. Some schools might, but most do not. The average in my class was 3-5 years experience. There was only one in our program who had 1 year ICU experience.

Truthfully, If you begin the new ADN program and excel, along with excelling in your BSN, you will have no problem getting into a CRNA program. A program director understands that people mature and that mistakes are made. If you can show that you've learned from your first attempt in the ADN program, and excel the rest of the way. It will show them that you are serious enough to succeed in a CRNA program. You will need good experience (a good 2-4 years ICU), CCRN, Good GRE scores, etc. Definitely is possible!

I agree, the program will leave you prepared to handle your own cases without the assistance/guidance/supervision/direction of another anesthesia provider. You will be competent and skilled to handle everything that comes your way. If you put everything into your education and rotations, then practicing will be enjoyable.

I'm at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN. We are trained to be independent practitioners.

all-crna-schools.com

I'd rent a 3-4 bedroom house and have roommates. If you buy, then you are ultimately responsible for the mortgage. If you rent, your roommates can also sign the contract. Also, once you graduate, if you get a job out of state you definitely don't want to have to sell a house.

All good points so far. I personally informed my supervisor/manager on the front end when I was hired that my ultimate goal was CRNA school. We remained transparent in what we wanted and because of that I did not have any problems with getting the letters of recommendation I needed for school. My best advice is to be upfront and honest with your manager. You don't owe your co-workers any explanation but it makes things easier if you and your boss are open about it. I don't see any problem with one year experience as long as the rest of your application is solid. Schools put a minimum of year and several of my classmates only had one year experience vs. the four years that I had. Good luck!

While I know everyone is trying to help, telling someone they have zero chance isn't going to encourage anyone into our field. Do your grades make it harder for you to get in? Yes. Does it eliminate you from getting in? No. So what, your transcript will show failures and retakes... This does not define whether you get into anesthesia school. Plain and simple. You must, however, take 1-4 graduate courses and succeed in them (make an A). Get your certs (CCRN, etc.), a good 3-4 years experience in ICU, either become a preceptor or find a leadership role within your workplace or nursing organization. Make yourself stand out. When it comes time during a school interview and they ask why your grades were low, you can explain that you did not necessarily prioritize in the past but as you've MATURED and GROWN, you excelled at graduate courses, are a leader in the workplace, etc.... It can be done because I've seen it.