Ques. for those that applied to CRNA school with 1 yr RN experience

Nursing Students SRNA

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Hi everyone! I am new to this site and so happy to see how helpful it really is! Well, I had a question maybe someone can answer. I am currently a BSN student- I graduate this December (yay!) Even before starting nursing school I knew I wanted to become a CRNA. I shadowed a few of them just to be sure I knew what I was ultimately going to get into. I would like to attend the same school I am in currently for CRNA school and they require 1 year of experience as an RN in an ICU setting like most other schools. I know I need this experience, but I would like to continue my education as soon as possible. I know that you have to apply very early, at least around 6 months before even starting. Can you apply to the program before your 1 yr is done..knowing that when you actually start the program you will have the 1 year of experience? Has anyone done that? or do you usually have to wait to even apply? Just curious...I know I'm way ahead of myself, but I always like to plan ahead (way ahead)

Thanks in advance,

Nikki

So for those who got in after one year experience, can you tell me your background... GPA, school, age, Unit worked on... what was it you thought that got you the interview. CCRN? Volunteering. How did your nurse managers handle it when you asked them for a reference letter? Did they know when hiring you that 4-5m later you would be applying?

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Per folks negative comment about Wikipedia... I would never reference Wikipedia in a reference paper --rather dive into the sources that Wikipedia references. Go to those.

You should even dive into material presented in highly respected journals. Study results are often skewed per the political/economic agendas of pharmaceutical companies (etc.) that are connected with researchers...

Bottom line, read with a critical mind...read what is presented and ascertain its sources and their possible motivations. News articles will reference their sources --whether a person, a study, legislative action, etc.

Wikipedia is a great starting point to get you on the road. It isn't an excuse for lacking critical reading skills and/or academic laziness.

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Specializes in trauma ICU,TNCC, NRP, PALS, ACLS.

Good question!! any answers

So for those who got in after one year experience, can you tell me your background... GPA, school, age, Unit worked on... what was it you thought that got you the interview. CCRN? Volunteering. How did your nurse managers handle it when you asked them for a reference letter? Did they know when hiring you that 4-5m later you would be applying?
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I am new to this site and very glad you brought up this question. I too am in the same situation. I am applying this fall for entrance into the program fall 2008. I ran into a road block with my manager also. I have received alternative letters from others. I am just hoping that this does not look bad with the programs. I wish you the best of luck, it appears to be a very cut throat competition.;)

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Specializes in SICU; Just accepted to CRNA school!.

I think it's absolutely ridiculous that NM's won't give their nurses letters of recommendation. When I interviewed for my unit after my ICU internship, I made it clear that I was very interested in persuing my master's degree within the next few years. I didn't tell the panel exactly what I wanted to do even though I knew. I am lucky enough to work in a place where continuing education is respected and valued. When I asked for letters, I had been in the unit for about 7 months. I have still kept it somewhat quiet only because I do not want to limit myself at work as far as advancing my skills and getting experiences with the sickest patients etc. Overall, I think that the directors of most programs realize that ICU managers don't always favor the RN's that want to come in and get their 1 year and run to CRNA school and that is why the applicants can't get letters from their direct managers. I look at ICU experience as a stepping-stone...I don't see a large number of ICU nurses hanging out in the same place forever, many are continuing their education in other areas as well...

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Specializes in ICU/Flight.

I'm going to have to disagree with a bunch of y'all here and say that I do not think a manager should give you a good recommendation if you'd only worked in the unit a year. It is unfair to the unit, staff, manager, and hospital to not give at least 2-3 years of work in the unit. It is extremely expensive to orient, precept, and send a new grad through classes to not even have them stay a year. From a manager's prospective, it shows a lack of commitment to the unit and poor professional ethics.

If you have worked in the unit for at least 2 years, however, I think it is perfectly fair to want to go to grad school and the manager should provide a fair recommendation based on your work performance.

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Specializes in SICU; Just accepted to CRNA school!.

Asking for a letter of recommendation after being in the unit for a year should not be a problem as CRNA school admission doesn't happen over night...most schools want your application materials at least a year(which is why you need a letter so soon) in advance in my area and most people would of course be working throughout the entire application process.

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Specializes in SRNA.
I'm going to have to disagree with a bunch of y'all here and say that I do not think a manager should give you a good recommendation if you'd only worked in the unit a year. It is unfair to the unit, staff, manager, and hospital to not give at least 2-3 years of work in the unit. It is extremely expensive to orient, precept, and send a new grad through classes to not even have them stay a year. From a manager's prospective, it shows a lack of commitment to the unit and poor professional ethics.

If you have worked in the unit for at least 2 years, however, I think it is perfectly fair to want to go to grad school and the manager should provide a fair recommendation based on your work performance.

RNFPC,

I think a manager that would not write a good recommendation for an applicant because he/she did not work for x number of years on a particular unit shows poor professional ethics and lack of commitment on the part of the manager. Unless some sort of contract was signed, stating a term of service fulfillment, it should not matter. I could understand the angst if the nurse were going to a rival institution to work. But if they are leaving to pursue an education, I am all for it.

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I started looking at schools as soon as I passed my NCLEX. Several schools require two or more years experience. I applied to several places w/ only 6 months experience. A few told me to reapply in a year, and a few accepted.

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Specializes in trauma ICU,TNCC, NRP, PALS, ACLS.

I just passed the NCLEX a couple of week ago and I have already called 6 CRNA schools to ask question about having less then one year of experience. To my surprise many schools have said to apply regardless if you have less then 1 yr exp. at the time of interview.

Even thought I just graduated I really do not like bedside nursing and can't wait to work in the OR (my passion) as a CRNA

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