Reference problem

I am looking at applying to CRNA school for the fall of 2005. First questions is when is too early to start applying as I am looking at gathering references within the next week and applications for the schools I am looking at are due in April and July. Secondly, I have a manager on the ICU that I work on that has made it known that she doesn't give good reference for CRNA school because she doesn't want to lose the staff. There have been staff get in from here but should I get the reference from the manager or a charge nurse?

[road runner2003]

Originally posted by rn4cicu

Secondly, I have a manager on the ICU that I work on that has made it known that she doesn't give good reference for CRNA school because she doesn't want to lose the staff. There have been staff get in from here but should I get the reference from the manager or a charge nurse?

I am not sure of what would be considered 'best' to put down as a reference by way of manager or charge RN. A different situation here not relating to nursing/school - I knew of someone who was making a job change, had the co-manager as a reference, did not receive a job offer for months. By word of mouth became aware the co-manager was never putting in a good word - changed references and all forward from there. - - - Charge nurse. Best wishes to you !

[CougRN]

Go with your charge nurse. Most applications state "supervisor" for a reference. So that leaves it open to quite a few choices. Also, I don't think it's too early to gather all of your application material. You can wait until next spring to mail it in but getting it all bundled and ready isn't a bad idea. It takes time to get transcripts and references back. Best of luck.

[mommyof2grls]

I agree with all the above posts. Start getting it all put together now, that way your references are not in a time crunch. As to the Supervisor or Charge Nurse, I read somewhere on these BB that a person was in that situation and the people interviewing just wanted to know why this person had put the Charge Nurse and not the Supervisor. Sounds like you have a legit reason, get your best references. Also, just because they say they will write you a letter or fill out the papers DOES NOT mean they will give you a favorable review or above average even. This happened to a friend of mine for Grad School. She still got in, but one of the Board hinted she should change her list of references and go with someone who will do more than say yes I worked with them and yes they are competent.

Good luck!

Where are you applying?

[Diprivan/Vented]

Originally posted by mommyof2grls

This happened to a friend of mine for Grad School. She still got in, but one of the Board hinted she should change her list of references and go with someone who will do more than say yes I worked with them and yes they are competent.

What was it about your friend that enabled her to overcome the quality of her recommendations?

[mommyof2grls]

She had 2 references that stated excellence above and beyond, and the 3rd was basically blah blah blah, yes I am her supervisor, she does adequate work, etc. etc, but nothing outstanding. It did help that one of her references was from an Attending Trauma Surgeon that gave her excellent well deserved reviews. This was for an ACNP program. I personally think the supervisor just didn't care for her. Just my opinion.

[Diprivan/Vented]

I have come to the conclusion that, if you were meant to get in, then you will get in. You try your hardest, and afterwards, the chips will fall wherever they will fall, and it's out of your hands. It sounds like your friend was meant to get in.

Peace.

[rn4cicu]

I am going to apply to East Carolina University and Old Dominion University. Any one out there done this already and can offer advice or anyone planning on doing it?

[melrey11]

Some supervisors/doctors/CRNA's have no problem with you writing the letter yourself, and then they can edit/modify as they wish. When i asked for references, to make it easy, i listed all of my "achievements" and even a basic letter for their convenience. It worked for me. Don't you have an assistant nursing supervisor....or even a previous one from another job. As long as they were your supervisor at one point. Good Luck!

[Qwiigley, CRNA]

Its amazing and so very sad, you will find many nurses who do not want you to gain new knowledge and expand your nursing. Pre-op and recovery nurses will fight you and make your life difficult during school. I have had to remind a couple that I am still a nurse and that they should show me the respect I deserve. I have more trouble with the RNs than the MDAs. Sad but true.

[jrvb]

My advice is to find the most educated person with a background that closely relates to or paralells anesthesia, with whom you have a personal relationship to write your letter. These relationships are not always formed overnight and in order for the letter to mean something to the person reading it-it must be sincere. I disagree with the person who infers that you can write your own letter and have someone sign it because you will be laying a weak foundation for a structure that requires great integrity, persistance and motivation. If you cannot find three good references that are not superficial than you should consider reflecting on whether or not you have the experiece neccessary to apply.

This is not a personal attack, more of a response to the person who said you can write your own letter.

That being said-be persistant-enthusiastic and by all means if you have a boss that unsupportive-there is a nursing shortage-QUIT!

[rn4cicu]

I appreciate everyone helping me with this problem. I will have no problem finding the necessary references but I know that many programs require one from your manger of the floor you are nursing on. I believe that I am going to get one from her as well as an extra reference from one of the charge nurse up here. Thank you all and I would love to here from anyone that is considering or has already applied to ODU, ECU, or Raliegh School of Anesthesia.