Should I get accepted to a CRNA program?

[MEDRN89]

I'm about to finish up my ASN in a couple of weeks with a 3.3 GPA overall, but a 2.9 in nursing school (made a C during one semester). I had a 3.8 in all pre-req courses. I have been a paramedic for 10 years and took a paramedic-RN bridge. It's a very difficult program. Learning to stop thinking like a paramedic (logically) and start thinking like a nurse (fantasy) quickly during 1 year is more difficulty than a normal nursing program. There was no A's in my class LOL. Anyway, if I make A's during my BSN program and sequential science courses required for CRNA school, I will have an over all GPA of 3.7 and a BSN and science GPA of 4.0. I plan to work at least 2 years at a university hospital (one of the best in my state) in their cardiac ICU for 2-3 years while I'm doing this. Also plan to obtain CCRN.

My question is, if I accomplish all of this, do I have good odds of getting into CRNA school?

Obviously my GPA is my biggest concern... also if anyone has any advice on the type of RN-BSN program I should do, that is greatly appreciated. I'm torn between some of the well known, easy, cheaper ones, and more highly rated ones. I don't know how much the school I attended will weigh into it. Thank you.

[MEDRN89]

On 5/3/2020 at 3:52 PM, anononurse said:

Thinking like a nurse means critical thinking. Calling it fantasy thinking is insulting. You should plan on at least 2 solid years as an RN in a high level ICU to fine tune your skills, learn critical thinking, and as preparation to get into CRNA school. You need your BSN as well. CRNA schools are requiring Doctorates now. It’s a lot of dedication and hard work. Good luck to you!

Yeah, I plan for 2 years at least. Maybe 3. I think I can get hired in an High acuity ICU as a new grad where I live. Nurses are in high demand here and there seems to be a major shortage. Most of the CRNA programs in my state are still taking any science bachelors degrees as well as BSN, and they are doctorate level. One even says they prefer a science degree as opposed to BSN but I’m gonna go ahead and get the BSN so at least I’m a candidate at any school in the country.

That being said, I’m nervous about going to an ICU. I’m gonna start out knowing nothing... definitely scares me.

[Defibn', RN, EMT-P]

22 hours ago, londonflo said:

is great for answering knowledge and comprehension type questions. The higher level of critical thinking ability is necessary for synthesis of information. But I am sure this was explained and you know that NCLEX questions will be application at the least.

You sound like one of my senior nursing professors. Makes me nauseous to hear test questions described like this! Brings back bad memories haha.

[CowboyMedic, DNP, APRN, CRNA]

@MEDRN89 as another Paramedic that has made the leap from the truck to ER to ICU, all I can say is stay humble through this entire process. I don't know how many times that I have been humbled by nursing. I was never a cocky Paramedic when I was on the truck but I knew my stuff. Nursing is an entirely different beast than the truck. Like others have said, it is different but I wouldn't say it is completely different. You will still use all your knowledge from Paramedic but expand upon it in a more holistic, long term approach. When you get into an ICU, just absorb as much as possible. It is that information and learning how to take care of a critical patient that will get you ready for CRNA school. I had 5 years as a Paramedic before I started nursing school and it was tough to make the adjustment but I did. I have now been a RN for almost 5 years and about to start CRNA school. Just keep trucking and good luck.

[MEDRN89]

5 minutes ago, CowboyMedic said:

@MEDRN89 as another Paramedic that has made the leap from the truck to ER to ICU, all I can say is stay humble through this entire process. I don't know how many times that I have been humbled by nursing. I was never a cocky Paramedic when I was on the truck but I knew my stuff. Nursing is an entirely different beast than the truck. Like others have said, it is different but I wouldn't say it is completely different. You will still use all your knowledge from Paramedic but expand upon it in a more holistic, long term approach. When you get into an ICU, just absorb as much as possible. It is that information and learning how to take care of a critical patient that will get you ready for CRNA school. I had 5 years as a Paramedic before I started nursing school and it was tough to make the adjustment but I did. I have now been a RN for almost 5 years and about to start CRNA school. Just keep trucking and good luck.

What was your GPA if you don't mind me asking?

[CowboyMedic, DNP, APRN, CRNA]

On 5/3/2020 at 6:14 PM, MEDRN89 said:

What was your GPA if you don't mind me asking?

I started with a 2.25 from my first school before I became a Paramedic. I went to a Tech school for it so I didn't have a GPA for Paramedic. I had a 3.64 for my ADN and BSN for a cumulative of 3.18. I got asked a lot of questions about my grades during interviews.

[MEDRN89]

28 minutes ago, CowboyMedic said:

I started with a 2.25 from my first school before I became a Paramedic. I went to a Tech school for it so I didn't have a GPA for Paramedic. I had a 3.64 for my ADN and BSN for a cumulative of 3.18. I got asked a lot of questions about my grades during interviews.

Any advice on what to tell them when they start asking about past grades?

[CowboyMedic, DNP, APRN, CRNA]

2 minutes ago, MEDRN89 said:

Any advice on what to tell them when they start asking about past grades?

Most of mine was from my first school straight out of high school. I told them I was very unmotivated at the time but when I discovered Nurse Anesthesia and knew what I wanted to do then my entire academic career changed.

Like you, I had a C in one of my nursing classes. It was an 8 hour class during my first semester. Like you, I was having trouble making the transition but I stuck it out and finished the rest of my degree with great grades. I was honest and upfront when they asked me any questions. Don't try to lie or BS during an interview because they can see right through you.

Just know what you want and go for it. I am coming up on 7 years from when I started school for my ADN and when I start CRNA school. I have 4 years of ICU experience in a Med-Surg-Neuro unit and a year of Step Down ICU along with my truck and ER experience as a Paramedic.

[MEDRN89]

1 hour ago, CowboyMedic said:

Most of mine was from my first school straight out of high school. I told them I was very unmotivated at the time but when I discovered Nurse Anesthesia and knew what I wanted to do then my entire academic career changed.

Like you, I had a C in one of my nursing classes. It was an 8 hour class during my first semester. Like you, I was having trouble making the transition but I stuck it out and finished the rest of my degree with great grades. I was honest and upfront when they asked me any questions. Don't try to lie or BS during an interview because they can see right through you.

Just know what you want and go for it. I am coming up on 7 years from when I started school for my ADN and when I start CRNA school. I have 4 years of ICU experience in a Med-Surg-Neuro unit and a year of Step Down ICU along with my truck and ER experience as a Paramedic.

How old are you? I’m 31 right now. I’ll be at least 37 by the time I’m done. Probably closer to 39.

[CowboyMedic, DNP, APRN, CRNA]

9 minutes ago, MEDRN89 said:

How old are you? I’m 31 right now. I’ll be at least 37 by the time I’m done. Probably closer to 39.

36, I'll be 39 when I graduate. I started nursing school when I was 29.

[MEDRN89]

32 minutes ago, CowboyMedic said:

36, I'll be 39 when I graduate. I started nursing school when I was 29.

WOW!. Same here. I start nursing school at 29. Well good luck during crna school. Bet you’re thrilled.

[Hk45, BSN]

On 5/3/2020 at 6:46 PM, MEDRN89 said:

Any advice on what to tell them when they start asking about past grades?

Current SRNA here (graduating this year). My biggest concern was my first degree's GPA as well, but not all CRNA programs put that emphasis on grades. Use the other avenues (letters of rec, personal statement, interview) to distinguish yourself and shine. I wouldn't heap on the excuses/explanations for past poor grades, unless they directly ask. Then be honest.

Work hard in the unit, get to know your priorities, and flesh out why you want to become a CRNA. (CRNA school sucks no matter where you go, so you really need to want it!) Any program worth their salt should appreciate and acknowledge the academic and professional growth.

I will also be 38 when I finish CRNA school! ?