Should I take the CCRN?

[RN2784]

I am applying to two schools for next spring and my deadlines are fast approaching. I think I'm an okay applicant, here's my stats:

I have three years in a Level I trauma center; Neuro ICU and PICU. Plus another three years (almost) in a smaller community hospital. Worked 1.5 years in Neuro ICU there and transferred to CTICU for over a year. It's a small hospital but I generally have at least one fresh heart every shift. I did my CNRN (neuro cert) a couple of years ago. I have two Bachelor's Degrees. 3.92 in my BSN, 3.45 in my nursing diploma. And all As in my pre-reqs that I have been working on that have not been taken before. My first degree I was young and only got a 3.14 overall. But I goofed off alot and it was a long time ago. I only have a little over a month before my deadline so I am looking at limited time. I have my GRE scheduled in the next two weeks but have been thinking lately maybe I should just sit for my CCRN. I'm just looking for another opinion on whether you think it would help my application that much given that I already have one specialty cert. I'm very curious to hear some opinions...Thanks!

[bloomRN]

I think that depends on the programs you are applying to. I would ask or find out what they like to see in a competetive applicant. I interviewed at three programs and only one of them asked if I was going to get my CCRN. I responded that I might but at the present time I was focusing on getting my applications in order and prepare well for interviews. They said they strongly recommended that I did, and that was all that was said...several months later I was accepted. Any additional certifications you can obtain are great! But, don't spend so much time doing the CCRN that you blow the GRE or are inadequately prepared for your interviews. With that said, I also think that studying for the CCRN is a good way to prepare for interviews (I used several CCRN prep sites to review material pre-interviews).

In short, if you have the time and can swing it I say go for it! But, I think you have a pretty good chance regardless. Good luck!

--bloomRN

[RN2784]

Thanks BloomRN. I read somewhere that some applicants will take the CCRN test after the school application deadline and take the certificate to their CRNA interviews to turn in to the interviewers at that time. Has anyone ever done this? I might be able to swing it this way but there is no way I can get the test done before the application deadline of June 1st. At least not if I don't want to be a stressball for the next month and a half straight!

[hokieicurn]

I just wanted to say that I don't know what other people are doing, but what you stated is exactly what I am doing. I focused and hard core studied for my GRE for about a month in March...got that out of the way. April was applications. May I am studying for my CCRN and taking that mid-May, then hopefully if I get an interview I can take my certification with me. If no interview, then I figure that I'll have it for the next round of applications in the fall. I have read that one of the best ways to prepare for interviews is to prepare for the CCRN exam. Hopefully this is knocking two things out at once. Good Luck :)

[RN2784]

Good luck to you as well! Hopefully we'll both get good results...