Standing Out with Competitive CRNA Application

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Well folks, I'm finally applying to graduate schools for nursing anesthesia. Specifically, in the Philadelphia area. I meet the requirements for the programs and am finishing up my BSN now. I'm also a Navy veteran. I've shadowed one CRNA and assisted some at the beside. Does anyone have any other advice to make me a more competitive applicant?

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Get your CCRN. Were you working as an ADN RN and finishing up your BSN at the same time?

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Specializes in Med/Surge ICU.

CCRN, extra chemistry and biology courses ( with A's ), getting your ACLS and/or PALS instructor certifications, volunteering in leadership or research positions - all look good on an application. I would focus on what you realistically have time to accomplish before your application deadlines. Many people get in to a program with very few or none of these. I was accepted to Texas Wesleyan without even my CCRN as they wave that requirement the first time you apply. My stats were pretty solid but nothing stellar, and I've always interviewed well. Programs look at so many variables and it can be confusing trying to find out what they place the most emphasis on.

Good luck.

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Get your CCRN. Were you working as an ADN RN and finishing up your BSN at the same time?

Yes, working as an RN with associates degree while earning a bachelors.

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Leadership and committee memberships mean little compared to science grades. Nursy nurse stuff is meaningless.

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Specializes in SICU, MICU, CICU, NeuroICU.

Find out the specifics that the schools require.

The school I was accepted into heavily stressed the GRE, so I made sure I made the grade that I needed. The longer the ICU, or applicable, experience the better as well

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