Starting the process, need help(PA schools)

[mummer43, BSN, RN]

Ok, here is my story:

I originally received a bachelor's degree in criminal justice with a GPA of 2.7. Yeah, I know that's not so great, but I was much younger and honestly didn't really apply myself. After I graduated, I worked as a parole officer for 7 years. I discovered that I wasn't gaining any satisfaction from dealing with the criminal population every day and I wanted a job that not only allowed me to feel good, but also offered a opportunity to advance and grow professionally.

So, I decided to enter an accelerated BSN program that was 15 months long. I had to take all the science courses in order to start the program. In those science courses, I achieved a 3.8 GPA. I completed the BSN in August of 2007 and achieved a GPA of 3.4.

Since September, I have been working on the open heart unit at a very large hospital in Eastern PA. I have gotten experience in all the vasoactive drips, hemodynamic monitoring, as well as many other aspects of critical care nursing. As of this point, I have 6 months experience and I want to start working on what I need to do to make myself an attractive candidate to schools.

I live in PA, and since there is such a high concentration of schools there, I am planning on applying to most of them. I will mainly concentrate on all the Philly schools as well as Scranton. I actually have an interview in June at Montgomery/Tornetta because I inquired with them while was still getting my BSN and they said I could apply.

Here is my current plan in no specific order:

- Become ACLS and PALS certified

- Obtain CCRN

- Once I have the CCRN, I plan on obtaining the cardiac medication cert. and the cardiac surgery cert.

- Shadow a CRNA as much as I can.

Based on what I have provided, do you guys think there is a reasonable chance I would be accepted?

I am currently unsure weather or not I should take the GRE. I think achieving a good score would only serve to make more attractive to schools, and I think that I am going to take them at some point this coming summer or fall.

The only other thing that I need to address is my chemistry background. I took general chemistry prior to my BSN and that is the only chemistry that I have. Some schools require two chemistry classes and I am going to need to take one. Is organic the only one I should bother with, or will they accept biochem?

I'd like to get this process moving because I am sure that I will have at least a year of experience before I start any program. Should I start applying now, or are there things you guys would recommend before beginning the process?

Any and all input would be greatly appreciated, and I will certainly offer anything I can to anyone else who has questions about this whole process.

Thanks!!

[mummer43, BSN, RN]

Just bringing it up to the top.

[SuBLyME]

Hey mummer,

I've had tremendous help from this website and now I am returning the favor. :nuke: I have applied and was accepted -- one of them Scranton.

Based on what I have provided, do you guys think there is a reasonable chance I would be accepted?

YES.

Reading from your post it looks like your past academic record does not really indicate your present ability to pursue graduate studies. What's important is that you've gained that focus you need and are ready to accept the academic challenge. You have a strong GPA in your BSN and i believe you wouldn't have to take your GRE for Scranton 'cuz you've got > 3.0

I'm pretty sure you'll get offered an interview at Scranton. WHen that time comes you have to be ready. They have one of the nicest staff around. The faculty culture is one that is the friendliest I have encountered. Their clinical sites are all over the place. They have a lot anywhere from Wilkes-Barre all the way up to Pottsville and Sayre. The more clinical the better, I think. Teaches you the myriad of ways to do anesthesia from a bunch of different CRNAs. As for your didactics, they have one of the BEST Anesthesia Teachers around Dr. Nagelhout. He's PD for Kaiser.

Scranton is big into volunteer work. Have one or two under your belt. If you research into their school's Mission, Values, etc. it would only make sense that they'd want you to have had volunteer work. I think that goes with any other schools you are applying for. In fact, include that in your Personal Statement. The school's Mission and Values should be in line with your own.

As for your experience in ICU --- learn everything you can. Soak it all up like a sponge. I work in a Level I Trauma Center and our Surgical/Trauma ICU was off the hook!! I used to work in an Open Heart unit as well and learned a lot about the PA catheters. I've got a lot of CRNA and SRNA friends, my fiancee's an SRNA herself ( graduating Aug. '08, yes!) and i've been told the experience you'll get in the unit is invaluable, it will serve you well in the clinical aspect of the NA school.

One last piece of advice, get STRONG recommendation letters. This is something you have total control of. If possible from an Anesthesiologist. Shadow as many CRNAs as you could.

How did your interview at Mont/Tornetta go?

Keep on plugging.

Good Luck