CRNA Applicant - help? Do I have a chance?

smithbd1 · Jan 24, 2012

Also I graduated from the University of Alabama.

SI_Murse · Jan 24, 2012

First off, Roll Tide.

I also graduated about the same time that you did (from UA) so there is a possibility that we may know each other. Anyways, I'll tell you my take on your stats.

GPA - the last 60 hours are what is going to hurt you since you had C's in your nursing classes. You can always apply this time and if you don't get in, try again after you've taken one or two graduate level classes just to show the AdComs that you are prepared enough for a graduate program.

GRE - good enough to get in.

Work - Good experience but at the time of application you'll have ~1 year of critical care? Or is that 1 year at Hopkins? Either way having Hopkins and Vandy on your resume will do nothing but help you.

Recommendation letters - is Dr. C or Martie going to write you a letter? I believe around Birmingham, either of those would be great. You'll probably need a recommendation letter from your current supervisor (could be either NM or charge nurse). Also some programs recommend a recommendation letter from a co-worker, so find someone that you trust and feel like can write a good letter for you.

CCRN - Get it. It's not terrible by any means, just study for a few days and get it. Also if you need a review thing, PM me and i'll shoot you an e-mail with some review questions. The Pass CCRN book and Laura Gasparis videos are very good in helping you study. Also if you don't have it, The ICU book is fantastic at explaining things.

Hope this helps and good luck,

SI_Murse

bibibi · Jan 25, 2012

Keep applying. You can take classes to improve your gpa. Your gre is ok. I would not repeat it unless i was pretty confident I could score higher. Ccrn would look very good on your application. Your experience is good. Apply to less selective programs.

duluthrn · Jan 25, 2012

I was accepted to a program with a BSN GPA: 3.45 and a science GPA: 3.82. Now, I took upper level undergrad science classes after my BSN, so the GPA of my last 60 credits showed improvement. If you don't get in on the first try, or have time this summer or fall, you could take a generic graduate level nursing class to show you can handle that class level. Also, CCRN will give you an edge. There are some little things that can strengthen your resume too, like join a practice committee at work, teach ACLS, or precept new employees and students. Best of luck!

gobluern · Jan 26, 2012

I worked with your uncle Mike in surgery! Small world..I'm applying to crna school too. Good luck, man!

frankyfern22 · Jan 26, 2012

Yesterday, I met with a director of a CRNA school in NY, and she didn't care that I got a "C" in acute care med/surg lol. That was one C on my entire transcript. I think if you made it into Critical Care, that C doesnt mean much to a science based program :) She was interested in my sciences, which sounds like you rocked 'em! CCRN - get it.

Just a thought from my discussions. I've begun my journey to CRNA school as well.

I think that if you can meet with someone from the program you're applying to, that would be good too, let yourself be known, they can put a face to your application. Best of luck!!!