The importance of BSN college for CRNA acceptance

How important is the college where a nurse gets their BSN from in the CRNA acceptance?

If a nurse graduates from the University of Pennsylvania (Ivy-League and top-ranked in nursing) as opposed to a no-name college with no ranks in nursing, will they take the college into consideration? This is all considering that both have great work ethics, good test scores, great recommendations, same personality. If they had the same everything except the college, will the college make the final determination?

CRNA programs are hard to get into. What are some characteristics that are of prime importance?

[ufmatt]

From my experiences, I seriously doubt that the nursing college itself will make the difference (given that candidates have the same scores and everything else). Overall, most staff members that I have spoke to say that it is not one specific thing, but rather everything for each candidate.

[sjoe]

I would suggest you contact CRNA programs that are of interest to you and ask them. Only they can know what is most important to them, and their priorities may not be the same as other schools' priorities.

[TraumaNurse]

It should make no difference where you acheive your BSN as long as it is an accredited university and you maintain a good GPA. I think the most important thing is to work hard, keep up your grades and get ICU experience in a large academic medical center. Also, get certified...ACLS, PALS and CCRN should be minimum. Good luck.

[Alexandres]

Hi All,

This topic is something I have been mulling in my head as well as I decide where to go when I'm at BSN completion stage.

How about this question:

Has anyone seen preference given to a candidate who received their BSN at the school where they have applied to the anesthesia program? If they see you have made a "dedication" to a particular school, I would think this would give you some points when you apply to their anesthesia program.

[ufmatt]

possibly, but i would have to say that "dedication" to a particular school means little without excelling in the other areas of requirement. But between 2 applicants with identical credentials, one coming from that specific university, may and probably will have a slight advantage...

[MJB]

What does ACLS and PALS and CCRN certificates mean? How much work and time do they entail?

[meandragonbrett]

MJB,

ACLS is Advanced cardia life support...it's a certification beyond Basic life support (BLS). PALS is ped life suport. CCRN is a certification for ICU nurses. A certain number of hours at the bedside are required to sit for the CCRN exam. As an ICU nurse...you should have ACLS and possibly PALS (depending on your facility and if you're in a PICU).

Hope this helps!

Brett

[MJB]

So how much time do all those certificates take?

I plan to get a BSN, then work for 1 year (lots of working-- like 84 hours a week), then apply to CRNA school.

Can I accomplish those certificates in 1 year?

Are they absolutely recommended for CRNA school--- since it's so competitive?

[Heath82371]

My husband is in CRNA school. He obtained is BSN from a state university. I have no idea where his nursing school would rank and frankly I don't think it matters. What matters are GPA (cum, math and science, and nursing), GRE, letters of rec, experience, and interview. He worked in one of the top ranked hospitals in the country and I am not sure if this helped his application. BUT overall it is your GPA, GRE scores, letters of rec, and interview.

[meandragonbrett]

Originally posted by MJB

So how much time do all those certificates take?

I plan to get a BSN, then work for 1 year (lots of working-- like 84 hours a week), then apply to CRNA school.

#1 Working that amount of hours in a week is absurd

#2 NO institution that I know of is going to give you THAT much overtime

#3 It's a hazard for you....mentally, physically, and emotionally

#4 MOST important....it's a hazard for your patient.

Working 3 12hrs or 4 10hrs....is going to wipe you out. You will look forward to your days off to recover! Don't rush it. Spend time in the ICU and learn as much as possible. If you do find a institution that would *allow* you to work 84 hours per week.....you'd be burnt out in two months flat! I just don't see that happening. Slow down! You're still young and have plently of time to do this!

Take it one step at a time

Brett

[MJB]

My Mom worked 84 hours a week, working 2-3 jobs, just cuz she had to. My situation isn't so comfortable. I'll probably end up working as much hours as possible just to survive and provide for my family. I have that responsibility even at 17.