Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) CRNA 2025 start

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What Members Are Saying (AI-Generated Summary)

Members are discussing acceptance into the VCU DNAP program, with some receiving acceptance emails and others being waitlisted. There is confusion about finding the Facebook group for the program, questions about relocation requirements for the program, and a discussion on the differences between a DNP and DNAP degree in terms of teaching opportunities. Some members share their excitement about getting accepted, while others seek advice on reapplying to the program.

Is anyone in here applying for the upcoming VCU CRNA application cycle for January 2025 start?

icu2bcrna said:

So last year they did this too, waited last minute and then like the day before the deadline sent out an email saying it was pushed back a week or two bc of so many applicants. Not getting anxious until everybody else hears and I don't haha 

I wish they could be more transparent. I keep checking my email a million times a day LOL

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Specializes in ICU/RAPID nurse.
icu2bcrna said:

So last year they did this too, waited last minute and then like the day before the deadline sent out an email saying it was pushed back a week or two bc of so many applicants. Not getting anxious until everybody else hears and I don't haha 

Is this school really popular ? Seems like a lot of applicants? I don't know much about it . 

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Specializes in CardioThoracic Surgical ICU.
pulm_icu said:

Is this school really popular ? Seems like a lot of applicants? I don't know much about it . 

Yes. It's ranked #1 in the country. And they only admit 25-30 in the homesite, and 20 I think in the other locations. I've been applying for 3 years. I'm running out of things to improve and I don't even stalk my email, I just wait to see what people say on here and then go look for the email. They get upward of 400 applicants last I had checked, so it takes a while. They used to give the interview in early May, but this will likely mess me up, because I planned my Italy trip for June thinking I'd already have interviewed. Just take it in strides. I have also noticed they seem to like much younger nurses. Where I work most of them were ICU nurses for like 1.5-3 yrs. Just breathe and take it one day at a time. The more relaxed you are the better you will interview. Good luck everyone! ♥️

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They get upward of 400 applicants last I had checked, so it takes a while.

The word around the campfire is that it's been well over that number since they stopped requiring the GRE these last two cycles.

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...this will likely mess me up, because I planned my Italy trip for June...

Not necessarily. Unless they change things up this year, it's an asynchronous remote interview. So, you just need to pack the upper half of something presentable to wear.

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I have also noticed they seem to like much younger nurses. Where I work most of them were ICU nurses for like 1.5-3 yrs.

That hasn't been my experience... for what it's worth, all three of the current cohorts and the one that just graduated each have a handful of "older" students. Heck, mine has about a dozen over 30, and at least two of those are 40+.

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Specializes in ICU.
WillResuscForCookies said:

 

The word around the campfire is that it's been well over that number since they stopped requiring the GRE these last two cycles.

Not necessarily. Unless they change things up this year, it's an asynchronous remote interview. So, you just need to pack the upper half of something presentable to wear.

That hasn't been my experience... for what it's worth, all three of the current cohorts and the one that just graduated each have a handful of "older" students. Heck, mine has about a dozen over 30, and at least two of those are 40+.

Im struggling with this because this is my second cycle applying. First cycle I didn't even get an interview but watched nurses in my unit with <2 years experience/single ICU experience  get accepted. I have 3 years and multiple ICU experience all at level 1 trauma center/academic hospital. Basically was told my GPA was too low. Retook some classes this last year and got As (chemistry etc). Very active in unit committees, volunteer etc. Guess I'm anxious bc it seems hard to know exactly what they're looking for each time around?  Was pretty shocked to see them accepting such young (age) nurses who also lack experience (1-2 years at bedside) 

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Specializes in CardioThoracic Surgical ICU.
WillResuscForCookies said:

 

The word around the campfire is that it's been well over that number since they stopped requiring the GRE these last two cycles.

Not necessarily. Unless they change things up this year, it's an asynchronous remote interview. So, you just need to pack the upper half of something presentable to wear.

That hasn't been my experience... for what it's worth, all three of the current cohorts and the one that just graduated each have a handful of "older" students. Heck, mine has about a dozen over 30, and at least two of those are 40+.

That's good to hear because I was really starting to worry I was to "old". LOL I'm 41 and got a later start at applying. Also, I'm sorry to say I haven't met any of the "older" students. I have only run into "younger" ones. I guess I assumed that with the growing shortage they would want people that were more likely to be in the field longer. I know legally they aren't allowed to do that, but I thought it might be a reality. 
 

I figured they would go back to in person interviews by now. Not that I'm complaining at all, I was just sure that I fudged on this one having planned a trip at this time of year in June thinking they'd interview in their common time frame in May. I'm sure they prefer being able to take more interviews and view them at home. Interview days in person are very long and taxing on everyone involved. So I welcome a virtual interview with open arms. 

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Specializes in CardioThoracic Surgical ICU.
icu2bcrna said:

Im struggling with this because this is my second cycle applying. First cycle I didn't even get an interview but watched nurses in my unit with <2 years experience/single ICU experience  get accepted. I have 3 years and multiple ICU experience all at level 1 trauma center/academic hospital. Basically was told my GPA was too low. Retook some classes this last year and got As (chemistry etc). Very active in unit committees, volunteer etc. Guess I'm anxious bc it seems hard to know exactly what they're looking for each time around?  Was pretty shocked to see them accepting such young (age) nurses who also lack experience (1-2 years at bedside) 

Same. I watched just about every single new grad I oriented and went to interviews with get accepted. Most with 1-2 years under their belt and barely swimming on their own in big emergencies. don't get me wrong... very happy and excited for them, but it burns knowing you taught them that stuff and you can't even get in yourself. I guess I taught them well. LOL

 Same type involvement, great GPA. I assume I was a terrible interviewer. I'm just running out of things to "improve" on besides how I answer interview questions and I'm not getting any younger. It's even becoming embarrassing to admit I got rejected again. I hate having to be like, hey Dr so and so, want to send that letter of recommendation in one more time? The rejection isn't even what bothers me. I just feel embarrassed when people asked if I got in. It's become a joke where they say, "this is your year". I surely hope so. 
🤞🏻 good luck to you. 

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Specializes in ICU.
CoffeeScrubsAndRubberGloves said:

Same. I watched just about every single new grad I oriented and went to interviews with get accepted. Most with 1-2 years under their belt and barely swimming on their own in big emergencies. don't get me wrong... very happy and excited for them, but it burns knowing you taught them that stuff and you can't even get in yourself. I guess I taught them well. LOL

 Same type involvement, great GPA. I assume I was a terrible interviewer. I'm just running out of things to "improve" on besides how I answer interview questions and I'm not getting any younger. It's even becoming embarrassing to admit I got rejected again. I hate having to be like, hey Dr so and so, want to send that letter of recommendation in one more time? The rejection isn't even what bothers me. I just feel embarrassed when people asked if I got in. It's become a joke where they say, "this is your year". I surely hope so. 
🤞🏻 good luck to you. 

Tbh I don't feel embarrassed I feel angry. Like you said, it's terrifying and infuriating to have nurses who drown on a daily basis with a very manageable ICU pair/ require hand holding for a sick but manageable 1:1. Really really scary to have them be CRNAs. Really hurtful and disheartening to be passed over for them. Remember your business is only your own- I told as few people as possible I was applying. Just discouraging and frustrating to feel like you're trying to hit a moving target to get in!! Hang in there- it will happen

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Specializes in CardioThoracic Surgical ICU.
icu2bcrna said:

Tbh I don't feel embarrassed I feel angry. Like you said, it's terrifying and infuriating to have nurses who drown on a daily basis with a very manageable ICU pair/ require hand holding for a sick but manageable 1:1. Really really scary to have them be CRNAs. Really hurtful and disheartening to be passed over for them. Remember your business is only your own- I told as few people as possible I was applying. Just discouraging and frustrating to feel like you're trying to hit a moving target to get in!! Hang in there- it will happen

It's my business until one of them finds out. And then you know critical care. If one of them knows, they all know. And I love my team and all their support. I just personally feel inadequate. This has been so frustrating when my 16 yr old said he wanted to be a CRNA I said nope, just go straight to med school and do the whole thing now. You'll have more autonomy and probably better chances since all the nurses are fleeing the bedside. I just figured with 13 yrs of critical care teaching icus this was my natural progression. If I had known it would take me this long I would have started sooner. LOL 😂 

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Specializes in ICU/RAPID nurse.

I honestly don't know why you guys are going nuts about this program and why there is so many applicants. I literally just through one over here have no idea about this program. You have to broaden your horizons. A lot of times I feel like it's just lottery and they pick who ever. Gotta think everyone is basically qualified. I'm not even thinking about this school because I have 8 other apps out up the east coast and already got interviews. Can't keep the eggs in one basket with CRNA school. 

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Specializes in ICU.
pulm_icu said:

I honestly don't know why you guys are going nuts about this program and why there is so many applicants. I literally just through one over here have no idea about this program. You have to broaden your horizons. A lot of times I feel like it's just lottery and they pick who ever. Gotta think everyone is basically qualified. I'm not even thinking about this school because I have 8 other apps out up the east coast and already got interviews. Can't keep the eggs in one basket with CRNA school. 

Nobody is "going nuts" over a program. Thanks for your feedback! I think many people also have multiple applications to multiple programs. Maybe you should research the schools you apply to a little more thoroughly 🙂  hopefully you will go to one of those other 8 schools instead since you're "not even thinking" about this one. A lot of people can't apply "all over the east coast" bc of children, family, relocation costs etc. Good luck to you 

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Specializes in ICU/RAPID nurse.
icu2bcrna said:

Nobody is "going nuts" over a program. Thanks for your feedback! I think many people also have multiple applications to multiple programs. Maybe you should research the schools you apply to a little more thoroughly 🙂  hopefully you will go to one of those other 8 schools instead since you're "not even thinking" about this one. A lot of people can't apply "all over the east coast" bc of children, family, relocation costs etc. Good luck to you 

Seems like it to me. And I have 4 kids and a spouse ! Gotta be willing to sacrifice and move to get to your goals ! 

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