Ways to enhance my application into CRNA program

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I will be finishing up with my BSN in the spring of 2012. In the mean time, I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on how I can make myself more marketable for applying to a CRNA program. I have been working as a RN on a cardiac and stroke unit (IMCU) for the past 5 months. My plan is to find a ICU position hopefully this summer. My GPA so far is a 3.98 and that is with taking more difficult electives such as a year of inorganic, organic, biochemistry, and Physics. I have also been the active vice president of our nursing organization at my school which has been involved in many community projects and fundraisers. I also have a degree in dental hygiene. I am trying to think of other ways that I can enhance my application when I decide to apply. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank You!!:)

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Specializes in CVICU, CCU, SICU, MICU.

wait, you've already been working as an RN but you don't graduate until next year? How does that work?

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.
wait, you've already been working as an RN but you don't graduate until next year? How does that work?

May have an Associates or Diploma degree and completing BSN program.

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Specializes in CVICU, CCU, SICU, MICU.

Yeah, I realized that as soon as I posted it, thought I removed my post =) It was late and my brain was already half-asleep!

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Specializes in Nurse Anesthesia, ICU, ED.
I will be finishing up with my BSN in the spring of 2012. In the mean time, I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on how I can make myself more marketable for applying to a CRNA program. I have been working as a RN on a cardiac and stroke unit (IMCU) for the past 5 months. My plan is to find a ICU position hopefully this summer. My GPA so far is a 3.98 and that is with taking more difficult electives such as a year of inorganic, organic, biochemistry, and Physics. I have also been the active vice president of our nursing organization at my school which has been involved in many community projects and fundraisers. I also have a degree in dental hygiene. I am trying to think of other ways that I can enhance my application when I decide to apply. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank You!!:)

Other than the advice of: good GRE scores, CCRN, requisite number of years ICU experience, I would suggest continue your leadership role in your professional organizations after graduation and work to obtain a unique role on your unit (whether a committee role or something else).

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Take your CCRN, ACLS (my school required PALS as well), have good relationships with coworkers, managers, and professors so that you can have solid references. Look at the requirement of each school you are interested in and make sure you have them. Sounds like so far what you have done and intend to do will get you where you want to go.

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Specializes in ER.

CCRN is a great idea!! Don't forget a great GRE score.

Good Luck!!

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Specializes in ER, TICU.

Agree, CCRN is a big determining factor in most schools. Also, make sure you shadow a CRNA a few times. I know that was a big question in my interview. They want to make sure you know what a CRNA does (there are a lot of incorrect perceptions).

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get good ICU experience 2 yrs +

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Specializes in Medical/Telemetry. Now ICU.

Damn girl....or guy, sorry can't tell by your username....AWESOME GPA!!!

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Specializes in Medical/Telemetry. Now ICU.

Some of my science classes will be 10 years old by 2012-2013. I took A&P 2 before A& P1....it took A& P2 when I was 18, and had that " i don't care mentality" and only got a 2.0. Woud you suggest retaking A&P2?? I got a 3.0 in Chem 1 (this is another class that will be 10 years old in 2012), 3.0 in A&P 1, 4.0 in Chem2, 4.0 in Medical microbiology. 3.5 in Patho & Pharm during nursing school, and 4.0 in Health Assessment in Nursing school. I also did very well in all my nursing provider classes (Med surg, maternity, pediatrics, psych, community, and advanced med surg)--I got 3.5's and 4.0s in those. I also got a 4.0 in my Capstone. I did an Accelerated BSN program (super intense) so I believe that prepared me for how a super intense CRNA program will be (obv the CRNA program is a lot more difficult).

I am thinking of taking a graduate level Pathophys and Pharm class to improve my resume as well. Also, should I retake A&P2 ?

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