What was the most challenging part of the CRNA application process?

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If you could have had an experienced expert holding your hand throughout the CRNA application process, what would you have wanted most from them?

Or if you are currently applying to schools, is there any part of the process you wish you had help with?

If you had a genie who could instantly get you past a certain stage in the process, what stage would that be?

I went to an accelerated nursing program after having all my prereq's...I had all As and a couple B's in my BSN, but majority of my hard sciences were Cs...Chemistry, org chemistry, a&P1-2....I retook physiology and chemistry (got As)the year prior to applying to school. I loved my career in the ICU so I waited longer than most to apply. I was scheduled to retake org chem and anatomy, in case I didn't get in on my first try. I will say that most of my class had high GPAs, I'm on the low end and I got grilled in my interview about them so if your goal is CRNA, I'd say, finish your BSN, practice at least 2 years (feel comfortable being the one in the room, calling the shots when the patient starts coding or going bad), and slowly retake your sciences one at at time if school stresses you out, so you can give them enough time and pull those As. Wouldn't hurt if you got yourself hired at a facility that reimburses for classes-most good hospitals give you 1500-3000 a year once you've been there long enough.

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I also hated working in the ICU and left as soon as I got into school. The only purpose of me being there was to get into school and once I accomplished that I was gone. The job of a bedside nurse is literally all the things no one else wants to do. I recommend feeling out who will write you an outstanding letter and knocking out any course you have to repeat.

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The only purpose of me being there was to get into school and once I accomplished that I was gone.

Wow. Bare minimums at their finest.

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Some of us need 8 years and some need just 18 months. If you keep your eyes on the prize anything is possible.

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Specializes in CRNA.
May I ask why this was challenging then? If you weren't afraid to tell management, why was this difficult?

My manager injured his knee and has been out for the last few weeks. I keep asking him to complete it but it still hasn't been done. I understand the situation but my first deadline is July 1, so I'm cutting it close.

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For this reason I gave them all fake due dates. I knew my concerns would not be a high priority for their day.

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That is a fabulous strategy.

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I also did this. Gave myself a 2 month cushion to be safe.

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Specializes in CRNA.
For this reason I gave them all fake due dates. I knew my concerns would not be a high priority for their day.

I've never gave him a due date, could be one of my issues.

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The anxiety of all of the wait. THAT is by far the most horrible part of this process, in my opinion of course.

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Specializes in CRNA.

Hands down, LORs. I have had one recommender that turned her letter in almost two weeks late, even with me reminding her and her saying she didn't mind writing the letter. I just had another one say she wasn't going to write Letters for anyone anymore because she recently took a new position as the ICU CNS. I have coworkers that are applying to the same programs I am, so that throws another pickle into it all. I ended up applying to Midwestern because they don't require LORs.

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I disagree with the LOR's being the most difficult part of the application process. If you've put your time in at the bedside you should have developed some sort of rapport with your managers and colleagues. Personally, the hardest part of the nurse anesthetist application process is in fact the wait! Patience is a virtue and certainly a learned skill. It has taught me the value and work ethic of the bedside critical care nurses who want to remain in the profession. It has also cemented my decision to pursue nurse anesthesia!

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