What to do when you don't get into a CRNA program

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Specializes in ICU.

This website provided me with a lot of useful information in preparation for my CRNA interviews. I applied to five programs in the southeast and was granted three interviews right from the start. This was really promising for my chances to get into at least one program. Well I didn't get selected so now I have a 6+ months before I reapply. So what do I do with the time?

I was able to get some feedback from the programs where I interviewed. The one common remark was that I need retake the GRE. I knew my score of 950 was going to hurt me, but I didn't have time to retake the exam before the application deadlines.

So in anticipation for the next round of interviews, the question is going to come up, "What have you done since last year?" Some have mentioned taking the CCRN exam, or maybe taking an online graduate level O-Chem or Patho. class. I need help deciding which is best? Or,is there any other ideas?

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Specializes in ICU-CVICU.

Phirey,

It sounds like they've given you some great advice already! Did you study for the GRE? If 950 is without studying, I think you have the potential to do very, very well on a retake with some effort.

As for CCRN, it's not all that difficult after some study/practice.

Were your interviews clinical in nature? Did you prepare for them as in brushing up on common topics, anticipating answers to common questions, wearing a suit, getting a hair cut, etc, etc. Because if you were granted 3 interviews and didn't get in, it sounds like your application was acceptable but your interview skills were lacking.

Very good luck next year!

May

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency.
Phirey,

It sounds like they've given you some great advice already! Did you study for the GRE? If 950 is without studying, I think you have the potential to do very, very well on a retake with some effort.

As for CCRN, it's not all that difficult after some study/practice.

Were your interviews clinical in nature? Did you prepare for them as in brushing up on common topics, anticipating answers to common questions, wearing a suit, getting a hair cut, etc, etc. Because if you were granted 3 interviews and didn't get in, it sounds like your application was acceptable but your interview skills were lacking.

Ditto. Sounds as though you look good on paper but you blew the interviews. Assuming that your GPA is solid, focus on retaking the GRE and obtaining CCRN.

Good luck next time around...

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Specializes in ER/ICU, CCRN, SRNA (class of 2010).

I agree with the above posts....If I were you I would in this order:

1: take a GRE prep class of about 10weeks in length and retake the GRE

2: Get the DVD prep course from www.greatnurses.com for the CCRN and the Pass CCRN book with cd and take the practice tests on the cd to prepare and take the CCRN exam. I would spend no more then 5 or 6 weeks on this.

Remembering as far as cost for preparing that you are missing out on CRNA salary for every you have to reapply. So, a couple of grand to prepare is small potatoes r/t the tens of thousands you will not be making for another year.

Best of luck

-Smiley

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Hi

I just have to say, DONT GIVE UP OR BE DISCOURAGED.

I almost let people do this to me and if I would have let them win I would not be starting school this Aug. I took a whole year off after getting treated poorly in an interview. I shouldnt have.

Whether you think you can do something or not, you are probably right-

Good Luck:nurse:

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Specializes in ICU.

Thanks everyone for your feedback, I appreciate all the advice. I know the areas that I have to improve. I want the interviewers to see that I just didn't sit around and wait another year with nothing to show. I want them to see that I'm committed to the work involved for the program. It seems everyone thinks CCRN would look better on a resume, and hopefully more competitive as an applicant. Half of the applicants who got into the programs that I applied to were CCRN's. I just wasn't sure if an O-chem or Patho class would look more appealing. GRE's, CCRN exam, along with getting all the transcripts and LOR's is a lot to do in a short time.

Thanks everyone

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Specializes in srna.

a good freind of mine was turned down 2 times at the same college. 3rd time she got in. interviews hurt her i think. think about your interviews and what you could do to improve them (did you rattle on about stuff, talk to much,etc..)

ccrn is a hard test and most nurses do not have it. getting it would put you above another nurse if everything else is equal. i was study for it (about 3 to 4 weeks). most all the study guides have practice test.

if they said something about your gre, i'd study and retake it. i'd hold off on the graduate classes unless you had the extra time. 6 months isn't long if you try to get the gre and ccrn.

don't give up!!!!!!!!!

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