What makes a good candidate

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Hello,

I am wondering what makes a Nurse Anesthetist school applicant a strong candidate. I've heard that more than 3 years in ICU is good, but what else will help an applicant be chosen (ex- volunteering)?

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

You have two different threads up -- are you interested in anesthesia, the nurse practitioner role or just anything that isn't bedside?

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You have two different threads up -- are you interested in anesthesia, the nurse practitioner role or just anything that isn't bedside?

In a previous post I made, I stated that I was interested in becoming either a CRNA or a Surgical ACNP. I am so fascinated by the cardiac system, as well as anesthesia. I'm just trying to keep my options open, as I am not sure which path I am more interested in at the moment.

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Take a moment to read through some of the posts on this forum. Pay attention to stats people post, whether they were good enough to get in, and if so, where. A little proactiveness on your part will go a long way--I promise you'll learn more reading through stuff already posted than from any response you receive here.

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High science and overall GPA

Shadowing a CRNA as many hours as possible

Leadership roles (charge nurse, preceptor, committees, etc.)

High acuity ICU experience

Longevity of ICU experience

High GRE score

Completion of graduate level courses with high level grades.

CCRN certification

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High science and overall GPA

Shadowing a CRNA as many hours as possible

Leadership roles (charge nurse, preceptor, committees, etc.)

High acuity ICU experience

Longevity of ICU experience

High GRE score

Completion of graduate level courses with high level grades.

CCRN certification

Thank you so much!

When you say high acuity ICU, which ICU department do mean? CVICU, trauma ICU, or do you mean any ICU at a major hospital?

Also, what graduate courses should CRNA applicants take?

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In a previous post I made, I stated that I was interested in becoming either a CRNA or a Surgical ACNP. I am so fascinated by the cardiac system, as well as anesthesia. I'm just trying to keep my options open, as I am not sure which path I am more interested in at the moment.

I'm like you, at the moment :) There are so many interesting paths to go down in nursing. I can't decide on one, just yet. And maybe it would be fun to jump around a bit? If you're able to

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Level 1 Hospitals always look good. Several of the schools I'm interviewing too specially ask in their application is hospital a Level 1 or 2. CVICU is really good. I know someone with 2 years CVICU experience get into CRNA school and someone with 5 years Neuro ICU not get in. Both had similar GPA, GREs scores and both CCRN certified.

Get your certifications. CCRN plus anything you get get in your area of expertise. Cardiac Sugery, Trauma, etc.

As far as graduate course, biostastics is a prerequisite for some programs. Some MSN-CRNA will let you take Advanced Pharm and/or patho so those are always suggestions.

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Level 1 Hospitals always look good. Several of the schools I'm interviewing too specially ask in their application is hospital a Level 1 or 2. CVICU is really good. I know someone with 2 years CVICU experience get into CRNA school and someone with 5 years Neuro ICU not get in. Both had similar GPA, GREs scores and both CCRN certified.

Get your certifications. CCRN plus anything you get get in your area of expertise. Cardiac Sugery, Trauma, etc.

As far as graduate course, biostastics is a prerequisite for some programs. Some MSN-CRNA will let you take Advanced Pharm and/or patho so those are always suggestions.

Is Trauma ICU experience as good as CVICU?

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Specializes in Neuro-Trauma ICU.

I think the CVICU vs other ICU = better experience arguments are bunk. There's more to it than just that. STATs do nothing but get you to interview. Your interview gets you selected. I'm a 5 year ICU nurse with Neuro/Trauma ICU experience and was accepted to CRNA school. I'm a firm believer that they look at more than pure numbers. It's a comprehensive package. Just my two cents.

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I think the CVICU vs other ICU = better experience arguments are bunk. There's more to it than just that. STATs do nothing but get you to interview. Your interview gets you selected. I'm a 5 year ICU nurse with Neuro/Trauma ICU experience and was accepted to CRNA school. I'm a firm believer that they look at more than pure numbers. It's a comprehensive package. Just my two cents.

Is the interview similar to a job interview?

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Specializes in Neuro-Trauma ICU.
Is the interview similar to a job interview?

It was unlike any other interview I've done. Mine was a mix of "getting to know you" and clinical assessment. To me, there was more at stake with my graduate school interview than a job interview. Hope that makes sense.

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