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)?

My class actually has 4 Pediatric ICU nurses, so I would choose whichever ICU that interests you more. The acuity on your unit matters more than the type of ICU, but yes in general CVICU & CTSICU offers the best experience. You should try to work on a unit that has very sick patients on supportive devices (vents/crrt/lvad/balloon pump), invasive monitoring (arterial/swanz) or noninvasive monitoring (ev1000), vasoactive medications (levo, neo, epi, nitro, Cardizem). These patients typically have at least 1 or more organ failing, septic or otherwise hemodynamically unstable d/t a variety of pathologies. When you become the person on the unit others look to for answers, then you are ready to apply to CRNA programs. That may at the 1 year ICU mark, which is required for most programs, though that is highly unlikely. Either way, don't cheat yourself or your future patients by leaving the ICU before you are ready.

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My class actually has 4 Pediatric ICU nurses so I would choose whichever ICU that interests you more. The acuity on your unit matters more than the type of ICU, but yes in general CVICU & CTSICU offers the best experience. You should try to work on a unit that has very sick patients on supportive devices (vents/crrt/lvad/balloon pump), invasive monitoring (arterial/swanz) or noninvasive monitoring (ev1000), vasoactive medications (levo, neo, epi, nitro, Cardizem). These patients typically have at least 1 or more organ failing, septic or otherwise hemodynamically unstable d/t a variety of pathologies. When you become the person on the unit others look to for answers, then you are ready to apply to CRNA programs. That may at the 1 year ICU mark, which is required for most programs, though that is highly unlikely. Either way, don't cheat yourself or your future patients by leaving the ICU before you are ready.[/quote']

Thank you! Did you do anything else unique that made you stand out as an applicant to help you get chosen for CRNA school?

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2yrs ICU here-first @ Medical/Surgical ICU Level 3 Hospital, second @ Trauma/Neuro ICU Level 1 Trauma Center. Applied to 2 local programs for the first time this year and accepted into one. I think different schools look at certain parts. The school I was accepted at really focused on science courses-mainly chemistry. Since I have BSN and BA Biology/Chemistry, I knew I would have a stronger application there than at the other school which focused on experience (many CVICU nurses were accepted). Research the schools and see where your best chance is. Good luck.

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Thank you! Did you do anything else unique that made you stand out as an applicant to help you get chosen for CRNA school?

In addition to what ICUman, RN said?

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

I completed every sentence on that list, some with more success than others. For example, my GRE score was average, and I only completed prerequisites courses that were required for admission, not any additional grad level courses.

I also completed a 12 lead ekg course.

Quite honestly? I over did it. A few people get into programs, or at least got into my program, who didn't do extra things to enhance their chances at getting accepted. That just proves admissions committees look at more than the data on paper when making their selection.

Do I regret doing all those extra things? Hell no. It made me a more competent, knowledgable bedside nurse. Its easier for me to connect the concepts I'm being taught because I have a good experience to draw from and a solid knowledge base to build on.

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I work Trauma ICU and PRN CVICU. With 2 years previous Neuro Surgical ICU, I think every place I have worked offered me something. Highlighting the types of high acuity patient that you are taking care of in your interview is what is really going to get you in. I dealt with more gtts and sicker patients at a Level III hospital that I do at a Level I.

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I work Trauma ICU and PRN CVICU. With 2 years previous Neuro Surgical ICU, I think every place I have worked offered me something. Highlighting the types of high acuity patient that you are taking care of in your interview is what is really going to get you in. I dealt with more gtts and sicker patients at a Level III hospital that I do at a Level I.

Did the different multiple ICU jobs help get into CRNA school?

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