Will a good GPA outweigh lack of experience?

[mchristy12]

Deleted

[CowboyMedic, DNP, APRN, CRNA]

Which school?

[mchristy12]

Guess that would be helpful. Missouri State University.

[CowboyMedic, DNP, APRN, CRNA]

Well you need to provide a bit more information since they also require the GRE with a 303 and 3.5 and organic chemistry. You will get looked at for sure with your GPA and CCRN. Your experience may weigh you back a bit but probably not too much. Do you do any extra at work such as charge nurse, precept, or any councils? I looked at MSU as well but don't have organic chemistry yet.

[CCRNRCIS, BSN, RN]

No GRE required if you already have your CCRN. You could always email the director or AD and ask if you are qualified to apply with your experience. They have been super helpful and quick to reply to my questions.

My advice is to sit out another year if you're lacking in experience (others may disagree). You still have so much to learn. Immerse yourself in The ICU Book, watch videos or podcasts about disease processes, become familiar with ventilators, etc. GPA may get you in the door, but experience will carry you through the program.

[Future1Intub8er1995]

Councils, charge nursing and precepting don't matter! HIGH ACUITY CARE OF CRITICALLY ILL ACUTE PATIENTS MATTERS!

[ProgressiveThinking, MSN, CRNA]

Councils, charge nursing and precepting don't matter! HIGH ACUITY CARE OF CRITICALLY ILL ACUTE PATIENTS MATTERS!

Actually, all of the above matters to a lot of admissions committees. Whether or not it's a good idea to go into clinical with less than 2 years of ICU experience is an entirely different argument, but the key is to be as well-rounded as possible. If you lack in other areas do your best shine in others.

[BigPappaCRNA]

Why not just do 1-2 years more in the ICU and remove all doubt?

[Spolar]

Councils, charge nursing and precepting don't matter! HIGH ACUITY CARE OF CRITICALLY ILL ACUTE PATIENTS MATTERS!

My school specifically looked for leadership roles like committees, preceptorships, whatever. Obviously high acuity matters but leadership definitely matters.

[AGRN152]

In my opinion, lack of experience is one of the top reasons for not getting accepted. You can have a stellar GPA but the minute a 3-5 year ICU nurse with a slightly lower GPA applies, they will outshine you and you will have a hard time convincing the admissions committee to interview you over that other applicant if academically look exactly the same on paper. Academic ability is a major part of anesthesia school, but clinical intuition and comfort in a high-stress situation is also crucial and at the graduate school level, these autonomy and leadership skills should already be somewhat developed. If you already have a great GPA, get another year of ICU under your belt, and apply, you will be a slam dunk! I tried applying to anesthesia school with a great GPA and just 1 year experience and it didn't work out, I put in two more years and reapplied and got multiple interviews and acceptance as well!