only 1 year of experience

I was accepted to TWU for this fall ...I graduated BSN in 2004, worked 1 year trauma. I switched to CCU in July 05, so I haven't had one full year there. TWU kinda counted my TC experience (most schools don't), so I think that helped with my lack of CCU experience. GPA3.4, GRE 1250, really good letters. I guess I interviewed well too. I honestly wasn't sure I'd get it, especially with the lack of experience. I must say my CCU unit is wonderful about education for people who want it; I've learned so much these past months. (way more than in nursing school). My advice, learn everything you can, get CCRN if you can, and apply. Who knows what will happen!

It's really hard to say. There are some people in my unit that got into a couple of school with only 6 months experience with totally average GRE scores and GPAs around 3.7. Who knows? There doesn't seem to be any hard and fast rules to any of it.

I have just under a year and I'm applying this week with a 3.7 and 1270. Wish me luck!

piper for hire,

What schools did your co-workers apply to and where were they accepted? Good luck on your application process. I'm sure you will do great.

Jessica

These schools are in the Philadelphia area.

-S

piper for hire,

What schools did your co-workers apply to and where were they accepted? Good luck on your application process. I'm sure you will do great.

Jessica

Jessica,

I started in the ICU right out of nursing school with no prior medical experience. It was hell on wheels! I didn't even really know how to work the IV tubing, the pumps etc. I was totally blown away by the level of information the other nurses had on the tips of their brains. It's taken me a couple of years to really start to groove with the whole critical thinking thing. I finally feel like if I stuck it out another couple of years, I might rival some of the nurses I met my first year.

Do you have prior medical field experience or are you entering the ICU "cold"? (I'm not trying to discourage your plan for CRNA school. I'm trying to understand if you have background that you didn't mention in your post).

There may be some programs that will let you in with less ICU experience as the previous posters assert. They themselves may have had other nursing experience prior to their start in the ICU. I would like to know.

All I know is that I found it very difficult and still do some days. This just may be a personal learning style of mine.

I also was wondering about this...but then I looked at where I would like to work after I graduate, and they do a 12 week internship. Right there is 3 months of just learning the basics to become an entry level nurse. No matter how tempting it will be for me to apply for the following year, my head tells me I will probably make a much better CRNA by having a good handle on ICU basics. Which is probably more like 2 years of experience. BUT, if you really are determined why not try...you might not feel as comfortable though with some procedures as more seasoned nurses. This is something you might want to keep in mind. JMO!! Good Luck

Piper, where are you gonna apply???

I got accepted (I'm in the Philly area) with 8 months of experience, and started school with 2 years experience. If you have other good things going for you like a high GPA it will offset your lack of experience.

Hey Emerald - I'll PM you.

-S

Piper, where are you gonna apply???

I got accepted (I'm in the Philly area) with 8 months of experience, and started school with 2 years experience. If you have other good things going for you like a high GPA it will offset your lack of experience.

Piper, where are you gonna apply???

I got accepted (I'm in the Philly area) with 8 months of experience, and started school with 2 years experience. If you have other good things going for you like a high GPA it will offset your lack of experience.

I disagree I think that the experience part is going to save you in the end over a 4.0 GPA. In your 8 months of experience you probably were in orientation for 6 months so with my math you have 2 months exp. If you feel comfortable at that level more power to you. In the end remember it is you clinical experience that will save you far in above what your grades look like.

Jessica,

I started in the ICU right out of nursing school with no prior medical experience. It was hell on wheels! I didn't even really know how to work the IV tubing, the pumps etc. I was totally blown away by the level of information the other nurses had on the tips of their brains. It's taken me a couple of years to really start to groove with the whole critical thinking thing. I finally feel like if I stuck it out another couple of years, I might rival some of the nurses I met my first year.

Do you have prior medical field experience or are you entering the ICU "cold"? (I'm not trying to discourage your plan for CRNA school. I'm trying to understand if you have background that you didn't mention in your post).

There may be some programs that will let you in with less ICU experience as the previous posters assert. They themselves may have had other nursing experience prior to their start in the ICU. I would like to know.

All I know is that I found it very difficult and still do some days. This just may be a personal learning style of mine.

I agree with you on the more experience the better. I could not see myself in school until I was nearing about two years in the ICU. I takes that long to get through orientation and gain exposure to the essentials of critical care. I am amazed at the schools that accept those with under 1 year of exp.

japaho41,

I am starting to feel pretty good most days at work. I find that no matter how experienced the other staff is, there is always something they don't know. I take comfort in that because I know there are many layers to the onion, so to speak, and it's o.k. to not know everything as long as you know the basics of when to ask for help and where to find critical information.

I feel ready to apply to CRNA school because I know I can learn. I can think critically now due to my experience in the ICU. I am more organized than I have ever been in my life. I think in priorities now. I know that I don't know and I'm o.k. with that because I will learn.

japaho41,

I am starting to feel pretty good most days at work. I find that no matter how experienced the other staff is, there is always something they don't know. I take comfort in that because I know there are many layers to the onion, so to speak, and it's o.k. to not know everything as long as you know the basics of when to ask for help and where to find critical information.

I feel ready to apply to CRNA school because I know I can learn. I can think critically now due to my experience in the ICU. I am more organized than I have ever been in my life. I think in priorities now. I know that I don't know and I'm o.k. with that because I will learn.

ICU,

You sound like you have it all together. I wish you all the luck in the world. Where do you plan to apply? I will finish my BSN (hopfully) by July of 2007. I will apply to Samuel Merritt in Oakland and Kaiser Permanente's school in Pasadena, I'm not sure about others. I have years of old ICU, SICU experience but am in the E.D. now. I completely agree with your finding that even the most experienced nurses come across things they are unsure of. The ability the think on your feet, stay calm, use resources well and prioritize, is what it's all about; that along with a good knowledge base

I hope to see you posting as a CRNA along with me in a few years.

Take care,

91CRN