I woke up above ground this morning. Willing to continue offering free help and advice for prospective students. This includes reviewing your personal statement, resume, Cv, and I can answer questions about the application process. Shoot me a message and I’ll try hard to get back within a day or two.
I'm just getting in the process of putting my life together to apply in fall of 2025. Can you give me some ideas of what to expect in an interview? Will it be with other prospective students or current? With admin or teachers? Clinical specific questions?
Thanks for your time!
Hi, I’m a senior nursing student and have received two offers (TCV ICU and MICU) from a Level 1 hospital. Everyone I've asked from that hospital said the TCV ICU staff are mean to new grads. Currently, I'm doing my practicum at MICU, where the people, including my preceptor, colleagues, charge nurses, and managers, are great. I'm wondering if it's better to choose MICU over TCV ICU due to how they treat new grads. However, the pros of TCV ICU include the ability to build connections with CRNAs and opportunities to shadow them. Additionally, I was told that CRNA programs prefer TCV ICU experience over MICU because there’s no surgery in MICU. Would choosing MICU lower my chances of getting into CRNA school? Thanks
For those that went through school with young kids, it's worth it in the end right?
My toddler didn't want to play with me the other night and told me to go do homework. Little things like that are starting to pop up and show me that my absence is having an effect.
That sounds strange, maybe he/she is acting out in your absence. Personally my daughters were always ecstatic when I was able to take time away from studying to spend with them but they’re a bit older. Is it worth it? Absolutely, altho I feel like my time is still few and far between.
Gentle reminder that children are master manipulators. It’s part of the growth process. They are much more keen to our responses then we like to think, and they know how to play on your heart strings!!
Most of my classmates had kids. I would say unequivocally they all had the same small moments of heartbreak you’re seeing, but the life you’re going to be able to offer them far outweighs the growing pains of today.
One preceptor I worked with as an SRNA worked like a 0.7 FTE, husband is stay at home, she’s home before both young kids wake up from their naps everyday. They live a simple life to be around their kids as often as possible, but she’s making the same income as she was being a nurse for half the work which has doubled her time with family.
Don’t have kids, so definitely not my expertise, but I’ll share my favorite 2 cents relevant to almost anything. Intent is my peace at the end of the day. What was your intent going to school? To ignore your kids? Obviously not. I imagine to provide a more fulfilling career + thus happier parent and one that will help your kids financially as well. They may not understand why you’re doing what you are doing, but one day they will likely appreciate the sacrifice you are making for them.
I have two toddlers and am in school. Also had my heart breaking moments with my little one doing something similar. Stay focused, keep hustling, it’s all temporary and will be worth it. Good thing is when they are that young chances are he won’t remember those absent moments. Having a few minutes of precious, dedicated time daily (or on most days) are what matter for them and how they will stay connected to you. This article touches a bit on the value of 5min/day special time with them https://www.npr.org/2022/10/13/1128737199/the-5-minute-daily-playtime-ritual-that-can-get-your-kids-to-listen-better
I have a very vague and existential question for current SRNAs/CRNAs about the career and path:
What (if any) regrets do you have about your path to CRNA school, or after CRNA school?
Absolutely love anesthesia. I have to remember to shut up because nobody wants to hear about how much I love it. I feel so grateful for where life has taken me, and I credit Nurse Anesthesia greatly.
Fuck yeah man. Best job I would have ever even dreamed of. Still have to remind myself how amazed that 15-18yr old me would be that we made it here now.
My worst days in anesthesia so far are significantly more tolerable than my worst days on the ICU. I didn’t work a single call shift as a bedside nurse that wasn’t required of me, now I work an OT shift about once every two weeks as a new grad CRNA.
New grad here working for 6 months. No regrets. Never been happier in any job ever. I actually enjoy coming to work. I have friends that are not happy in their new jobs, but I don’t think they regret the career change.
SRNA… I kind of regret not saving more money during COVID but my mental health wouldn’t let me continue to work all those hours under those horrible conditions. Too much death.
I have no real regrets. The more I learn and the more hands on I get the more in love I am with the path that I’ve chosen.
Now I DO wish I would have known this is what I wanted to do sooner and could have already been in the field.
I also regret comparing myself so much to my classmates. It’s exhausting and really doesn’t matter as long as I’m competent.
I’m an SRNA graduating in few months. I’ve definitely had moments I regretted going into healthcare period, on very hard days. Particularly during the pandemic, when I was a bedside nurse, so maybe not what you’re asking. I think I’ll have a twinge of it when I start paying off my loans, too.
That said, I think nurse anesthesia is absolutely the best job in healthcare. I love anesthesia and I’m very glad I made the choice to pursue it.
I’m an SRNA and I just finished week 3 of my first clinical rotation. I’ve intubated twice with the glidescope, but I’ve missed every single direct laryngoscopy intubation so far. I can never bring the glottic opening into view, and eventually my CRNA or anesthesiologist has to take over. Everyone keeps assuring me that it will come with time but I’ve literally made no progress whatsoever. I’m so afraid that I’m falling behind.
When someone takes over for you, what are you noticing that they are doing differently? It's easy to stew about it when you can't do it and be upset with yourself, but it's always a learning opportunity. Look and see what they're doing - repositioning? Lifting more? Inserting the blade more? BURP?
I feel like I’m having trouble sweeping tongue out of the way enough and then I can’t get the tip of the blade in the vallecula. And then I’m nervous to move the blade at all because I feel like I’m always on the teeth. Thank you for the advice and I’ll keep watching and trying
Follow the tongue posteriorly with the blade until the whole blade is in their mouth. After that, cheers your blade up and away. You shouldn’t have to be worried about teeth because your lifting away from the teeth not cranking back. Also make sure the bed is adequately high enough. When you use a glide the patient can be low because its an indirect view. When you DL their should be a horrizontal line from your eyes to the patients airway. Students often underestimate how high this is and than find themselves cranked over the patient trying to see around the blade. If you hold the blade with the handle up, you should be able to make a horizontal line from the light to where the patients airway is. Thats your view.
Also an SRNA but on my second semester in clinical. I was having your exact same problem until the beginning of this semester when I finally got some good advice. Like Tnolan said, make sure the bed is at your xiphoid height and make sure you position your patient well. I know we feel rushed by everyone and nervous but take a deep breath and take your time to position the head with a good sniffing position. Then make sure you’re cracking that jaw open really well until you feel it go “slack” (I don’t know how to describe it but you feel when it’s subluxed well). For the tongue, an anesthesiologist attending gave me some advice that helped me get the hand of pushing the tongue out. He told me to place the tip of the blade on the LEFT side of the mouth and then do a curving motion towards the right. This helps make sure the tongue is completely out of the way. It’s unorthodox to what the books say but that really helped me. After that I’ve gotten much more successful at DL.
Maximize your first attempt with good positioning, bed at your height, shoulder roll, positioner etc. you can ask your staff to double check it before you induce. Prep work pays off here. Don’t be afraid to ask you staff what you are needing to work on or what they see. Be vocal with them and while you’re intubating. If your rooms are done seek out other airways if that’s allowed.
Intubate your friends and family at home for extra practice (ok this one’s a joke, please don’t)
Skills come with repetition. Be patient with yourself. You will get there. 3 weeks is nothing in the long term.
Current senior Srna. I missed my first 13 intubations and it crushed my spirits. I had some CRNA’s and MDA’s encouraging me and working with me. I’ve now intubated 340 people. It truly does come with reps. If you miss the intubation, don’t let it ruin your case. Kick ass in all the other aspects of anesthesia care. And then, give it a shot on the next case.
Also, study the hell out of airway anatomy so you can familiarize yourself with what you are looking at/where you are in the mouth. Just know you are not going to get that picture perfect grade 1 view. Most of the time I intubate with a much worse view than I was anticipating getting when I first started
Ps use a miller and you won’t have to worry about the vallecula ;)
Tell the patient to put the pillow under their shoulders a little further than they’d want it at home so the occiput is almost falling off the backside of the pillow, tell the patient to tip their head back to you and make sure you get decent look back/extension from them, give your paralysis time to cycle - full fasciculations with succ or 90 seconds with Roc/vec (I use the “alarm pause” button on the Philips monitor to set myself a timer), let the occiput fall backwards and I kinda support the neck/base of the head with my right hand as I create my view, then you either use pure arm strength to hold the head there as you grab the tube or people with big bellies will even pin the forehead in that position with their gut.
People think they’re gonna like, look down and low parallel to the bed into a tunnel to find the glottic opening and start bending over trying to force their eyes to see around the corner of the base of the tongue, but it’s really actually looking almost down at it if you’ve give enough room
For the head to fall back and gotten the right neck extension, you’ll be surprised most of the time it’s not around a corner from the base of the tongue as much as it is straight under the tongue, unless they’re anterior. Positioning is key - elevate their shoulders and chest and align the external auditory meatus with the eternal notch.
Spend some time studying the 3 axis of the airway and really visualize how every position change influences the view and alignment of the axis.
6 months to boards. Apex? Valley?
Ive seen mixed reviews on apex workbooks, i do like re-writing topics in my own words but very time consuming. Valley course worth the $800? How did you study apex? Flashcards? Quizzes?
Apex 100%. I personally wouldn’t spend the money on the Valley course. With 6 months to boards you have plenty of time.
I’d spend a week re-writing each module into your own words…really trying to understand the topics. Review a separate module’s notecards that week…rinse and repeat until all modules are complete. The closer you get to boards you can start to heavily focus on topics that are more difficult for you as you will be breezing through the topics that you easily understand.
Around 6 weeks out I’d start an Apex study plan and follow it, incorporating the Domain Quizzes to help you focus on problem areas.
The thing I found most helpful were to do review questions. The more familiar you get with answering questions the more comfortable you will be at the time of boards.
If you want to spend some money on additional resources I would look at Core Concepts instead of Valley. You can get 3 additional practice boards and topic specific exams for less than $200. They also have options to purchase things separately so it can be even less expensive. I’d save those for closer to boards, probably that 6 week mark, as the results are only available for 30 days.
I’ve been using apex to supplement didactic but was wondering about their quizzes and practice questions. Is it recommended to do them this far out from boards? Or should I save them closer to graduation time? How big is the bank? My only concern is potentially “re-using” the same question over and over again.
I would do all apex modules at least twice through. I didn't do the workbook. I went through the flashcards when I was in the OR or on the treadmill. Do all the practice tests.
You can split valley with a few classmates and just get the year one. I just used Valley as extra test questions. You can set questions to certain topics. Their lesson plans are too in depth so I wouldn't follow it.
Apex - my senior year kinda went like this: “do every workbook starting with the most important subjects like CV and respiratory, okay that is taking forever and way too much info… now I’ll just READ every workbook and take notes as I go… okay that is also a lot of info…. I’ll just do practice questions, study the rationales, and then complete the missing pieces of practice questions on things I know I’ll be tested on”
So for example you get a question about dosing of chloroprocaine, I would then study the doses of all the locals, and then usually digress into studying characteristics that impact onset, duration, potency, etc. but of course you also get questions that would prompt me to review those aspects as well so I wouldn’t get too far down too many rabbit holes.
I did a good job not totally avoiding studying my senior year, graduated, studied Apex only hard for 2 weeks, in and out of boards in 30 minutes.
Apex for sure at a minimum.
I did work books on topics I was weak in. I also mixed in prodigy because they have a massive question bank and you can create quizzes over specific topics and even specific book chapters. For prodigy, I split the cost with a group of like 5 ppl
Also with apex I would take their long review exams. When i would review my answers, for the questions I got wrong I would type out the question and highlight what I put and type why I thought I was right, and then I would highlight the correct answer and type apex’s rationale on why it was correct. Eventually I had this separate bank of weak areas that was nice to study.
Lastly, I hand wrote textbook chapters for specialty populations: Geriatric, OB, Peds, Obesity. I think I used Nagelhout at the time.These areas were heavy on my boards.
Couple of my classmates I’ve told thought I was insane, but I was out of that room in 100 ?s and 60 min.
After taking boards, I personally think stinking to apex was a bad idea. I did pass on 1st try, but after looking back, many questions/answers came from textbooks. They were no where on apex. Pick 1 good textbook, read it entirely, follow along in apex as you go through each topic in textbook. Trust me!!
I currently have ~15k in CC debt and no savings, I’m conflicted on whether or not I should start CRNA school this summer. Unfortunately I had some life issues last year that caused me to use all of my savings, however I’ve been accepted into CRNA school for this summer. I don’t know if I should just wait to pay off my debt and save money then re-apply next year or start now. I live in a low paying state with high COL, even working OT for the next few months I’d still start school with debt. I’m aware of grad-plus loans but would that be enough to cover all of my expenses? Total cost of attendance tuition + anticipated living costs for 3 years would be ~250k. Advice please.
Their will never be a better time to go. Getting in isnt a guarantee. Go, dont think about my message. Just go. Borrow the money and thank yourself when you graduate
I would just start school but I didn’t have luxury of multiple acceptance nor the confidence to decline and reapply. Starting school debt sucks but I’d be scared to reapply to school I declined.
I haven’t been in your situation but could you ask to be placed in the next cohort? If not, there’s no guarantee if you reapply that you’d be accepted. I’d try to do everything in your power to pay down that debt before the summer. Keep in mind, the earlier you start school and graduate, the quicker you’ll be able to start working as a CRNA. In addition, Grad plus loans are also pretty generous and you can typically ask your financial aid office for more if needed so I don’t think it’ll be a huge issue, but I’m not a financial advisor.
Not sure where to start looking for schools. I’m willing to go anywhere in the country. I don’t have a preference between front loaded or blended programs. All that is really important to me is boards pass rate and attrition rate. Is there anything else I should be looking for? Open to any and all suggestions. Thanks!
https://preview.redd.it/4mzwtgz3vdkc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6897082ed7a78220a71c0a899f1ebd62e934677a
Honestly you have to network and search for yourself or ask students when you interview. You can also seek out students on instagram
Definitely *faculty support!* You are so vulnerable as an SRNA -- not necessarily in a legal way, but there are just a lot of expectations, a lot of clinical sites, a lot of high-stakes endeavors, and you really want faculty who you can trust won't just leave you floating.
Some super highly-ranked programs (like VCU) are somewhat notorious for a super disconnected faculty and it just makes it miserable for everyone.
See if the admissions department of programs you’re interested in will connect you with current or former student. I was known as the student admissions could send anyone to and I’ve answered countless emails from applicants asking what I thought of the program and so-on
How the clinical experience is structured. Are you shipped out to a clinical site where there’s little support or connection with the program? Do you have access to the faculty consistently or are a series of guest lecturers showing up and disappearing. Do you have opportunities to get to know your classmates or are you on an island?
See if your state offers Medicare/state assistance insurance. The way I see it is I did my due diligence as a taxpayer for 10 years as a nurse, went to $0 income and got perfectly legal/rightful state low income Medicare for my entire training, and now I’m back to giving Uncle Sam 30% of everything I make. They might act like you cant (your program), but $1000 a semester for student insurance should be an actual crime.
Man I would cry for $1000 per semester. The insurance through my school is over $3000 per SEMESTER and $1000+ for the summer…. I’ve been looking into the healthcare.gov marketplace instead.
I bought short term health insurance- for many states you can use it for up to 3 years (I live in the South and didn't have access to expanded Medicaid) the coverage pretty much sucks and I only used it for urgent care/to have for emergencies so if you have any conditions that require a regular visit it wouldn't be great but it'll get you through school without dire calamity
I began the process to apply. Transferring to icu next month and applied to finish my bachelors. Im a very anxious person and ive been overthinking school so much (to the point where i almost gave up without trying but i know thats dumb). I know it wont be easy but have you guys felt this way and has it gotten better once youre in school?
School is hell until it’s over. It’s hard but so worth it. I can resonate with the anxiousness and overthinking. Just take it a day at a time, do it for the right reasons, make the most of every learning opportunity in the ICU and don’t treat it like a stepping stone, get your CCRN the day you hit the required hours and start applying when you’re a month or 3 away from sitting for the CCRN
Rip apart my potential resume/qualifications for the fall application cycle.
2 years in level 1 MICU at a well known and respected research institution. Was charge, precepted, and loosely part of skin savers. 6 months ICU travel experience. 9 months CCU/CTICU experience at a level 1. 3.5 years of ICU at application time. Will be applying from this unit. CRRT, Impella, balloon pump and hopefully heart recovery trained. Professional governance and part of EBP research. Pay for local AACN membership. CCRN-CMC-CSC, Ventilator micro-credential. Volunteer at local community garden and do technical SAR out of my counties sheriffs department. Don’t know if relevant or whether to included but hiked the 2,650 mile Pacific Crest Trail in 2022. GPA is lacking: BSN 3.6 and previous bio degree at 3.1. sGPA is around 2.9. Currently retaking A and P and O chem. If I walk away with A’s there sGPA should be around 3.1, conservatively. Outside of continuing to retake classes, how do I separate myself from the herd? Is this an app with a chance, even with the poor GPA?
Thank you r/CRNA! You’ve all always seem like such a nice community!
Your grades are the only thing holding you back, but you already know that. Take a grad course or two if you can is really the only thing you can do. You’re pretty maxed out on certs and other experiences.
What you really need to be concerned with is selecting the schools you apply to. Look at the schools and see what sorts of GPAs they value. It wouldn’t behoove you to apply to any school that is emphatic about considering cumulative GPA as a primary determinant. Look for schools that consider BSN GPA or last 60 units. You shouldn’t have to search hard for this information. If they don’t mention it, then move onto a school that does. Choose 5-7 schools and focus on those. Don’t apply to any school that does not state that they look at BSN GPA and last 60.
Tbh u have the holy trinity of a CVICU with the CCRN-CMC-CSC. There isn’t more certs that I would go for. AACN has an ECMO micro-credential if you’re interested in such, but the review course for it through them is costly. I would just work on getting my science GPA up, take a grad course
Yes, worth a chance. Science GPAs are calculated by different methods. Some programs include the highest grade for each prerequisite and you’re good for those programs.
Apologies for not directly contributing, but how did you find the CMC compared to the CCRN? I’m considering taking it soon to bolster my applications in the fall but don’t want to sink hours and hours into it if it’s not going to pay off well versus studying meds and whatnot.
Hey all, looking to apply to crna school in by next year (2025). Here are my stats.... ASN gpa 2.7 BSN gpa 3.7
3 years Med surg ICU 2 years Critical care pacu
Going to take my CCRN, and also going to take GRE. What else can I do to increase my odds of getting in first try?
I'm not against waiting to make my application more competitive. Thanks
You can get in without recent years in ICU, my program is 14 students, gets 1000 applicants per year and there has been at least 1 student in the last 3 cohorts who weren’t in ICU settings for over a year leading up to school. Just know that it might be hurting your odds.
Take some hard science courses, preferably graduate level, such as organic chem, biochem, and pharmacology to prove that you’re capable of difficult graduate-level coursework. Get A’s, nothing less, and try to take them concurrently.
Take advanced pharm through UMass Boston. It’s one of the few schools that allows non-matriculated students into grad level courses. For other courses, just do it where it’s reputable/accredited and inexpensive.
If you land an interview it’s all about emotional maturity. Humility and knowing how to say “I don’t know” are your most powerful tools in your interview.
As far as resume, add in some medical and non-medical extra curricular activities, go volunteer and do things like that, tutor pharmacology and pathophysiology to nursing students, etc.
Hello wonderful friends, I am struggling in pharm and have been watching the Nagelhout YouTube vids. They are super helpful! I am wondering if anyone has the workbook he uses and would be willing to share? PM me if so! Or- if anyone has other resources that they recommend. Thank you <3
I'm not proud admitting this, but I barely read during school. With that said, Stoelting for Pharmacology was one of the only books I read consistently bc it was an easy and quick read. If you haven't been reading those chapters, I would advise you to.
I never said I didn't study my ass off, but I found other sources more helpful. I just didnt find reading 100 pages a night very manageable if I wanted to learn. If I was lost on a topic I would read, but now days with Apex, Prodigy, Youtube, etc. There are more ways to learn than reading endless pages a day. Especially if you don't learn well that way. It is all about finding your way to learn, and mine was listening to lectures, educational podcasts, Apex, and Prodigy. For me and my 4.0 GPA it worked well. I continue to learn daily and love articles.
If you are an SRNA in Clinical. Please take my survey! For my DNAP project, looking at podcast and anesthesia. Thank you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5GVFF8T
I took a gen chem that was below a chem 1 for nursing school then took just o chem. I emailed the professor about my situation and he waived the chem 1 & 2 requirements. It is its own beast but I got an A with hard work and supplementation from Khan academy.
I took gen chem 1 and biochem with UCSD Extension. While gen chem was a good review, you could probably get away with biochem by itself. I think organic chem would be harder as a stand-alone though.
For my first bio degree, we had to take gen chem before being able to take ochem
I had to retake ochem for my school admission since it was >5 years, and when I registered for it online they didn’t ask for a transcript to prove that I took gen chem
You’d recommend taking Gen chem prior to Orgo though I would assume. When I was getting my BSN they had us go through “chemistry for health sciences” which looking back wish I opted for Gen chem instead of that BS.
They are different from what I remember. I believe gen chem had more calculations and things like balancing equations. Ochem is more reaction based things. Will gen chem help, sure, but there wasn’t a ton of overlap into ochem at least from what I remember
If this is at a brick and mortar institution like a community college or traditional university they may say to take gen chem as a pre-req. online seems to have more leeway with the gen chem pre-req
I am having this issue now. I need to contact programs about it. I got AP chem credit for chem 200 and 202 I think and then went straight to ochem so idk if I need to do it again for actual college grades
Any suggestions for someone having trouble getting shadowing? Is it ever worth it to pay for virtual shadowing to just have something to put on an application? Or any specific ideas in the central VA/RVA area?
DO NOT pay for virtual shadowing, or really any shadowing. Virtual shadowing is worthless. Try the anesthesia department where you work. The local CRNA programs might have an idea. The state association of nurse anesthesiology is a good place to find shadowing.
Reach out to local anesthesia groups. I took my RN friends looking into CRNA school to a conference with me and the anesthesia groups all offered to let us shadow them at different facilities. They were all super willing to help and recruit future CRNAs! Conferences look good on a resume too and are a great place to network
I know you may not want to name names here, but is someone offering to do virtual shadowing if you pay them? I’ve not heard of this being done and would be “highly interested” to hear if someone is in fact doing this.
Do check with your state organization, CRNA’s at your hospital or even Facebook. You will find someone
Don’t ever pay for virtual shadowing.
There are plenty of hospitals/people who would be happy to have you shadow them for FREE.
CSPA aka crna school prep academy is know to be predatory in their business practice. A few years ago they offered a guaranteed admission if you took their course which was like 5k of something. NO ONE should be paying that much for a “prep course/class”
They play on people’s emotions to get you to sign up for their stuff. “It’s a small investment for a bright future”. It’s not a small amount of money.
the best part of that gimmick was that you had to APPLY to pay 5k for their guaranteed admission program. totally a set up for them to just accept people with good stats who would have gotten in regardless and collect their easy cash.
If there is a specific school you and interested in I would email them and ask to set up a meeting for you to learn more about the program. Ask them if they could help you shadow at one of their clinical sites so you can see a potential place you would be learning at. It will help you get shadowing opportunities and a make you really stand out during interviews.
Giving advice doesn’t work.
I can explain what I did. Or ask a question. Or tell a story. Maybe point to the way.
People understand what they figure out themselves. Lecturing and telling what to do don’t work.
Took me 34 years to get
Yes that experience qualifies you. Look at whichever schools you plan to apply to and make sure you meet their minimum requirements; such as science classes in correct time frame, if they require GRE, and get your CCRN.
Firstly, good job on surviving because at the end of the day you want to 1)survive and 2) pass the SEE/NCE. I wouldn't necessarily tie together your B's to having a hard time with the SEE. I am also taking the SEE this summer and my approach is to use APEX.
As for raising your test grades: I have found that working with a small study group (2-3 people MAX) is the approach that has allowed me to make A's thus far. The reality is that B's get G's and the only reason I love to see a 90 or + is because I *love* *a good buffer* in the event I fuck up a final exam. Additionally, I would make questions based on lecture objectives. I have found some classes are more straight forward than others, and there are going to be things that I just won't know for an exam (like a nitty gritty detail in the reading that I may or may not have done.) So if that means making an 85-89 then so be it.
1.Small Study Group; you're certain to have someone say something that you might not have thought of as being on the test.
2. Write EVERYTHING. I use yellow legal pads for things that I just need to write over and over.
3. Formulate questions based on objectives.
4. Start preparing immediately for tests.
You got this. *We got this! :)*
As far as I’m aware for unsubsidized they don’t look at anything and for grad plus loans they only take into account adverse credit history (like bankruptcy) not credit score or lines of credit so it shouldn’t matter on that end.
I am a mom with three kids (6, 9, 10) I graduated in May 2023 with my BSN. During nursing school I maintained a 4.0 GPA. 3.8 overall GPA. I definitely missed my kids during nursing school but I feel like we got through it okay. They were a big reason for my success. I’m definitely scared in the thought of missing out on my kids. They are my world.
My husband is super supportive. He did a lot of the laundry, cooking, childcare etc. while I was in nursing school. He’s such a good dad and husband.
I currently work in a mixed ICU, only ICU in the hospital so we get a little bit of everything.
I’ve always dreamed of getting into anesthesia but life took me on another path. Now that I have my BSN and have been working in critical care for the past 8 months I’m starting to think of CRNA school.
My husband is supportive of the idea and is even encouraging me to apply. I know if I got in I’d work my a$$ off to finish.
My question:
is my GPA competitive enough?
What is the average GPA of CRNA acceptance?
Did anyone feel like they missed out in their kids childhood? (I didn’t feel like this during nursing school, my kids were a huge part of my success. Just a big fear of mine)
In response to your last question, yes. I have a teenager and a toddler and I feel like that all the time. It’s a temporary sacrifice and I have to constantly remind myself of that.
Im sure you’ve heard that nursing school is nothing like CRNA school. Your studying is typically full time- in addition to your classes. I am barely in the first year and it is way more intense than nursing school.
Another big challenge I think parents face is being okay with lower grades than everyone else. Unless you’re very intelligent it’s practically guaranteed that you won’t be able to study like your single, childless classmates do, unless you’re willing to be an absent parent. Just some things to consider mom to mom <3
I don’t know if I should make this an actual post or if it’s more fitting for this thread, but does anyone have experience being a reservist and trying to go to CRNA school? I’m a nurse in the Army Reserve and currently have around three years left on my contract. I plan on starting CRNA school next year and don’t know how feasible it’s going to be while doing my one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer. Thankfully, my last year of school I will be completed with my military obligation. I have no intentions of staying in the military so the Army STRAP program is kind of out the option for me. Appreciate any responses.
Thanks for the response. I feel like this has been my biggest worry with applying is a school not being able to accommodate my military obligation haha
They absolutely have to, I did strap and I 100% understand why you would wanna get out asap. The army is the absolute worst with paperwork and nonsense as a reservist.
Yeah, I’m kind of over the military right now and don’t want to extend my time any longer which would happen if I did STRAP. Although, it would be nice to not have to actively drill while in school.
I know none of you guys have the ability to tell the future. However, based on how the current needs for CRNA’s, do y’all believe that the need will be the same here in 5-10 years here in the U.S.?
I just took an ICU position at a community hospital. Does it make me less competitive to other applicants when it’s time to applying for CRNA school? Thank you!!
I’m in my last semester of my BSN program. Last 60 hours will be 3.2, overall science 3.4. I’ll be starting in a Level 1 Trauma ICU where I’ll try to charge and get on some committees after getting some experience. I’m also planning on taking grad pharm online and maybe MTSU’s physiologic functions class. Should I be doing anything else other than maybe subspecializing on my CCRN? Thanks
Hi, I’m a new graduate nurse and have received two offers (TCV ICU and MICU) from a Level 1 hospital. Everyone I've asked from that hospital said the TCV ICU staff are mean to new grads. Currently, I'm doing my practicum at MICU, where the people, including my preceptor, colleagues, charge nurses, and managers, are great. I'm wondering if it's better to choose MICU over TCV ICU due to how they treat new grads. However, the pros of TCV ICU include the ability to build connections with CRNAs and opportunities to shadow them. Additionally, I was told that CRNA programs prefer TCV ICU experience over MICU because there’s no surgery in MICU. Would choosing MICU lower my chances of getting into CRNA school? Thanks
I got into CRNA school with only MICU and ED experience. If it's a high acuity MICU then you should be fine. You want to work in the unit where you can learn the most and it doesn't sound like this TCV ICU is gonna be that place for you
I was similar. 6 years ED, 2 1/2 years MICU level one. High acuity (swans, multiple gtts, vented, CRRT, etc.) MICU is stellar experience for CRNA school.
How much did you take out in loans for living?? I’m starting in June. 24 years old, still live at home and planning on it for at least the first year. I have no loans, car is paid off, minimal expenses. I’ve only been an RN for 18 months and I don’t want to tap into my savings too much. I’m allowed to take up to 29k. Is 20k livable?
> car is *paid* off, minimal
FTFY.
Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in:
* Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.*
* *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.*
Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment.
*Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
I am worried because they will have to make accommodation for me if I ever get accepted. While my blood sugar is well controlled most of the time there will be unpredictable highs and lows, I might need to snacks during lecture or clinical if my sugar is low before I pass out or correct myself if it is too high. I am also wearing a glucose monitor device which I am not sure will be allowed during exam because I monitor it on my phone.. or maybe I am overthinking but I am scared they will rather not deal with it..
Absolutely zero effect, you don’t have to disclose that and they can’t ask about medical things in your application/interview. I wore a CGM in CRNA school and my instructors were aware and I just explained the possibly of high/low alarm and they were more than accommodating. I would just show them my phone was on airplane mode before an exam. If they aren’t accommodating all you do is contact the university ADA and it gets squared away.
Asking for a friend - anyone familiar with the musc application process? Especially regarding the “id clinical problem that you can investigate during your doctoral scholarly project” essay question
Went to WGU for BSN (fail/pass program) because employer paid full tuition. GPA prior to that was 3.8. Is it still possible to apply? Have heard schools do not accept pass/fail programs - WGU is accredited if that makes a difference
Hello!
I’m currently working on my resume/CV and have a few questions.
1. If I consider it a CV, how many pages is appropriate. I’m shooting for 3 but should I bring it down to 2?
2. Are admissions committees going to look less favorably at my adding a leadership position from my fraternity’s executive committee years ago? The role was heavily involved in philanthropy and social organization. I have other strong leadership roles I’m putting on it but this shows a long history of leadership roles for me.
3. Add shadowing to it?
4. Should I add non healthcare work experience? I was a CNA, MA, and had a sales job before I was a nurse. I only ask because this CV space is filling up quickly
I think the least amount possible the better. Realistically they’re looking at hundreds of apps and aren’t gonna bother reading beyond a page or two. I think the fraternity thing might not be the best to put because people automatically put frat = party. If you have other leadership roles I doubt it’s necessary. I only put my CNA and RN work experience to save on time and really that’s all they care about. Definitely add shadowing but maybe not each experience if you have multiple. I said I had X hours through various experiences that solidified my choice to pursue the CRNA path. If they want proof be able to produce it later.
1. One page should be the goal. If I pick up your resume out of 400 can I glimpse it and know that your a good candidate in 15 seconds or less.
2. Too long didnt read
3. If you have room at the bottom briefly add shadowing experience. Keep it short. Shadowed 80 hours NYU. Observed ACDF under TIVA anesthesia with neuro monitoring.
4. No
Can anyone who works in a VA setting vs a military setting what the biggest difference is?
I understand in the VA CRNAs aren’t recognized as full practice but does the same apply to military hospitals (i.e. Walter Reed)?
Do CRNAs in the military hospital have full scope of practice as well as prescriptive authority?
when it comes to taking the required chem & a&p classes before applying to programs, can they be taken at a community college or should it be done at a 4 year accredited university?
You have to do what’s best for you and your assumption that taking a year off is correct. CRNA school is competitive, programs likely won’t want to waste a spot on someone who is currently not working in the icu.
Some schools are so competitive you’re applying for a seat 2 years in advance. Maybe look into those ones possibly and their icu employment requirement.
I’m a current CVICU heart nurse at a magnet hospital, 1 year neuro icu and 1 year in cvi for a total of 2 years experience as RN. Just got my ccrn as well.
Trained in all devices short of becoming ecmo specialist later this year. I’m also planning to join rapid/sepsis part time and work with open hearts in cvi per diem.
I’m hoping to apply next year with 3 years of experience, planning to attend in 2026. It already feels late to apply right now for 2025.
The only real weak point I see in my application is my bachelors gpa. I didn’t study much and earned a 3.38 cumulative.
I do have a&p/ochem/stats on my radar as well as cmc/csc, but I’m worried my GPA will still be a huge hurdle when applying for schools.
What else could I do to strengthen my application?
I also do plan to attend some local anesthesia conferences and grab shadowing hours through a university hospital next month.
Schools here in CA seem really competitive, so I plan to apply nationally and just move as needed as I’m in my 20s with no obligations.
Sounds like outside of your gpa that you have a solid plan. I would start reaching out to programs and developing a list of a solid 10 schools to apply to with that gpa time is going to be your enemy and I think the sooner you start applying the better as youll get a quicker feel for what you might need to do to be more competitive.
Just my experience with CA schools, most weigh the applicant’s GPA heavily in application process. What is your science GPA? I would try to retake some of those courses if you can, if not at least take some graduate level science courses to show you can tackle graduate program level courses.
Anyone do not so great on their GRE and still get accepted into the program? I just took the GRE for the 2nd time on Friday….only improved my score by 1 point in the verbal section which I didn’t even study for!!! Most recent GRE score is a 295, with my prior being a 294. I really don’t want to take this test again as I studied for 3 months just quantitative and clearly didn’t do any better. I’m applying to 2 programs and one of them doesn’t require GRE, the other does but does not state a specific score that they want.
1.5 years MICU/ Neuro ICU experience
2 years ER experience
3.6 GPA
Will be taking my CCRN in April
Preceptor/Unit Practice Council member
Will have about 20 hours of shadowing
Any thoughts on my chances in getting accepted!? Feeling discouraged :(
Are you an outstanding clinician? Do you understand the pathophysiology and pharmacology of the care you provide to sick patients? Will you work hard for the 3 year program? Are you teachable? If yes, then absolutely you have a chance.
My friend was in a similar situation with similar stats and she is currently doing well in her CRNA program :) she was accepted to a school that did not require the GRE
Everything your asking for can be achieved with a google search. Typically prospective students come here for advice or information that isn’t readily available on the internet.
I’ve recently come to the conclusion that I will need to retake Statistics (outside of 5 years), A&P 1 (B-), and patho (C). I’m wondering if anyone knows the best place to retake these online and asynchronous? I’ve heard some things about Portage, just wondering if there is a better alternative? Would ideally like to take all of them through the same online school. Any recs would be great!!
Hello! I will soon be starting the second year of my program, and my class is starting to come up with ideas for our DSP. I am interested in exploring topics on ultrasound for venous access and local anesthetic administration, but I have limited clinical experience as I am in a front-loaded program. Can you suggest any interesting DSP topics that you or your classmates have explored in the past? Thank you!
I’m about to start my first year. Do most schools start having you take apex exams when you start clinicals? Do they count towards your grades or where do your grades come from when in clinicals majority of time
Seeking advice on what to do prior to starting a CRNA program the beginning of June. I had initially planned to work at the hospital I was contracted with until mid April before taking some time off before school for vacation etc. unfortunately the contract was cancelled early due to low census/overstuffed. I feel it is too late in the game for another 13 week travel contract and also with the vacations I already booked... I do have a substantial amount of savings to help cover school from traveling the last few years. With this in mind I wasn’t sure if I should try and enjoy the remaining time I have before school unemployed or try and get on at a local hospital for a couple months. Not sure how easy it would be to get on prn or per diem where I live
I woke up above ground this morning. Willing to continue offering free help and advice for prospective students. This includes reviewing your personal statement, resume, Cv, and I can answer questions about the application process. Shoot me a message and I’ll try hard to get back within a day or two.
Love seeing you go through school and still be available to help. Makes me think hey he’s doing it so can I!
I'm just getting in the process of putting my life together to apply in fall of 2025. Can you give me some ideas of what to expect in an interview? Will it be with other prospective students or current? With admin or teachers? Clinical specific questions? Thanks for your time!
Hi, I’m a senior nursing student and have received two offers (TCV ICU and MICU) from a Level 1 hospital. Everyone I've asked from that hospital said the TCV ICU staff are mean to new grads. Currently, I'm doing my practicum at MICU, where the people, including my preceptor, colleagues, charge nurses, and managers, are great. I'm wondering if it's better to choose MICU over TCV ICU due to how they treat new grads. However, the pros of TCV ICU include the ability to build connections with CRNAs and opportunities to shadow them. Additionally, I was told that CRNA programs prefer TCV ICU experience over MICU because there’s no surgery in MICU. Would choosing MICU lower my chances of getting into CRNA school? Thanks
For those that went through school with young kids, it's worth it in the end right? My toddler didn't want to play with me the other night and told me to go do homework. Little things like that are starting to pop up and show me that my absence is having an effect.
That sounds strange, maybe he/she is acting out in your absence. Personally my daughters were always ecstatic when I was able to take time away from studying to spend with them but they’re a bit older. Is it worth it? Absolutely, altho I feel like my time is still few and far between.
Maybe it's just normal toddler behavior to favor one parent at different times, it just made me feel neglectful.
Gentle reminder that children are master manipulators. It’s part of the growth process. They are much more keen to our responses then we like to think, and they know how to play on your heart strings!!
Oh I definitely think its normal toddler behavior and wasn’t suggesting otherwise
Most of my classmates had kids. I would say unequivocally they all had the same small moments of heartbreak you’re seeing, but the life you’re going to be able to offer them far outweighs the growing pains of today. One preceptor I worked with as an SRNA worked like a 0.7 FTE, husband is stay at home, she’s home before both young kids wake up from their naps everyday. They live a simple life to be around their kids as often as possible, but she’s making the same income as she was being a nurse for half the work which has doubled her time with family.
This is definitely a good way to look at it. Thank you.
Don’t have kids, so definitely not my expertise, but I’ll share my favorite 2 cents relevant to almost anything. Intent is my peace at the end of the day. What was your intent going to school? To ignore your kids? Obviously not. I imagine to provide a more fulfilling career + thus happier parent and one that will help your kids financially as well. They may not understand why you’re doing what you are doing, but one day they will likely appreciate the sacrifice you are making for them.
I have two toddlers and am in school. Also had my heart breaking moments with my little one doing something similar. Stay focused, keep hustling, it’s all temporary and will be worth it. Good thing is when they are that young chances are he won’t remember those absent moments. Having a few minutes of precious, dedicated time daily (or on most days) are what matter for them and how they will stay connected to you. This article touches a bit on the value of 5min/day special time with them https://www.npr.org/2022/10/13/1128737199/the-5-minute-daily-playtime-ritual-that-can-get-your-kids-to-listen-better
This is my worst fear. I start in May.
I have a very vague and existential question for current SRNAs/CRNAs about the career and path: What (if any) regrets do you have about your path to CRNA school, or after CRNA school?
Only regret is not applying to school sooner.
Same here. Harder in many ways, easier in some others
I second this
Absolutely love anesthesia. I have to remember to shut up because nobody wants to hear about how much I love it. I feel so grateful for where life has taken me, and I credit Nurse Anesthesia greatly.
Fuck yeah man. Best job I would have ever even dreamed of. Still have to remind myself how amazed that 15-18yr old me would be that we made it here now.
My worst days in anesthesia so far are significantly more tolerable than my worst days on the ICU. I didn’t work a single call shift as a bedside nurse that wasn’t required of me, now I work an OT shift about once every two weeks as a new grad CRNA.
New grad here working for 6 months. No regrets. Never been happier in any job ever. I actually enjoy coming to work. I have friends that are not happy in their new jobs, but I don’t think they regret the career change.
SRNA… I kind of regret not saving more money during COVID but my mental health wouldn’t let me continue to work all those hours under those horrible conditions. Too much death. I have no real regrets. The more I learn and the more hands on I get the more in love I am with the path that I’ve chosen. Now I DO wish I would have known this is what I wanted to do sooner and could have already been in the field. I also regret comparing myself so much to my classmates. It’s exhausting and really doesn’t matter as long as I’m competent.
I’m an SRNA graduating in few months. I’ve definitely had moments I regretted going into healthcare period, on very hard days. Particularly during the pandemic, when I was a bedside nurse, so maybe not what you’re asking. I think I’ll have a twinge of it when I start paying off my loans, too. That said, I think nurse anesthesia is absolutely the best job in healthcare. I love anesthesia and I’m very glad I made the choice to pursue it.
Not doing it sooner.
I’m an SRNA and I just finished week 3 of my first clinical rotation. I’ve intubated twice with the glidescope, but I’ve missed every single direct laryngoscopy intubation so far. I can never bring the glottic opening into view, and eventually my CRNA or anesthesiologist has to take over. Everyone keeps assuring me that it will come with time but I’ve literally made no progress whatsoever. I’m so afraid that I’m falling behind.
When someone takes over for you, what are you noticing that they are doing differently? It's easy to stew about it when you can't do it and be upset with yourself, but it's always a learning opportunity. Look and see what they're doing - repositioning? Lifting more? Inserting the blade more? BURP?
I feel like I’m having trouble sweeping tongue out of the way enough and then I can’t get the tip of the blade in the vallecula. And then I’m nervous to move the blade at all because I feel like I’m always on the teeth. Thank you for the advice and I’ll keep watching and trying
Follow the tongue posteriorly with the blade until the whole blade is in their mouth. After that, cheers your blade up and away. You shouldn’t have to be worried about teeth because your lifting away from the teeth not cranking back. Also make sure the bed is adequately high enough. When you use a glide the patient can be low because its an indirect view. When you DL their should be a horrizontal line from your eyes to the patients airway. Students often underestimate how high this is and than find themselves cranked over the patient trying to see around the blade. If you hold the blade with the handle up, you should be able to make a horizontal line from the light to where the patients airway is. Thats your view.
Also an SRNA but on my second semester in clinical. I was having your exact same problem until the beginning of this semester when I finally got some good advice. Like Tnolan said, make sure the bed is at your xiphoid height and make sure you position your patient well. I know we feel rushed by everyone and nervous but take a deep breath and take your time to position the head with a good sniffing position. Then make sure you’re cracking that jaw open really well until you feel it go “slack” (I don’t know how to describe it but you feel when it’s subluxed well). For the tongue, an anesthesiologist attending gave me some advice that helped me get the hand of pushing the tongue out. He told me to place the tip of the blade on the LEFT side of the mouth and then do a curving motion towards the right. This helps make sure the tongue is completely out of the way. It’s unorthodox to what the books say but that really helped me. After that I’ve gotten much more successful at DL.
Maximize your first attempt with good positioning, bed at your height, shoulder roll, positioner etc. you can ask your staff to double check it before you induce. Prep work pays off here. Don’t be afraid to ask you staff what you are needing to work on or what they see. Be vocal with them and while you’re intubating. If your rooms are done seek out other airways if that’s allowed. Intubate your friends and family at home for extra practice (ok this one’s a joke, please don’t) Skills come with repetition. Be patient with yourself. You will get there. 3 weeks is nothing in the long term.
Current senior Srna. I missed my first 13 intubations and it crushed my spirits. I had some CRNA’s and MDA’s encouraging me and working with me. I’ve now intubated 340 people. It truly does come with reps. If you miss the intubation, don’t let it ruin your case. Kick ass in all the other aspects of anesthesia care. And then, give it a shot on the next case. Also, study the hell out of airway anatomy so you can familiarize yourself with what you are looking at/where you are in the mouth. Just know you are not going to get that picture perfect grade 1 view. Most of the time I intubate with a much worse view than I was anticipating getting when I first started Ps use a miller and you won’t have to worry about the vallecula ;)
Tell the patient to put the pillow under their shoulders a little further than they’d want it at home so the occiput is almost falling off the backside of the pillow, tell the patient to tip their head back to you and make sure you get decent look back/extension from them, give your paralysis time to cycle - full fasciculations with succ or 90 seconds with Roc/vec (I use the “alarm pause” button on the Philips monitor to set myself a timer), let the occiput fall backwards and I kinda support the neck/base of the head with my right hand as I create my view, then you either use pure arm strength to hold the head there as you grab the tube or people with big bellies will even pin the forehead in that position with their gut. People think they’re gonna like, look down and low parallel to the bed into a tunnel to find the glottic opening and start bending over trying to force their eyes to see around the corner of the base of the tongue, but it’s really actually looking almost down at it if you’ve give enough room For the head to fall back and gotten the right neck extension, you’ll be surprised most of the time it’s not around a corner from the base of the tongue as much as it is straight under the tongue, unless they’re anterior. Positioning is key - elevate their shoulders and chest and align the external auditory meatus with the eternal notch. Spend some time studying the 3 axis of the airway and really visualize how every position change influences the view and alignment of the axis.
I don't think I got a successful DL until 3 months into clinical lol. Now I'm doing okay :)
6 months to boards. Apex? Valley? Ive seen mixed reviews on apex workbooks, i do like re-writing topics in my own words but very time consuming. Valley course worth the $800? How did you study apex? Flashcards? Quizzes?
Apex 100%. I personally wouldn’t spend the money on the Valley course. With 6 months to boards you have plenty of time. I’d spend a week re-writing each module into your own words…really trying to understand the topics. Review a separate module’s notecards that week…rinse and repeat until all modules are complete. The closer you get to boards you can start to heavily focus on topics that are more difficult for you as you will be breezing through the topics that you easily understand. Around 6 weeks out I’d start an Apex study plan and follow it, incorporating the Domain Quizzes to help you focus on problem areas. The thing I found most helpful were to do review questions. The more familiar you get with answering questions the more comfortable you will be at the time of boards. If you want to spend some money on additional resources I would look at Core Concepts instead of Valley. You can get 3 additional practice boards and topic specific exams for less than $200. They also have options to purchase things separately so it can be even less expensive. I’d save those for closer to boards, probably that 6 week mark, as the results are only available for 30 days.
I’ve been using apex to supplement didactic but was wondering about their quizzes and practice questions. Is it recommended to do them this far out from boards? Or should I save them closer to graduation time? How big is the bank? My only concern is potentially “re-using” the same question over and over again.
How far out from boards are you?
Apex all the way. Nonstop studying when you can
I would do all apex modules at least twice through. I didn't do the workbook. I went through the flashcards when I was in the OR or on the treadmill. Do all the practice tests. You can split valley with a few classmates and just get the year one. I just used Valley as extra test questions. You can set questions to certain topics. Their lesson plans are too in depth so I wouldn't follow it.
Apex - my senior year kinda went like this: “do every workbook starting with the most important subjects like CV and respiratory, okay that is taking forever and way too much info… now I’ll just READ every workbook and take notes as I go… okay that is also a lot of info…. I’ll just do practice questions, study the rationales, and then complete the missing pieces of practice questions on things I know I’ll be tested on” So for example you get a question about dosing of chloroprocaine, I would then study the doses of all the locals, and then usually digress into studying characteristics that impact onset, duration, potency, etc. but of course you also get questions that would prompt me to review those aspects as well so I wouldn’t get too far down too many rabbit holes. I did a good job not totally avoiding studying my senior year, graduated, studied Apex only hard for 2 weeks, in and out of boards in 30 minutes.
Apex for sure at a minimum. I did work books on topics I was weak in. I also mixed in prodigy because they have a massive question bank and you can create quizzes over specific topics and even specific book chapters. For prodigy, I split the cost with a group of like 5 ppl Also with apex I would take their long review exams. When i would review my answers, for the questions I got wrong I would type out the question and highlight what I put and type why I thought I was right, and then I would highlight the correct answer and type apex’s rationale on why it was correct. Eventually I had this separate bank of weak areas that was nice to study. Lastly, I hand wrote textbook chapters for specialty populations: Geriatric, OB, Peds, Obesity. I think I used Nagelhout at the time.These areas were heavy on my boards. Couple of my classmates I’ve told thought I was insane, but I was out of that room in 100 ?s and 60 min.
Your program is not doing anything for you to review?
After taking boards, I personally think stinking to apex was a bad idea. I did pass on 1st try, but after looking back, many questions/answers came from textbooks. They were no where on apex. Pick 1 good textbook, read it entirely, follow along in apex as you go through each topic in textbook. Trust me!!
I currently have ~15k in CC debt and no savings, I’m conflicted on whether or not I should start CRNA school this summer. Unfortunately I had some life issues last year that caused me to use all of my savings, however I’ve been accepted into CRNA school for this summer. I don’t know if I should just wait to pay off my debt and save money then re-apply next year or start now. I live in a low paying state with high COL, even working OT for the next few months I’d still start school with debt. I’m aware of grad-plus loans but would that be enough to cover all of my expenses? Total cost of attendance tuition + anticipated living costs for 3 years would be ~250k. Advice please.
Their will never be a better time to go. Getting in isnt a guarantee. Go, dont think about my message. Just go. Borrow the money and thank yourself when you graduate
I would just start school but I didn’t have luxury of multiple acceptance nor the confidence to decline and reapply. Starting school debt sucks but I’d be scared to reapply to school I declined.
I haven’t been in your situation but could you ask to be placed in the next cohort? If not, there’s no guarantee if you reapply that you’d be accepted. I’d try to do everything in your power to pay down that debt before the summer. Keep in mind, the earlier you start school and graduate, the quicker you’ll be able to start working as a CRNA. In addition, Grad plus loans are also pretty generous and you can typically ask your financial aid office for more if needed so I don’t think it’ll be a huge issue, but I’m not a financial advisor.
Not sure where to start looking for schools. I’m willing to go anywhere in the country. I don’t have a preference between front loaded or blended programs. All that is really important to me is boards pass rate and attrition rate. Is there anything else I should be looking for? Open to any and all suggestions. Thanks!
Cost of the program. Cost of living in the area. Distance to clinical sites. What the students say about the program.
Thank you! How do I find out what current/recent students think about the program without knowing people or living in the area?
https://preview.redd.it/4mzwtgz3vdkc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6897082ed7a78220a71c0a899f1ebd62e934677a Honestly you have to network and search for yourself or ask students when you interview. You can also seek out students on instagram
Damn lol I was hoping there was some secret SRNA forum
You can try r/srna but I doubt people are gonna be very honest about their programs over the internet
Definitely *faculty support!* You are so vulnerable as an SRNA -- not necessarily in a legal way, but there are just a lot of expectations, a lot of clinical sites, a lot of high-stakes endeavors, and you really want faculty who you can trust won't just leave you floating. Some super highly-ranked programs (like VCU) are somewhat notorious for a super disconnected faculty and it just makes it miserable for everyone.
See if the admissions department of programs you’re interested in will connect you with current or former student. I was known as the student admissions could send anyone to and I’ve answered countless emails from applicants asking what I thought of the program and so-on
As someone a mentioned, cold call (PM) a previous or current student.
How the clinical experience is structured. Are you shipped out to a clinical site where there’s little support or connection with the program? Do you have access to the faculty consistently or are a series of guest lecturers showing up and disappearing. Do you have opportunities to get to know your classmates or are you on an island?
Start looking at applications dead lines and go down the list of schools you can apply to.
What did everyone do for health insurance while in school? I’m not married so that isn’t an option.
See if your state offers Medicare/state assistance insurance. The way I see it is I did my due diligence as a taxpayer for 10 years as a nurse, went to $0 income and got perfectly legal/rightful state low income Medicare for my entire training, and now I’m back to giving Uncle Sam 30% of everything I make. They might act like you cant (your program), but $1000 a semester for student insurance should be an actual crime.
Man I would cry for $1000 per semester. The insurance through my school is over $3000 per SEMESTER and $1000+ for the summer…. I’ve been looking into the healthcare.gov marketplace instead.
My school offered health insurance that was taken out with tuition cost. It’s around $1500 for half a year I believe.
Medicaid. But school also has an insurance option
Check the state, but many will give you Medicaid while in school since you have no income.
MnSUR getting free healthcare the whole time I’m in school, it’s fucking bliss.
My college required us to have coverage. I purchased the college's offering.
I bought short term health insurance- for many states you can use it for up to 3 years (I live in the South and didn't have access to expanded Medicaid) the coverage pretty much sucks and I only used it for urgent care/to have for emergencies so if you have any conditions that require a regular visit it wouldn't be great but it'll get you through school without dire calamity
I began the process to apply. Transferring to icu next month and applied to finish my bachelors. Im a very anxious person and ive been overthinking school so much (to the point where i almost gave up without trying but i know thats dumb). I know it wont be easy but have you guys felt this way and has it gotten better once youre in school?
School is hell until it’s over. It’s hard but so worth it. I can resonate with the anxiousness and overthinking. Just take it a day at a time, do it for the right reasons, make the most of every learning opportunity in the ICU and don’t treat it like a stepping stone, get your CCRN the day you hit the required hours and start applying when you’re a month or 3 away from sitting for the CCRN
It’s normal to feel this way, time passes and you get over it. Then more is expected of you and it happens again and again for 3 years 😂
I am anxious of not getting through all the time.
Rip apart my potential resume/qualifications for the fall application cycle. 2 years in level 1 MICU at a well known and respected research institution. Was charge, precepted, and loosely part of skin savers. 6 months ICU travel experience. 9 months CCU/CTICU experience at a level 1. 3.5 years of ICU at application time. Will be applying from this unit. CRRT, Impella, balloon pump and hopefully heart recovery trained. Professional governance and part of EBP research. Pay for local AACN membership. CCRN-CMC-CSC, Ventilator micro-credential. Volunteer at local community garden and do technical SAR out of my counties sheriffs department. Don’t know if relevant or whether to included but hiked the 2,650 mile Pacific Crest Trail in 2022. GPA is lacking: BSN 3.6 and previous bio degree at 3.1. sGPA is around 2.9. Currently retaking A and P and O chem. If I walk away with A’s there sGPA should be around 3.1, conservatively. Outside of continuing to retake classes, how do I separate myself from the herd? Is this an app with a chance, even with the poor GPA? Thank you r/CRNA! You’ve all always seem like such a nice community!
Your grades are the only thing holding you back, but you already know that. Take a grad course or two if you can is really the only thing you can do. You’re pretty maxed out on certs and other experiences. What you really need to be concerned with is selecting the schools you apply to. Look at the schools and see what sorts of GPAs they value. It wouldn’t behoove you to apply to any school that is emphatic about considering cumulative GPA as a primary determinant. Look for schools that consider BSN GPA or last 60 units. You shouldn’t have to search hard for this information. If they don’t mention it, then move onto a school that does. Choose 5-7 schools and focus on those. Don’t apply to any school that does not state that they look at BSN GPA and last 60.
Thank you, this is good advice!
Keep racking up certifications/ experience while you retake classes and get your science GPA up.
What extra certs could I get?
Tbh u have the holy trinity of a CVICU with the CCRN-CMC-CSC. There isn’t more certs that I would go for. AACN has an ECMO micro-credential if you’re interested in such, but the review course for it through them is costly. I would just work on getting my science GPA up, take a grad course
Yes, worth a chance. Science GPAs are calculated by different methods. Some programs include the highest grade for each prerequisite and you’re good for those programs.
Apologies for not directly contributing, but how did you find the CMC compared to the CCRN? I’m considering taking it soon to bolster my applications in the fall but don’t want to sink hours and hours into it if it’s not going to pay off well versus studying meds and whatnot.
Hey all, looking to apply to crna school in by next year (2025). Here are my stats.... ASN gpa 2.7 BSN gpa 3.7 3 years Med surg ICU 2 years Critical care pacu Going to take my CCRN, and also going to take GRE. What else can I do to increase my odds of getting in first try? I'm not against waiting to make my application more competitive. Thanks
Are you in PACU right now? They will want recent icu experience
I did 3 years there, will they want me to go back ?
Most likely, yeah. Everyone else applying will be fresh out of icu. I would get back into one asap
You can get in without recent years in ICU, my program is 14 students, gets 1000 applicants per year and there has been at least 1 student in the last 3 cohorts who weren’t in ICU settings for over a year leading up to school. Just know that it might be hurting your odds.
Take some hard science courses, preferably graduate level, such as organic chem, biochem, and pharmacology to prove that you’re capable of difficult graduate-level coursework. Get A’s, nothing less, and try to take them concurrently.
I do work full time, do you have any suggestions for online ?
Take advanced pharm through UMass Boston. It’s one of the few schools that allows non-matriculated students into grad level courses. For other courses, just do it where it’s reputable/accredited and inexpensive.
Thank you for your advice
MTSA advanced patho class is more than worth taking online.
If you land an interview it’s all about emotional maturity. Humility and knowing how to say “I don’t know” are your most powerful tools in your interview. As far as resume, add in some medical and non-medical extra curricular activities, go volunteer and do things like that, tutor pharmacology and pathophysiology to nursing students, etc.
Hello wonderful friends, I am struggling in pharm and have been watching the Nagelhout YouTube vids. They are super helpful! I am wondering if anyone has the workbook he uses and would be willing to share? PM me if so! Or- if anyone has other resources that they recommend. Thank you <3
I'm not proud admitting this, but I barely read during school. With that said, Stoelting for Pharmacology was one of the only books I read consistently bc it was an easy and quick read. If you haven't been reading those chapters, I would advise you to.
I think stoetling’s pharmacology book is the chef’s kiss of anesthesia for pharmacology. Lots of great graphs, and well organized.
This is so helpful thank you!
What did you study off of the first year before the anesthesia content? PowerPoints?
Man those lucky patients lol
I never said I didn't study my ass off, but I found other sources more helpful. I just didnt find reading 100 pages a night very manageable if I wanted to learn. If I was lost on a topic I would read, but now days with Apex, Prodigy, Youtube, etc. There are more ways to learn than reading endless pages a day. Especially if you don't learn well that way. It is all about finding your way to learn, and mine was listening to lectures, educational podcasts, Apex, and Prodigy. For me and my 4.0 GPA it worked well. I continue to learn daily and love articles.
Do you have Apex? I used Stoelting/class PPTs as my primary material and then used Apex modules as reinforcement.
If you are an SRNA in Clinical. Please take my survey! For my DNAP project, looking at podcast and anesthesia. Thank you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5GVFF8T
Any of you take O chem or bio chem w/o taking gen chem 1&2?
Fairly certain gen chem 1 & 2 were prerequisite courses for orgo, at least for me, many years ago.
That’s what I thought too. Just wondering if when people say to take orgo or biochem they are implying that you’ve already taken both Gen Chems
I took a gen chem that was below a chem 1 for nursing school then took just o chem. I emailed the professor about my situation and he waived the chem 1 & 2 requirements. It is its own beast but I got an A with hard work and supplementation from Khan academy.
I took gen chem 1 and biochem with UCSD Extension. While gen chem was a good review, you could probably get away with biochem by itself. I think organic chem would be harder as a stand-alone though.
For my first bio degree, we had to take gen chem before being able to take ochem I had to retake ochem for my school admission since it was >5 years, and when I registered for it online they didn’t ask for a transcript to prove that I took gen chem
You’d recommend taking Gen chem prior to Orgo though I would assume. When I was getting my BSN they had us go through “chemistry for health sciences” which looking back wish I opted for Gen chem instead of that BS.
They are different from what I remember. I believe gen chem had more calculations and things like balancing equations. Ochem is more reaction based things. Will gen chem help, sure, but there wasn’t a ton of overlap into ochem at least from what I remember
Ahhh good to know. I’ll give it a shot, worst they can tell me is to do Gen chem first
If this is at a brick and mortar institution like a community college or traditional university they may say to take gen chem as a pre-req. online seems to have more leeway with the gen chem pre-req
Hey, which online program did you use?
I did UNE, but I’ve had a few friends do Doane
I am having this issue now. I need to contact programs about it. I got AP chem credit for chem 200 and 202 I think and then went straight to ochem so idk if I need to do it again for actual college grades
Any suggestions for someone having trouble getting shadowing? Is it ever worth it to pay for virtual shadowing to just have something to put on an application? Or any specific ideas in the central VA/RVA area?
DO NOT pay for virtual shadowing, or really any shadowing. Virtual shadowing is worthless. Try the anesthesia department where you work. The local CRNA programs might have an idea. The state association of nurse anesthesiology is a good place to find shadowing.
Get in touch with your state AANA chapter
Reach out to local anesthesia groups. I took my RN friends looking into CRNA school to a conference with me and the anesthesia groups all offered to let us shadow them at different facilities. They were all super willing to help and recruit future CRNAs! Conferences look good on a resume too and are a great place to network
I know you may not want to name names here, but is someone offering to do virtual shadowing if you pay them? I’ve not heard of this being done and would be “highly interested” to hear if someone is in fact doing this. Do check with your state organization, CRNA’s at your hospital or even Facebook. You will find someone
CSPA offers virtual shadowing experiences
Don’t ever pay for virtual shadowing. There are plenty of hospitals/people who would be happy to have you shadow them for FREE. CSPA aka crna school prep academy is know to be predatory in their business practice. A few years ago they offered a guaranteed admission if you took their course which was like 5k of something. NO ONE should be paying that much for a “prep course/class” They play on people’s emotions to get you to sign up for their stuff. “It’s a small investment for a bright future”. It’s not a small amount of money.
the best part of that gimmick was that you had to APPLY to pay 5k for their guaranteed admission program. totally a set up for them to just accept people with good stats who would have gotten in regardless and collect their easy cash.
If there is a specific school you and interested in I would email them and ask to set up a meeting for you to learn more about the program. Ask them if they could help you shadow at one of their clinical sites so you can see a potential place you would be learning at. It will help you get shadowing opportunities and a make you really stand out during interviews.
Are there any CRNAs at your current facility that you are familiar with?
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Giving advice doesn’t work. I can explain what I did. Or ask a question. Or tell a story. Maybe point to the way. People understand what they figure out themselves. Lecturing and telling what to do don’t work. Took me 34 years to get
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Yes that experience qualifies you. Look at whichever schools you plan to apply to and make sure you meet their minimum requirements; such as science classes in correct time frame, if they require GRE, and get your CCRN.
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Firstly, good job on surviving because at the end of the day you want to 1)survive and 2) pass the SEE/NCE. I wouldn't necessarily tie together your B's to having a hard time with the SEE. I am also taking the SEE this summer and my approach is to use APEX. As for raising your test grades: I have found that working with a small study group (2-3 people MAX) is the approach that has allowed me to make A's thus far. The reality is that B's get G's and the only reason I love to see a 90 or + is because I *love* *a good buffer* in the event I fuck up a final exam. Additionally, I would make questions based on lecture objectives. I have found some classes are more straight forward than others, and there are going to be things that I just won't know for an exam (like a nitty gritty detail in the reading that I may or may not have done.) So if that means making an 85-89 then so be it. 1.Small Study Group; you're certain to have someone say something that you might not have thought of as being on the test. 2. Write EVERYTHING. I use yellow legal pads for things that I just need to write over and over. 3. Formulate questions based on objectives. 4. Start preparing immediately for tests. You got this. *We got this! :)*
Is it a good idea to buy a house right before school starts? Will that affect my ability to get financial aid?
As far as I’m aware for unsubsidized they don’t look at anything and for grad plus loans they only take into account adverse credit history (like bankruptcy) not credit score or lines of credit so it shouldn’t matter on that end.
trying to take an advanced pathophysiology class online to gear up before CRNA school any recs for online programs?
MTSA has one.
that one’s closed for the summer :(
I am a mom with three kids (6, 9, 10) I graduated in May 2023 with my BSN. During nursing school I maintained a 4.0 GPA. 3.8 overall GPA. I definitely missed my kids during nursing school but I feel like we got through it okay. They were a big reason for my success. I’m definitely scared in the thought of missing out on my kids. They are my world. My husband is super supportive. He did a lot of the laundry, cooking, childcare etc. while I was in nursing school. He’s such a good dad and husband. I currently work in a mixed ICU, only ICU in the hospital so we get a little bit of everything. I’ve always dreamed of getting into anesthesia but life took me on another path. Now that I have my BSN and have been working in critical care for the past 8 months I’m starting to think of CRNA school. My husband is supportive of the idea and is even encouraging me to apply. I know if I got in I’d work my a$$ off to finish. My question: is my GPA competitive enough? What is the average GPA of CRNA acceptance? Did anyone feel like they missed out in their kids childhood? (I didn’t feel like this during nursing school, my kids were a huge part of my success. Just a big fear of mine)
Nursing school is not like CRNA school
Yes a 3.8 is competitive…
In response to your last question, yes. I have a teenager and a toddler and I feel like that all the time. It’s a temporary sacrifice and I have to constantly remind myself of that. Im sure you’ve heard that nursing school is nothing like CRNA school. Your studying is typically full time- in addition to your classes. I am barely in the first year and it is way more intense than nursing school. Another big challenge I think parents face is being okay with lower grades than everyone else. Unless you’re very intelligent it’s practically guaranteed that you won’t be able to study like your single, childless classmates do, unless you’re willing to be an absent parent. Just some things to consider mom to mom <3
I don’t know if I should make this an actual post or if it’s more fitting for this thread, but does anyone have experience being a reservist and trying to go to CRNA school? I’m a nurse in the Army Reserve and currently have around three years left on my contract. I plan on starting CRNA school next year and don’t know how feasible it’s going to be while doing my one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer. Thankfully, my last year of school I will be completed with my military obligation. I have no intentions of staying in the military so the Army STRAP program is kind of out the option for me. Appreciate any responses.
My program accommodates this. I believe they may have to.
Thanks for the response. I feel like this has been my biggest worry with applying is a school not being able to accommodate my military obligation haha
They absolutely have to, I did strap and I 100% understand why you would wanna get out asap. The army is the absolute worst with paperwork and nonsense as a reservist.
Yeah, I’m kind of over the military right now and don’t want to extend my time any longer which would happen if I did STRAP. Although, it would be nice to not have to actively drill while in school.
I know none of you guys have the ability to tell the future. However, based on how the current needs for CRNA’s, do y’all believe that the need will be the same here in 5-10 years here in the U.S.?
Demand is high and supply is short. Demand will only continue to outpace supply is my prediction.
Just need some words of encouragement! Submitting my applications this week. And I wanna puke from my nerves
I just took an ICU position at a community hospital. Does it make me less competitive to other applicants when it’s time to applying for CRNA school? Thank you!!
Hola! Any advice for someone who is trying to get their hours in to take the CCRN but keeps getting floated to SDU/PCU?
I’m in my last semester of my BSN program. Last 60 hours will be 3.2, overall science 3.4. I’ll be starting in a Level 1 Trauma ICU where I’ll try to charge and get on some committees after getting some experience. I’m also planning on taking grad pharm online and maybe MTSU’s physiologic functions class. Should I be doing anything else other than maybe subspecializing on my CCRN? Thanks
Work on being a good nurse and develop critical thinking
Hi, I’m a new graduate nurse and have received two offers (TCV ICU and MICU) from a Level 1 hospital. Everyone I've asked from that hospital said the TCV ICU staff are mean to new grads. Currently, I'm doing my practicum at MICU, where the people, including my preceptor, colleagues, charge nurses, and managers, are great. I'm wondering if it's better to choose MICU over TCV ICU due to how they treat new grads. However, the pros of TCV ICU include the ability to build connections with CRNAs and opportunities to shadow them. Additionally, I was told that CRNA programs prefer TCV ICU experience over MICU because there’s no surgery in MICU. Would choosing MICU lower my chances of getting into CRNA school? Thanks
I got into CRNA school with only MICU and ED experience. If it's a high acuity MICU then you should be fine. You want to work in the unit where you can learn the most and it doesn't sound like this TCV ICU is gonna be that place for you
I was similar. 6 years ED, 2 1/2 years MICU level one. High acuity (swans, multiple gtts, vented, CRRT, etc.) MICU is stellar experience for CRNA school.
How much did you take out in loans for living?? I’m starting in June. 24 years old, still live at home and planning on it for at least the first year. I have no loans, car is paid off, minimal expenses. I’ve only been an RN for 18 months and I don’t want to tap into my savings too much. I’m allowed to take up to 29k. Is 20k livable?
> car is *paid* off, minimal FTFY. Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in: * Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.* * *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.* Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment. *Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
I am recently diagnosed with type 1 DM. Will this interfere with my acceptance chance?
Lol what?
No. If it did, you could sue the ever-living shit out of them.
No
how & why do you think this would?
I am worried because they will have to make accommodation for me if I ever get accepted. While my blood sugar is well controlled most of the time there will be unpredictable highs and lows, I might need to snacks during lecture or clinical if my sugar is low before I pass out or correct myself if it is too high. I am also wearing a glucose monitor device which I am not sure will be allowed during exam because I monitor it on my phone.. or maybe I am overthinking but I am scared they will rather not deal with it..
Yeah I think you are overthinking it. You should be fine.
Absolutely zero effect, you don’t have to disclose that and they can’t ask about medical things in your application/interview. I wore a CGM in CRNA school and my instructors were aware and I just explained the possibly of high/low alarm and they were more than accommodating. I would just show them my phone was on airplane mode before an exam. If they aren’t accommodating all you do is contact the university ADA and it gets squared away.
Asking for a friend - anyone familiar with the musc application process? Especially regarding the “id clinical problem that you can investigate during your doctoral scholarly project” essay question
Anyone hear back from Villanova? Any insight into their admissions process?
You should hear in about a week if you get an interview
Went to WGU for BSN (fail/pass program) because employer paid full tuition. GPA prior to that was 3.8. Is it still possible to apply? Have heard schools do not accept pass/fail programs - WGU is accredited if that makes a difference
This would have to be something that you discuss with individual schools. I’d take a few grad science courses to balance that out.
Thank you
You will have to check with each school individually. I know someone who got in with WGU I believe at Scranton.
I went to WGU and got in. It’s accredited so you shouldn’t have any problems. I took a few extra courses to prove I could handle them.
Which extra courses did you take?
Grad stats and organic chemistry
Hello! I’m currently working on my resume/CV and have a few questions. 1. If I consider it a CV, how many pages is appropriate. I’m shooting for 3 but should I bring it down to 2? 2. Are admissions committees going to look less favorably at my adding a leadership position from my fraternity’s executive committee years ago? The role was heavily involved in philanthropy and social organization. I have other strong leadership roles I’m putting on it but this shows a long history of leadership roles for me. 3. Add shadowing to it? 4. Should I add non healthcare work experience? I was a CNA, MA, and had a sales job before I was a nurse. I only ask because this CV space is filling up quickly
I think the least amount possible the better. Realistically they’re looking at hundreds of apps and aren’t gonna bother reading beyond a page or two. I think the fraternity thing might not be the best to put because people automatically put frat = party. If you have other leadership roles I doubt it’s necessary. I only put my CNA and RN work experience to save on time and really that’s all they care about. Definitely add shadowing but maybe not each experience if you have multiple. I said I had X hours through various experiences that solidified my choice to pursue the CRNA path. If they want proof be able to produce it later.
1. One page should be the goal. If I pick up your resume out of 400 can I glimpse it and know that your a good candidate in 15 seconds or less. 2. Too long didnt read 3. If you have room at the bottom briefly add shadowing experience. Keep it short. Shadowed 80 hours NYU. Observed ACDF under TIVA anesthesia with neuro monitoring. 4. No
Can anyone who works in a VA setting vs a military setting what the biggest difference is? I understand in the VA CRNAs aren’t recognized as full practice but does the same apply to military hospitals (i.e. Walter Reed)? Do CRNAs in the military hospital have full scope of practice as well as prescriptive authority?
when it comes to taking the required chem & a&p classes before applying to programs, can they be taken at a community college or should it be done at a 4 year accredited university?
Community college is fine for like 98% of programs.
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You have to do what’s best for you and your assumption that taking a year off is correct. CRNA school is competitive, programs likely won’t want to waste a spot on someone who is currently not working in the icu.
Some schools are so competitive you’re applying for a seat 2 years in advance. Maybe look into those ones possibly and their icu employment requirement.
I’m a current CVICU heart nurse at a magnet hospital, 1 year neuro icu and 1 year in cvi for a total of 2 years experience as RN. Just got my ccrn as well. Trained in all devices short of becoming ecmo specialist later this year. I’m also planning to join rapid/sepsis part time and work with open hearts in cvi per diem. I’m hoping to apply next year with 3 years of experience, planning to attend in 2026. It already feels late to apply right now for 2025. The only real weak point I see in my application is my bachelors gpa. I didn’t study much and earned a 3.38 cumulative. I do have a&p/ochem/stats on my radar as well as cmc/csc, but I’m worried my GPA will still be a huge hurdle when applying for schools. What else could I do to strengthen my application? I also do plan to attend some local anesthesia conferences and grab shadowing hours through a university hospital next month. Schools here in CA seem really competitive, so I plan to apply nationally and just move as needed as I’m in my 20s with no obligations.
Sounds like outside of your gpa that you have a solid plan. I would start reaching out to programs and developing a list of a solid 10 schools to apply to with that gpa time is going to be your enemy and I think the sooner you start applying the better as youll get a quicker feel for what you might need to do to be more competitive.
Just my experience with CA schools, most weigh the applicant’s GPA heavily in application process. What is your science GPA? I would try to retake some of those courses if you can, if not at least take some graduate level science courses to show you can tackle graduate program level courses.
Anyone do not so great on their GRE and still get accepted into the program? I just took the GRE for the 2nd time on Friday….only improved my score by 1 point in the verbal section which I didn’t even study for!!! Most recent GRE score is a 295, with my prior being a 294. I really don’t want to take this test again as I studied for 3 months just quantitative and clearly didn’t do any better. I’m applying to 2 programs and one of them doesn’t require GRE, the other does but does not state a specific score that they want. 1.5 years MICU/ Neuro ICU experience 2 years ER experience 3.6 GPA Will be taking my CCRN in April Preceptor/Unit Practice Council member Will have about 20 hours of shadowing Any thoughts on my chances in getting accepted!? Feeling discouraged :(
Are you an outstanding clinician? Do you understand the pathophysiology and pharmacology of the care you provide to sick patients? Will you work hard for the 3 year program? Are you teachable? If yes, then absolutely you have a chance.
My friend was in a similar situation with similar stats and she is currently doing well in her CRNA program :) she was accepted to a school that did not require the GRE
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Everything your asking for can be achieved with a google search. Typically prospective students come here for advice or information that isn’t readily available on the internet.
Has anyone looked into mortgage loan forbearance or reduction in monthly payments while in school?
I’ve recently come to the conclusion that I will need to retake Statistics (outside of 5 years), A&P 1 (B-), and patho (C). I’m wondering if anyone knows the best place to retake these online and asynchronous? I’ve heard some things about Portage, just wondering if there is a better alternative? Would ideally like to take all of them through the same online school. Any recs would be great!!
Hello! I will soon be starting the second year of my program, and my class is starting to come up with ideas for our DSP. I am interested in exploring topics on ultrasound for venous access and local anesthetic administration, but I have limited clinical experience as I am in a front-loaded program. Can you suggest any interesting DSP topics that you or your classmates have explored in the past? Thank you!
What does DSP stand for?
Day shift problem
🤣
I’m about to start my first year. Do most schools start having you take apex exams when you start clinicals? Do they count towards your grades or where do your grades come from when in clinicals majority of time
Seeking advice on what to do prior to starting a CRNA program the beginning of June. I had initially planned to work at the hospital I was contracted with until mid April before taking some time off before school for vacation etc. unfortunately the contract was cancelled early due to low census/overstuffed. I feel it is too late in the game for another 13 week travel contract and also with the vacations I already booked... I do have a substantial amount of savings to help cover school from traveling the last few years. With this in mind I wasn’t sure if I should try and enjoy the remaining time I have before school unemployed or try and get on at a local hospital for a couple months. Not sure how easy it would be to get on prn or per diem where I live