I’ve wanted to be a CRNA since nursing school and I never found the time was right. Stopped making excuses and decided to apply 3 weeks before the deadline and got 3/3 interviews and got accepted after my first interview which is also my TOP CHOICE!
I’m going to be a CRNA!!! Can’t believe I can actually say that!
Today has been a major whirlwind of excitement as I found out I have finally been accepted into a CRNA program.
My NursingCAS GPA was 2.94, with an even worse science GPA. Most of the damage came from my first undergraduate degree, which has followed me through this entire process. I later went back for nursing as a second degree.
I’ve been applying for 4+ years and have had plenty of rejections. I’ve had 4 interviews total, roughly one per year, with 2 interviews this current cycle.
I have 5 years of ICU experience, primarily MSICU with CVICU/CICU experience, along with my CCRN. I’ve also been a preceptor and charge nurse and have gotten involved with EBP/research. I recently completed graduate-level Pathophysiology and Pharmacology and got an A in both. I also have an EBP project that I’m first author on that I’ll be presenting at NTI and my hospital system’s research symposium.
I’m obviously not posting this as a success story yet since I’m still waiting on this cycle. Just figured I’d put my stats/application background out there for anyone else dealing with a rough first undergraduate GPA.
A low GPA definitely makes the process harder, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t get interviews or have a shot.
Last year I applied to three CRNA programs, got interviews at all three, and was waitlisted at one, my dream school. I felt like I completely crushed that interview, so walking away without a spot was honestly devastating.
This year, I cast a wider net, took the GRE so I could apply to more programs, and applied to four schools. I got interviews at two, one of them being my dream school again.
Ironically, I walked out of the interview this year feeling way less confident than I did last year. I’ve spent the last couple days replaying everything I said and convincing myself I blew my chance.
BUT I GOT IN.
I’m going to be a CRNA.
For anyone who gets waitlisted or doesn’t get in their first cycle, keep going. I know how discouraging it is to feel like you did everything right and still not get the answer you wanted. Sometimes it really does work out the second time around.
Hi, just got accepted but I’m trying to get ahead of deals. What are some supplies should I consider before school starts? What are some essentials? Anything that’ll give me an edge! Thanks !
Since the topic on social media lately has been Gen Z in the workforce and how “lazy” we supposedly are, etc., I’m just curious have y’all noticed any differences between generations in your cohort?
The eldest person in mine and her little “clique” are extremely funny acting and honestly borderline bullies. She’s definitely the main one, but you know what they say about birds of a feather.
It genuinely makes me wonder if some older students are bothered by the fact that younger students are achieving the same goal at a much younger age, because what is with the constant need to humble someone, talk down to them, or make little condescending comments? It’s exhausting. School is already hard enough like pleaseeeee.
The behavior is so nasty, but they play it SO well that it’s hard to even report it to faculty. Each individual interaction is subtle enough to be brushed off, but when you’re on the receiving end of it constantly, you know exactly what’s happening.
Honestly, it makes me question the interview process and whether more needs to be done to keep these mean-girl personalities out of such an amazing profession.
I’m tired. Has anyone else dealt with this?
Hi, it seems like everyone is using Anki. I'm still deciding how I feel about it as a main study tool.
I'm still early in the program and so far I predominantly used it for only pharm and I managed well on the first exams... but it seems like most in my cohort are obsessed with anki.
Its still early in didactic and I just want to continue to set myself up for success. So this round of exams I am trying to experiement and use more anki for my studying.... I'm getting overwehlmed at the daily cards though.
I am curious... has anyone gotten through didactic successfully without using Anki, or without making it a major part of their study routine? What did you use instead?
I was recently accepted to my top-choice school! Last year I interviewed there and did not get in, but was re-invited to interview this year. I also interviewed and got waitlisted at another school. I was very down on myself for being “so close” at two schools. But I worked very hard to study, improve my leadership experience, and take on as many educational opportunities as possible. It paid off, and now I start school in June! Don’t give up, put in the work, and stay committed! I’m proof it works! 😊
Hi all! I finally got accepted after two agonizing cycles and wanted to find out if there are any other SRNAs who have chronic conditions and how you manage them. I have MS, which requires 2 infusions per year of a specialty medication.
Is anyone else out there on a specialty med that requires pre auth and how do you manage this with not working or with the school’s insurance? Should I just look at the marketplace? I’m not married and don’t have a partner so I don’t have someone else’s benefits to use. For context the school I’m going to be going to is in Florida.
TIA
I know that many nursing schools and PA programs (not all) accept Portage Learning courses from Geneva, but I’m less clear on the extent to which CRNA programs do.
I was hoping to find people on here who have experience with this that they are willing to share. If, for example, you completed an ABSN from a brick and mortar university but your nursing prerequisites were done through Portage, did that cause any issues for you when you were applying to different schools?
Edit: Thanks for the responses!
Hey guys.
Current BSN student, 10 months from graduation. I recently got a tech position on the Medical PCU at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. My goal is ICU as a new grad and eventually CRNA.
I’m trying to figure out what would give me the strongest foundation after graduation. Would you prioritize trying to get into Mayo’s mixed ICU as a new grad, pursuing a MICU/SICU/CVICU position at a Level I trauma center, or staying on Mayo’s Medical PCU as an RN first and transitioning to ICU afterward?
I’d prefer to go directly into ICU if I can get into a solid new-grad program, but I also don’t want to rush into it if starting in PCU would genuinely make me a stronger ICU nurse.
Current stats: 3.78 nursing GPA, 3.75 science GPA, 3.55 cumulative GPA.
I’d especially appreciate input from current SRNAs on what you’d prioritize if you were in my position.
Use this thread for applicant questions, including GPA, ICU experience, CCRN, GRE, shadowing, interview prep, resumes, personal statements, applications, waitlists, and "what are my chances?" posts.
Please include enough context for useful answers:
- Current role and ICU type
- Years of experience
- GPA or trend if relevant
- CCRN or certifications
- Shadowing or leadership experience
- Programs or application timeline
Keep it professional, specific, and respectful. Current NARs, CRNAs, faculty, and applicants are welcome to answer.
Hi All!
First year, not in clinicals. In passing recently, two CRNAs at a conference said my school "does not prepare it's students for clinicals" and "clinically weak." I was shocked because the program has been around for some time and has a lot of clinical sites. I also know people who have been through the program a bit ago and recently and they really liked the program. The thought hadnt even crossed my mind.
I'm wondering to CRNAs, have you noticed certain schools being clinically weak? What would you say for them to do in order to be stronger and more prepared? I know it will be a humbling experience but I want to come in clinicals the best I can and ready to learn more.
edit: wow I wasn't expecting such a good amount of responses! I really want to be the best I can be in school and take advantage of all the resources I can. I appreciate it and will definitely take SIM seriously when we start and come in to clinical with plans and back up plans. such great advice. now to study for these 3 exams!
Hello!
Long time lurker on this page and I was so excited when I got accepted to school! 🥳 I was wondering the best way to go about these next few months as school starts in January and I honestly don’t know what to do. Most threads say it’s best to just chill out but i’m concerned with moving in/tuition and the insane amount of studying lol. I feel like the first year is mostly book heavy. Any tips would be much appreciated!!!
For reference my stats are:
2.5yrs CV
1yr ER
CCRN
3.5c
3.4s
50+ hrs of shadowing
14 applications, 4 interviews, 1 acceptance
Hi! Could anyone provide information on Columbia and Hofstra? I got into one and an interview invite from another so I’m debating on if it’s worth going to the second interview. Thank you.
*not looking for info that I can find on their website. More specifically the program, teaching/faculty, clinical, class schedule, rigor, etc.*
Hi everyone! I just finished the first draft of my personal statement and I'm looking for feedback.
1. Who reviewed yours? A CRNA, an SRNA, a mentor, a paid service? Was one more helpful than the others? If you paid, was it worth it?
2. How did you stand out without restating your resume? I open with a short clinical story, then answer each prompt exactly as the school asks it. My focus is on my ICU experience, my time in leadership, what I've done to prepare (retaking science prereqs), and a couple of setbacks I've learned from. I'm trying to tell a story rather than list accomplishments, so I'd love to hear what worked for you.
Has anyone here who was foreign-trained successfully applied to a CRNA program in the U.S.?
I completed my nursing degree outside the U.S. and have about 10 years of ICU experience abroad and now back in icu for recent experience, but I’m unsure how my Grade point avg would be evaluated or how my international education/experience would affect my application.
Is pursuing CRNA realistically possible with this background? Who do I seek advice from regarding this ?
I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been through a similar process. Thank you!
As the title says, what storage is best for heavy ipad note taking? 128gb, 256gb, 512gb?
Is the keyboard necessary?
Hi everyone!
I am obligated to attend a CRNA conference once a year for my program and it has kind of crept up on me. There is an upcoming in state one coming up near me (CANA), but I would prefer to avoid the headache of traveling mid semester, as well as saving money. I am wondering if anyone knows of any other conferences upcoming this year that has a virtual attendance roster?
Hi! I did not do as well as I hoped on my senior year SEE, I thought this time around was way harder than when I took it my junior year, I scored over 50 points less than I did on my first attempt. Trying not to psych myself out when it comes to boards, but now I am wondering if I need to revamp my studying. Just wondering if anyone has taken the SEE and NCE recently after the changes were made and how you thought your scores correlated?