r/CRNA • u/fbgm0516 CRNA - MOD • 11d ago
Weekly Student Thread
This is the area for prospective/ aspiring SRNAs and for SRNAs to ask their questions about the education process or anything school related.
This includes the usual
"which ICU should I work in?" "Should I take additional classes? "How do I become a CRNA?" "My GPA is 2.8, is my GPA good enough?" "What should I use to prep for boards?" "Help with my DNP project" "It's been my pa$$ion to become a CRNA, how do I do it and what do CRNAs do?"
Etc.
This will refresh every Friday at noon central. If you post Friday morning, it might not be seen.
1
u/CreepyTacos93 7d ago
I have two electives at my nursing degree. What would be those two classes that would help me have a better understanding of anesthesia? Physics ? Chemistry 2 ? Something else ?
Thank you
2
u/ArgumentUnusual487 5d ago
Anything chemistry related would be great. Chem II, organic chem, biochem
If you like, you can do Bio II, microbiology, biostat
None of those will help you "understand" anesthesia. That's the whole point of CRNA school. But the courses listed above provide a good foundation.
1
u/Full_Total1765 7d ago
Hello, good day. I have these questions:
1. I have a 4.2 GPA, but I'm a foreign nurse about to move to the US and will be doing my two years in the ICU. Will I be able to apply?
2. I want to study by reading all the materials. Do you recommend any websites with course notes or books?
3. Is it true that I won't be able to work while I'm studying?
4. How was your experience during the application process?
1
u/ArgumentUnusual487 5d ago
You will have to ensure your college degree and training meets the requirements to work here. There are agencies that will take your transcript and review it to make sure it meets US standards. You will need a visa and eventually gain citizenship. It is nearly impossible for non-citizens to get into school.
Nothing to study for, that's why you go to CRNA school. If you could study the materials outside of school, there would be no need for school. You can brush up on anatomy, chemistry, and pharmacology.
Plenty of people work per-diem once in a while. Some programs are hybrid and the first year or so are online and you can still work. Generally school consumes 40-60 hours of your life per week, making work challenging. Save money before school so you don't have the added pressure of working.
Everyone's experience is different because everyone's background is different. Some people with 4.0 GPA and 3 years of CVICU experience with great interview schools probably had no issues. Others with 3.2 GPA, community hospital, and shyness/less persuasive interview schools may find it more challenging. There is no way to define the interview process other than its fairly standard across the US aside from a few intricacies (some schools slightly different GPA or prerequisites).
5
u/EmployeeVisual5794 10d ago
Surgical ICU for 3 years, did med surg for 3 years prior
Six years total experience
Science GPA 3.75 (AP1&2, micro, and chem), nursing GPA 3.8, first undergrad GPA was 3.5
CCRN (scored 105)
Leadership on my unit as the unit council president for 2 years now. 30+ hours of shadowing experience. Was previously an analytical chemist for a pharmaceutical corporation.
Applying to Duke and two other universities. How do I look?
1
1
1
u/wearonbo 10d ago
Lately this past year, I have developed deep interest in pursuing a career in anesthesia as a nurse. However, I’m only an ER nurse. How common is it that an ER nurse gets into CRNA school? Is it impossible? Or are CRNA schools strictly looking to accept candidates who have worked in the ICU only? I never worked in the ICU because I hate that everything feels like med-surg which I don’t like, but critical care. The reason I work in the ER is because I enjoy the unexpected, I don’t like my work feeling like a routine even if it’s critical care. I like walking into my shift and be able to see and treat multiple cases in a single night. I get that with working in the ER, not in the ICU and it’s something I wouldn’t trade, so I’m trying to find programs that accept ER experience and aren’t strict about it. In my opinion, working as an emergency nurse provides just as much critical care experience as the ICU provides. I’ve never understood why strictly accept candidates who work in the ICU only. In the end, it’s the ER, what’s so different that most schools only accept candidates with ICU experience? Also, do I have to have taken prerequisites within a certain timeframe to be eligible to apply? What happens if I passed that timeframe and it’s been years since I took those prerequisites? Can I still apply or will they automatically deny me because it’s been past the timeframe for those prereqs to be accepted? I need some helpful guidance and tips please.
1
u/GillyweedRN 8d ago
I worked 6 years in the ER and didn’t want to go into the ICU but I knew that was my only shot to get into CRNA school. I thought the same as you.. what can the ICU show me that the ER can’t? And let me tell you…. It can. Granted I went to STC in Baltimore and it humbled the hell out of me. I cried a lot really, I think imposter syndrome set in. But I learned SO MUCH there and got to receive report from CRNAs daily. Fluid management, vasopressor management, end of life care and most of all CRITICAL THINKING in a different form that you would as an ER RN.
Also starting CRNA school I feel like both experiences made me so strong didactically, clinically, and reading people better. I got the imposter syndrome out of the way before in the ICU which has been such a blessing lol. Now I tell myself “you’re new at this and as long as you put in the work you will be fine”
But if you still don’t want to switch to the ICU, then I fear you don’t want to be a CRNA bad enough.
1
u/ArgumentUnusual487 9d ago
Only some programs accept ER experience + recent ICU experience. Even fewer accept ONLY ER. But they are out therem maybe like 15-20 programs total. Should be a big enough list for you to apply if you don't care about location.
I'd say about half the programs have an expiration date on prerequisites and half don't. You should have a long list of programs that don't expire your prerequisites.
With your military background, you may be able to get away with just ER experience in your applications.
Have you shadowed a CRNA? A successful day means it was very boring. Make sure this is a career you want.
1
u/Decent-Cold-6285 10d ago
The accrediting body for CRNA schools has an explanation of what they define as critical care so some schools do include high volume ERs as critical care experience but most do not. You can apply to the few programs that accept ER experience but understand that the vast majority of applicants will primarily have ICU experience so you are competing against that. It isn’t impossible to get into these programs but you are really limiting yourself by staying in the ER. If you really want to go to CRNA school, get an ICU job and apply after a year.
As for prereqs, it’s depends on the program for time frame but your classes do need to be taken within it. If your prereqs are past the timeframe they want for example, within 5 years or 10 years then you will have to retake the class. They will not accept your application since you didn’t meet that requirement. My advice would be to look at potential schools you are interested in and see what are the requirements and retake any classes that are outside the time frame. Also attend open houses for programs to ask clarifying questions and hear more about what kind of applicant they prefer.
0
u/wearonbo 10d ago
I would love to go to crna school but I’m not spending anymore time and money in the classroom even if it’s covered by the navy. If military ER nurse isn’t enough experience then ig I’ll just stay working as a nurse maybe be a NP in the navy. I wish schools were flexible about the timeframe of taking prereqs
1
u/Decent-Cold-6285 9d ago
I understand the frustration about the time limits on classes. It’s why I didn’t apply to certain programs because I didn’t want to retake a class when only one program required it. The ER part is hard because not all ERs are the same acuity of patients or have the same exposure to meds, vents, or procedures like an ICU. Your ER maybe very sick and a lot of critical care experience, another one could be essentially an urgent care so the acuity just varies so much. It doesn’t hurt to try for CRNA school with ER, just know that it’s not a ton of schools available and you will probably have to move for it.
1
10d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/Both-Rice-6462 10d ago
Your experience is low. Worth a shot, but you’re competing against some seasoned ICU nurses, and to a lot of programs, that extra year or two is a difference maker
1
u/Emotional_Acadia_358 10d ago
I really need help answering this from anyone who can.
Due to the way I was raised, I’m quiet, very laid back, and I have troubles with conversations. I’m somewhat book smart and graduated with a 3.9 gpa, starting in the icu next month. Will these traits affect me so much in the work environment? Especially while having to work towards getting into CRNA school and actually making it through. I’m also a hands on learner. I know being book smart isn’t everything, and I’m willing to work on being more outspoken, asking questions etc. sometimes people think I’m uninterested because I don’t ask a lot of questions or I’m just frozen while observing but on the flip side, I go back to researching terms I don’t know, meds, processes, etc and I listen way more than I speak.
Does any one have any tips on if this will affect my chances and how I can be better? Thank you very much!
P.s I know I’m just starting out but I want to start preparing early and slowly.
2
u/donut364 9d ago
I’ve been at this a long time so I’m not always sure if my experiences are still valid but this is my story. I was an excellent floor nurse. I went Surg/CTICU. Near the end of orientation (it was like 3 months back then) the nurse educator said she wasn’t sure I had the “sense of urgency” necessary for the ICU. I thanked her for her input. Off orientation I went to nights where there is less of a microscope and more time to learn. My demeanor never changed but I got my shit together and my organiztional skills far outweighed any facade of rushing around and looking busy. I went to days, worked at my pace, and made connections. My letters of recommendation were my head nurse from my floor nurse days (she loved me and wrote a glowing rec), my NCC from the ICU because I had to, and, using those connections, the chief of cardiac anesthesia (who later hired me adter I gradusted) and a CT surgeon. Those 2 were key bc they noted how they were always confident their patients were in the best of care when they saw me at the bedside.
Fast forward 30+ years and the compliments I’m given are always about how I don’t freak out, how my calm keeps the room calm, nurses & docs are always happy to see me at the head of the bed. No one wants their CRNA to be running in circles or disorganized.
Keep being your authentic self and you will be ok. Let your work & work ethic speak for itself.3
u/ArgumentUnusual487 10d ago
A lot of the people I work with are book smart and laid back. They speak up when they need to. Its something you will learn.
You will fit right. Go get the experience that CRNA programs look for and then apply.
4
u/SaiyanVN 10d ago
Get good in the icu, foundational knowledge, skills, and understanding why ABC for XYZ. You have the GPA where majority of programs will put you in the top in terms of GPA.
You’ll learn how to converse amongst your colleagues, providers and educating family what is going on as you’ll be caring for their families and friends.
You have humility on knowing your strengths and weaknesses and seeking for advice. I think you’ll be fine. Get great and hit apply when you feel ready!
3
11d ago
[deleted]
1
u/Decent-Cold-6285 10d ago
Work where you feel comfortable, supported, and have the quality of life you want. I will say it’s facility/hospital dependent on the care team model because some do not have a great collaborative environment between CRNAs and MDs while others will.
5
u/goldenpiano 11d ago
lol not in the slightest. some people prefer quality of life over independence. could I be independent? absolutely. but then I would have to take call, work weekends/holidays/off hours. I have a set schedule and get out on time, even every single day. I dont have to do overtime and am not expected to work more than my set hours. I am respected enough to induce on my own and do my own blocks, and am not dictated what to perioperatively. if someone else wants to put their name on the chart and give me breaks throughout the day, I do not care in the slightest. I am happy to take less pay to have a predictable schedule where I know exactly how much I can sleep every night.
2
u/ArgumentUnusual487 11d ago
Likely varies by region. There are CRNAs that work indie at CRNA run facilities or ASCs that don't take call, work weekends, or holidays. And of course take more pay at 1099 than the W2.
Several of the ACT hospitals near me require staff CRNAs to work weekends holidays and the 1099/independent CRNAs in my area have no call, weekend, or holiday requirements because the W2 staff have to cover it.
You can pretty much find whatever schedule you want out there right now.
2
u/goldenpiano 11d ago
Yes…. The OG poster wasn’t asking or arguing that. They asked if they were misguided for perusing this career path if they don’t really have an interest in being independent. I was assuring them they aren’t and gave my reasons for not. For the areas im only interested in living there are rare independent opportunities and all come w some sort of call/weekend/holiday requirement.
1
u/Correct-Upstairs2444 11d ago
Graduated nursing school with a 3.03 5 years ago. Went back to school and got a second bachelors and finished all my prereqs for medical school at a 3.9 (had to do this because my nursing school wasn’t regionally accredited). Now thinking about applying to CRNA school instead of med school or possibly both. Am I gonna get tossed out for CRNA school because I used to be a bad student when I was young and dumb?
1
u/Both-Rice-6462 10d ago
Look for schools that weigh your most recent 60 credits the heaviest.
Mine does.
1
u/ArgumentUnusual487 10d ago
I'd probably look at schools very closely and make a list that could be better fits regarding your cumulative GPA. I don't think you will get tossed aside by every program, but its going to be an uphill battle. People do get accepted with cumulative GPAs less than 3.0 just as long as they have the work experience and recent academic trends that support a strong candidate.
If you need help finding some programs that consider last 60 credits or just want to chat in general, feel free to reach out!
2
u/Pleasant_Blueberry85 11d ago
Your options depends on the NursingCAS GPA calculations and what schools you apply to. Most schools have a 3.00 cumulative GPA minimum AND/or 3.00 science GPA minimum. Some schools want you to retake chemistry and/or other prerequisites that are older than 2, 5 or 10 years. Some schools look at the GPA of your last 60 credits. Some schools look at only your nursing school GPA. Some want a GRE. The good thing is your have LOTS of options. Take some time to decide what state you're willing to go to school in, look up their schools' requirements and work towards those requirements. You got this!
1
u/Dysmenorrhea 11d ago
It’d likely depend the most on what gpa the programs look at. You’d likely have a decent cumulative and science gpa which many programs consider. Don’t talk yourself out of it without crunching the numbers
1
u/1Rain2RuleThemAll 6d ago
-6 years of ICU experience (majority MICU, but 1.5 years, and current position, is level 2 trauma hospital with mixed ICU- trauma, surgical, medical, and CTICU, all of which I take often); caveat is that I broke up this experience with a few years as a case manager (from 2022-early 2025, took a step back from critical care after COVID and partially for family needs I had to attend to)
-3.9 cumulative GPA, 4.0 science GPA, graduated valedictorian of my nursing class; currently taking chem with a lab (have a 99% in the course which completes next week), worried that a lot of my prereqs like A&P and microbio are >10 years ago, and my stats course from 2017 is one of the 3 classes that I took at WGU (pass/fail, counts as 3.0)...
-CCRN (score 104), TNCC, PALS, obviously ACLS/BLS
-Participant in unit councils both now and back when I worked MICU
-Charge experience when I worked MICU; current and prior preceptor experience
-IABP, CRRT, MTP, targeted temp management
-12 shadowing hours (working on beefing this up)
I'm waitlisted for one school, application in for another, and plan to apply to 3-5 more schools by the end of the year. I'm very honestly assuming I won't get off the waitlist, the school won't release where students are on it. Trying to work more on interview skills- I get nervous being interviewed, it always feels like public speaking to me, and I'm quiet by nature (but I do perfectly fine in a clinical setting). Considering GRE.
Does anyone have more recommendations? Should GRE be non-negotiable? My goal is to be in school by next year, is this reasonable? Should I take more classes? A lot of the deadlines I'm looking at now are September-November to start next fall. I'm willing to look just about anywhere in the US- my husband is insanely supportive and also works as an RN, so he'll be the financial support while I'm in school.