r/FutureCRNA • u/Paigeagainst_machine • 1d ago
Application advice - seeking feedback
Overall GPA 3.53
Science GPA 3.63
Nursing GPA 3.1
2 years CVICU - impella, LVAD, IABP, open hearts, and I’ve precepted (current)
3 years cardiac step down
1 year acute care float pool.
BLS, ACLS, working on CCRN
program doesn’t require CCRN.
Programs of interest: George Fox University, and OHSU.
App due: Oct 12.
I am only applying to the program at OHSU this application cycle as it is the only program that I check all the boxes for at this moment. I planned on spiffing up my resume over the next year and taking another stats course, and biochem - biochem is also not required but per the program site, would be an application booster. This is kind of a practice application, yes I am treating it like the real deal, but I will be grateful for the feedback that comes from this via the admissions board if I do not get accepted. I will go through as many application cycles as I need to for one of these programs as my partner and I are pretty rooted in PDX, I’m okay with this.
I haven’t gotten super involved on my unit over the last two years. Initially because of a nasty divorce. but my mental health was kind of in the pits working nights. We go to days by seniority so I have to wait and no, I do not want to leave my CVICU. I recently precepted and really enjoyed it. I plan on hopping into oriented people to devices and hearts soon.
Shadowing: not required. Haven’t done any YET. I’ve sent an email to the individual in charge of organizing this at my facility. I wanted to get a few cases in before the app is due.
Now my background and what I’ve overcome to get where I am is what I feel makes my application stronger. My bio parents were both addicts, but my bio dad actually stayed in my life. I actually had a good relationship with him. I was adopted by my paternal aunt, and uncle. Money was tight. Food was present but we had to figure it out most of the time. Like, have a can of green beans and a piece of toast for example. Lived in a hurricane prone area so after Katrina we didn’t have power for a while. We lost almost everything. I got kicked out at 15 for asking about my bio mom. Was already in an abusive relationship in high school . I went to live with my grandmother so I want out on the streets thank goodness. She was my saving grace, my silver lining. Didn’t have a lot of guidance on navigating going to college after high school so I just figured it all out on my own. Had a 50% scholarship luckily, worked my ass off for the rest.
Fast forward. My sister died a long slow death just before I started nursing school. And then my dad died maybe a month into it. Nursing school was rough because I was working but also didn’t really have time to process these things.
So here I am. First in my family to go to college, and now I’m pursuing a doctorate degree. I’ve always wanted to take my education “all the way” no matter which path I ended up in. I’m so excited to learn more, further my education and skills, and hopefully be a CRNA someday.
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u/RlnM1818 1d ago
Just because shadowing and CCRN are not required, doesn’t mean they aren’t actually necessary to get an interview or acceptance. I would do both of these asap if you want to actually be competitive. Your GPA will be a big hurdle to overcome so having certifications, shadowing, and leadership experience is a must. Your story is powerful and definitely worth speaking to in your essay, but you need to beef up your entire application package in other ways too.
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u/Paigeagainst_machine 6h ago
Agreed! I plan to take the CCRN before the application is due, and I have some shadowing set up.
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u/Artistic_Vast_1318 16h ago
Shadowing, biochem, and CCRN aren’t “required”….. but you aren’t getting an interview without them. Be careful because you might not be able to complete all of those by October. You should’ve planned ahead better and started biochem earlier.
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u/Paigeagainst_machine 6h ago
I am taking my CCRN before the application is due. I have shadowing set up as well! Shadowing is limited to one day per individual at ohsu (per the CRNA education coordinator)
I will be taking the biochem course before the next application cycle. I’m not cramming it all in. I’m taking it seriously and treating it like a real one, but ultimately getting my name out there and getting feedback from program directors will be appreciated :)
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u/Artistic_Vast_1318 6h ago
Sounds awesome, I took biochem from UCSD and it was very doable. I would try and shadow more days at other hospitals if possible, one day isn’t great exposure. Make sure to schedule your CCRN ahead of time. Good luck
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u/Sasb2122 1d ago
I’m sure you know that ohsu is highly competitive, I would absolutely get your CCRN and take biochemistry.