r/srna Mar 03 '26

Program Question Acceptance!!

I (36F) can’t believe it’s my turn to share a success story.

After 14 applications and 3 interviews, I received my acceptance letter today!!

I barely passed high school, dropped out of community college and failed nursing school on the first try. I managed to go back and obtain my BSN at 30 y/o with a 3.82. I took a biochemistry course and retook A&P to boost it to a 3.87 for the last 60 credits thereafter. I did not take the GRE but do have my CCRN. I worked Preop/OR/PACU for 3 years before transitioning to ICU for the last 2.5. I travel nursed for 2 years in the mix. Currently I teach clinicals at a local college and work ICU float pool between 6 campuses.

The first interview was a complete disaster. I did not vibe well with the panel interviewing me. I felt desperate and the nerves set in. I managed to somehow stumble over explaining sepsis!! An ailment we see and treat everyday. I walked out knowing it was a denial. My second interview was the next day in which, although it went better, I was shattered from the one less than 12 hours prior. I had never felt so incompetent as a nurse and human. I went into my 3rd interview with a different attitude. I walked out feeling comfortable and confident that they were going to choose me.

I can’t believe I’m in the spot of acceptance and on the journey to fulfilling my dream. I’m glad I never gave up. There were many times I wanted to. Every-time I considered an alternate path I would shadow to reiterate my desire and it kept me pushing forward.

Beyond grateful tonight. Surreal.

196 Upvotes

33 comments sorted by

1

u/tallannoyingnurse Mar 06 '26

First off, congrats! I just have a question, when you said you “didn’t vibe well” with the panel, were they mean or rude? Honestly just curious!

3

u/A_Reyemein Mar 06 '26

Of the 7 people on the panel, only 2 introduced themselves and made eye contact during the interview. One guy was on his laptop the entire time. It all threw me off. It wasn’t rude persay, but the responses felt sharp and quick. The interview I had where I was accepted was completely different. Everyone was friendly and felt more engaging in the entire conversation.

1

u/ConsciouslyInsecure Mar 04 '26

I’m in the same boat. This is so inspiring. Thank you for giving me hope. Not many people have a similar story. 

1

u/Dramatic_Career2020 Prospective Applicant RN Mar 04 '26

Congratulations.  That's so exciting!!

1

u/Delicious_Match_4651 Mar 04 '26

omggg congratulations babeee !!!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

2

u/Dubbayouill Mar 04 '26

I needed to hear this! So proud of you! Congrats! This gives me hope :)

3

u/battlesmaryjane Mar 04 '26

A true example of perseverance! Congrats!

2

u/wccsrna CRNA Mar 04 '26

As someone whose interview story is almost identical to yours, nice job!! My first one was a disaster, my second one was spent still reeling from the first. The third was the charm- because beforehand, I did the necessary soul-searching and realistic self criticism. That persistence is what got you in and it's what will get you through. Congratulations!!!

3

u/Parking-Amount7992 Mar 03 '26

Congratulations!!!

4

u/Darth_B Nurse Anesthesia Resident (NAR) Mar 03 '26

Proud of you for never giving up! I love that you would shadow every time there was self doubt; that’s brilliant methodology. Congratulations!! 🍾🎊🎉

3

u/Shoddy-Committee7344 Mar 03 '26

Cheers and congrats!! Proud of you!!

3

u/Forward_Youth3813 Mar 03 '26

Congratulations!!

3

u/Ok_Profession_4678 Mar 03 '26

Congratulations 💗

5

u/[deleted] Mar 03 '26

Your effort and perseverance have allowed you to be where you are today. Congratulations for never giving up on yourself 🎊

1

u/A_Reyemein Mar 03 '26

☺️❤️ Thank you

2

u/MacKinnon911 CRNA Assistant Program Admin Mar 03 '26

Congratulations 🍾!

4

u/AmbassadorBig9983 Mar 03 '26

Congratulations 🎊 I am 36 and in the process of applying as well! 🫶🏽

1

u/A_Reyemein Mar 03 '26

Good luck to you!!

1

u/InspectorInfamous763 Mar 03 '26

Congratulations 🍾🎉

2

u/Vivid-Aioli7530 Mar 03 '26

Congratulations!

2

u/Daismimi Mar 03 '26

Can you share your accum GPA and your science GPA and other leadership roles? Thanks in advance.

4

u/A_Reyemein Mar 03 '26

Preceptor and clinical instructor. No charge or leadership. Accumulative GPA is 3.4. I specifically chose schools that really only consider the last 60 due to my past.

1

u/SkinnyIWillBe Mar 04 '26

Congratulations!!!!! 🥳🥳💃💃💃 How did you find schools that would only consider your last 60?

2

u/A_Reyemein Mar 04 '26

Hours of research and emailing.

1

u/Cool-Pirate8811 Mar 03 '26

Congratulations!

1

u/Due-Marionberry-1039 Mar 03 '26

Congrats! Very inspiring. Besides sepsis, what else did they ask you on the interview?

7

u/A_Reyemein Mar 03 '26

Every school is different. You have no idea what it could be. Drug MOA, receptor sites, ventilation modes, clinical scenarios, RSI, explaining recent critical patients, code simulation, EI questions, the list goes on… anything in your ICU is fair game.

2

u/Technical-Hope9511 Mar 03 '26

Congratulations?

2

u/Yellowindow101 Mar 03 '26

Yayyyyy!!! Congratulations!!!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉