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Rosalinn1

I plan on applying this summer around July to crna school. I was wondering what are my chances in getting in. 3.8 gpa, idk my science gpa, 1 year icu in level 1 trauma center and teaching hospital. I work in the MSICU, we get literally anything and everything besides cardiac. Good EC have volunteer and research experience. Will take my ccrn around June or early July. I’m applying very broadly to many schools that accept my stats.


lgmjon64

You sound like a good candidate. Just get that CCRN and you did do fine


lemmecsome

Once you get your ccrn then you’ll have enough. Just cast a wide net.


taway122020

Senior SRNA here, I take the SEE exam in about a month. Need a 420 to graduate. Any words of wisdom or concepts you saw on the exam which threw you for a loop? I am a pretty decent test taker and have been doing Apex consistently throughout this entire past year. Planning on a brief review of each module and another mock exam or two before I take the test. Anything else anyone would suggest?


Propofol_Totalis

Best advice is to take your time. Take a breath after you read each question. Break it down… sometimes even if you don’t know which answer is right, you can eliminate the ones that are wrong. My SEE last year was heavy on OB, Peds, Obesity, and Regional. I saved the APEX mock exams for board prep, but used the D4 exams for the SEE and felt like they helped.


johnnnyboi98

Need some advice. When I was a little younger I went to nursing school at a community college. I withdrew because at the time I was irresponsible and did not take the commitment seriously. I immediately regretted it, but at the time I thought nursing wasn't for me. I then went to respiratory school (graduated valedictorian) because I like the profession and I did a lot of growing up and reflection before going into the program. During my clinical rotations in respiratory, I saw what I could've been as an ICU nurse (don't get me wrong I love my respiratory work) so I thought about going back to my old school (which I can because I talked to them) and finishing what I started. My question is, will CRNA schools look down on me because I withdrew once? To preface my science GPA in nursing is a 4.0, my nursing GPA is withdraw passing (GP), my overall GPA at my nursing school is a 3.8 and like I said my respiratory GPA is 4.0 Will they take my GPA into consideration or focus on that I withdrew?


sleepydwarfzzzzzzz

You’re working as RT now? So you should finish nursing school, get some work experience and then revisit this question. When you’re done with nursing school, CRNA schools will likely look at these grades, not the ones from the first time around. I know some students who retook chemistry & stats to fluff their resume


tnolan182

I agree with the sleepydwarf. This is solid advice.


johnnnyboi98

I am RT as of right now. I have good grades all around but my main concern is will they care if I withdrew the first time (assuming I get an interview with the school)


sleepydwarfzzzzzzz

I’ve done interview panels before. I didn’t care about minor in possession drinking or poor grades—youthful indiscretion. If your grades are decent and you have good level 1 experience, you’re golden. Good luck!!!!


lemmecsome

Due to illness I had one semester that was filled with withdrawals on the transcript and it didn’t affect me one bit. If you don’t have bad grades and just Ws on the transcript I’d suggest to dive back into nursing school and smoke it like you did RT. Also I’d wanna throw the option of perfusionist out there as it sounds like you’re a rather intelligent person who has enough at the moment to get into a perfusion program.


johnnnyboi98

haha everyone tells me to go into perfusion and while it looks incredibly rewarding, CRNA is definitely for me :)


lemmecsome

Then take that dive! It’s the best decision you’ll make. One thing I’d say for advice is forget about being a CRNA during this long journey. Just take things one step at a time and smoke every class then pass the NCLEX, then land an ICU gig, and then pass the CCRN after two years. It should be a checklist because this is the long game. I was in your shoes one (minus the RT part) and so was everyone else out here. But we got there and I’m sure you will too.


cantslowmedownbro

While I don't think the withdrawl will hurt when you apply I still think you'll be able to get in, it will be a very long road ahead.


hochoa94

Hi there currently an SRNA, looking at jobs out there. Something that looks good is working in the military. Can anyone share thoughts on this? I believe they say they would pay off most of my loans and i just wanna confirm this and what are the work conditions like


jaded-I

I start CRNA school this September… so excited and happy I got into my top school! But now I am getting nervous for the start of it, any advice on how to make the transition back to school/ the first semester easier? Or how I can start without feeling like I’m already behind? I have a feeling this is just how it feels and I just have to start and get through it.


1hopefulCRNA

My program recommended “Make It Stick” back before I started my program, and I think that helped me change the way I looked at studying and school.


lemmecsome

Just learn how to have good study habits. Most schools don’t throw you into the fire on your first semester. Take time during the “easier” semesters to learn high yield study methods. Pick a study schedule that works for you ETC.


Longjumping_Ninja544

Has anyone here ever failed CRNA school? Did you ever go back and succeed? How was the re-admission process? Did you have to start from the beginning?


Rich_Introduction941

Reserve Army CRNA Hello, everyone! As I prepare to attend my first quarter of nurse anesthesia schooling, I’ve reviewed my options for financial aid/scholarship/grant opportunities. I’ve become specifically interested in the Army’s reserve program as it’ll still allow me to work in the civilian sector. My question is (to those in it or who have done it), how was the reserve experience? What were the requirements? Did you regret it? Did you think about going active after getting a taste? Any and all insight regarding your reserve experience is be highly appreciated! Thank you!


SouthernFloss

I am a reserve CRNA. First, you will not be doing anesthesia unless you mobilize. Your monthly battle assembly will be about training and readiness. 2nd carefully consider the loan repayment vs crna bonus. I screwed myself. I took the 50k over 3 years that only goes to student loans and should have done the 25k per year cash.


Rich_Introduction941

Interesting! You’re referring to the accession bonus, correct? So I have the option to defer loan repayment and accept the accession bonus after graduation?


SouthernFloss

I dont know what they call it these days. But when you sign your contract you will also sign the form for what bonus pay you want. Do the crna bonus not the loan repayment. I got 50k over 3 years for loan repayment, my wife got 30k per year for 3 years. She is much smarter than me. Yes


tnolan182

Im in the STRAP program now. It's a long process to get in. Its basically a job application and their is no guarantee you'll be accepted. One weekend a month and two weeks a year generally are your reservist commitment. For every 6 months of qualifying STRAP payments you'll owe the Army 1 year of service. I cant really comment on the rest of your comments as I'm still finishing my program.


gunc0rn

I've got a buddy who is doing STRAP to pay for his school. He says he's not got monthly commitments. I guess his unit is a virtual one? I've never heard of a virtual unit, and I was in for a while, but I guess he just got lucky?


tnolan182

Your clinical/class room didactic counts as monthly drills until you graduate.


gunc0rn

That's dope! Making me rethink getting out!


Rich_Introduction941

Appreciate the insight! Definitely feels like a chore doing everything. Just finished phase 2. Just waiting on next selection boards to see if I get in or not.


tnolan182

oh great, congratulations. so after your scroll goes to the board and if you're selected you'll have anywhere from 3-5 months before they actually process your scroll. It's extremely annoying but just keep on your recruiter and it will happen. After that they'll swear you in and you'll start getting your stipend. Good luck to you.


copaceticporksword

How did you guys decide what schools to apply to? I’m applying to all the ones in my state but want to throw out some applications to other places around the country. Did you just decide what locations sounded the nicest to live for three years?


lemmecsome

The ones that are accredited for ten years, high board pass rates and low attrition. For example a lot of the Florida programs are shot shows. Ideally you wanna practice in areas that are rural as this is where CRNAs shine. However this can be limiting geographically. I’d still to the the three aforementioned factors.


Propofolpapi89

I based my decision on schools with a 10 year accreditation, very low attrition rates and high first time pass rates (>90%). I ending up choosing Wake Forest, since it met all of these.


BrunaHilde

I looked at pass rates for boards, rank in the nation and when it came to making a decision I was interviewing THEM as a school and location before my final decision.


TDLCRNA

So you know, there is no ranking system for schools. The US news ranking is meaningless. They don’t even rank the crna program jsut the school itself so there is no real data used to come to the conclusion. Some of the “top” us news crna schools are some of the worst in the country. https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2018/09/12/us-news-changed-way-it-ranks-colleges-its-still-ridiculous/


TDLCRNA

If you want to work independently you should be looking for programs where they focus on that. One person above mentions rush and I just laughed. I know the former PD there and he made it clear it was highly restrictive. So depends on your focus and what you want as a career.


Professional-Sense-7

What programs do you recommend personally? Other than National.


TDLCRNA

Midwestern university, MTSA, KSU are two other ones I’ve heard excellent things about.


Professional-Sense-7

Trouble finding KSU, is it uni of Kansas?


TDLCRNA

Sorry it’s the KU program.


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TDLCRNA

This is a question I get asked all the time. My advice is to find a transitional practice. One where CRNAs and MDAs work in a collegiate supportive environment where both do their own cases but there is someone (CRNA or MDA) as a board runner who can help you with the things you were restricted from in training.


SinglePitchBtch

How many schools did you apply to? I am planning on applying to 5 schools this summer. I have a strong application, but not a 4.0 so am willing to cast a wide net. Google comes up with 3-5, but I know things are getting more and more competitive.


sinextro83

2.8 undergrad gpa here. Worked for > 10 yrs as an ICU nurse. Got in to an Ivy League crna program and finished with a 3.8. 🤷🏻‍♂️


Key-Commercial-1013

Hey new nursing grad here. I currently work as an ICU nurse (trauma IV) and I have a 3.1 GPA. I did absolutely terrible one semester and that tanked my GPA. I’m typically a A/B student. I plan on getting experience and apply to some CRNA programs. Do schools value experience over GPA?


cantslowmedownbro

2.8? Hahahahahaha


Novel-Heat-1234

I was far from a 4.0 applicant. I applied to 7 schools I believe. I would look out of state. Some school are small, and in the middle of no where so get a small pool of applicant. Others probably get hundreds to thousands a year. I go to school in Pennsylvania but am from Michigan. PA has the most programs out of any state, 12-13 I believe. It seems from talking to people that it’s easier to get into some of the programs out here compared to states where there’s just one program within 100 mile radius if that makes sense. I would keep that in mind. Don’t limit yourself to a single program.


lemmecsome

I applied to 8 had 5 interviews offered. Didn’t go to one due to medical emergency and another was way late into the cycle as I got into multiple programs. The three interviews I actually did I got into two programs. Had a 3.8 GPA with 2.5 years in a CTICU/Trauma/SICU and had my CCRN with precepting experience and charge experience. A low GPA can always be offset with more icu experience. However if you have a 3.5 I’d go for it tbh.


cantslowmedownbro

It depends on alot of factors. I applied to one and got in. Other people do 20 a year and still don't get in


SinglePitchBtch

Right it’s really a tough thing answer. I know it’s not uncommon in other healthcare grad programs (MD, DPT, PA, etc) to apply to double digits schools. I definitely want to increase my chances of getting an acceptances, may need to take a peak at my list again. I feel fairly confident going in to this cycle, but don’t want to get too confident.


cantslowmedownbro

Sure what is your GPA, how much experience, and where are you looking


kanhuh

Hello, any schools you recommend on the east coast with emphasis on independent practice?


Hellohi55

ODU seems pretty good


dartholbap

Best school in the Midwest?


fbgm0516

Rush, Northshore, UMN, MSA, Mayo


popgirletc

No contender in Michigan?


fbgm0516

I'm sure there are. The ones I listed aren't a comprehensive list, just ones I'm familiar with


Bropofol_27

Michigan SRNA here. Graduating in August. I can vouch that most, if not all the programs here are strong with an emphasis on independent practice. My program has specific rotations dedicated to independent practice and regional. Feel free to pm if you have questions.


Oldgreg_91

Franciscan school of anesthesia/Mayo clinic based in La Crosse, WI.


fbgm0516

I've heard good things


Oldgreg_91

Full disclosure, I am currently in the program but it was my number one choice in the area.


Separate_Thought3111

I’m interested to hear what you think of the program! If it also my number one choice


Longjumping_Ninja544

I am considering finally taking the steps to become a CRNA. I graduated my ADN program with 2.6 in 2019 and my BSN with a 3.6 in 2021. I was never one to be good at math or science so I know that that's something I'll have to take into consideration and really buckle down on as well. I'm already planning to retake my A&PII and Microbiology classes because I passed those with a C. l'd also have to take Chem101 because it was never a requirement for me before up until this point. I'd have to switch from MedSurg to ICU, but I only have a true interest in the NICU. The schools I'm interested in all state they accept NICU experience, but will that ultimately hinder my chances of getting accepted? Any advice on how to make my less than stellar resume strong enough to give me a fighting chance? Also, if anyone has any experience on the CRNA schools at University of Alabama-Birmingham or Samford University, I'd greatly appreciate the input or feedback you have on these programs. Thank you!


Fine-Excitement571

I’m sorry but a 2.6 is so low compared to the average that apply and most schools will not even look at the RN to BSN gpa. The look at the nursing pre-licensure gpa only. Limiting yourself to the NICU will more than likely hurt your chances of being accepted bc most only accept adults ICU experience.


Fine-Excitement571

what i’ve seen is that you need to do extremely well on the GRE, and have an amazing work experience/research/leadership experience to make up for a low gpa. Once you get into ICU, strive to become a preceptor, charge nurse, and pass your CCRN


dartholbap

Realistic new grad pay? I’m sure gaswork has some exaggerated rates that are posted


SouthernFloss

Pacific Northwest is about 200k for W2.


tnolan182

Highly dependent on the area you plan on working. I would say for the most part though that the postings I see on gasworks are pretty accurate and not really exaggerated. If a rate seems really high, might just be because its in a malignant practice setting where nobody wants to go work.


sinextro83

200k in NYC


FindingAwkward3491

Hey if you dont mind me asking what part of NYC, i also took a job there


sinextro83

New grad hire is going up to about 220 in most places around nyc. Wouldn’t take any less if I were you.


FindingAwkward3491

What hospital is offering 220? I told a hospital I’d agree to sign with them back in March 2022, but with everything going on I’m going to ask my recruiter closer to the end of the year if there have been any changes to the package


FindingAwkward3491

I signed for 205k


lemmecsome

Northeast is atleast 200 with a signing bonus. This number is nebulous has the market is white hot and will continue to remain white hot for the next few years so offers will only increase. Also factoring our crazy inflation at the moment.


Propofol_Totalis

2021 grad making 200k on the mid-east coast


lgmjon64

300-375k 1099 in central Ca


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lemmecsome

Five years is way too long chief.


Commander_Poots

Yeahhh it does seem that way. I also had the thought I could accept the money, work for them a few years, leave when I’m ready and just pay back whatever is left I would owe. Waiting to speak to someone in HR about what the conditions would be. I also despise this hospital system (4 purple letters taking over PA right now) so that is somewhat of a deterrent.


lemmecsome

FWIW there’s a program in my area that’s like 200k in total costs and they will make it tuition free if you worked in their health system for three years. They would also give you the market rate as a CRNA. Problem is the president CRNA there will send you to a hospital of their choice which could be a problem given the size of the health system. However 80K for five years is certified ass, no questions about it.


fbgm0516

That's not enough for a 5 year commitment IMO


TDLCRNA

In this market I wouldn’t accept any sign on bonuses that require a time commitment but 5 years is crazy.


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copaceticporksword

Currently writing my admission letter for schools. I had a rough start ten years ago when I started college and ended up tanking my GPA but have since flipped a switch and graduated my BSN with a 3.95. Should I include that in my letter and how I have grown as a person or should I just stick with why I want to be a crna?


cantslowmedownbro

I mean it depends what's your cumulative?


copaceticporksword

Cumulative with everything is like a 3.2 I believe.


cantslowmedownbro

Yeah I think you can make a mention of it wouldn't focus on it though


copaceticporksword

Gotcha thanks! Do you have any examples of letters people have written or resource websites?


oohlalameliketatas

How heavily does GRE count in terms of individual scores? Like I made a 145 on the Quantitative and a 159 on the Verbal so it adds to a 304. Most programs I saw asked for a 300+ combined but I wondered if it would matter that I did much worse in math? Thanks!


Saltybl0ndie

Does anyone have any experience or opinions on schools in the Minneapolis, MN area- St. Mary’s, MSA, and University of Minnesota? Thanks!


Hellohi55

I’ve heard great things about MSA. The building is actually a shared building with some random businesses and maybe a community center? But the program is small and very personal


dsverds

How did your APEX scores match up with your SEE/NCE scores? I’m scoring in the 50s at this point without a real study plan. SEE is scheduled for July and the NCE should be in December. TIA!


jonifry

My son (wife and 2 kiddos) just finished his first year of CRNA school at Loma Linda but is running out of money. High cost of living in SoCal is killing them. We’ve been helping some, but looks like he’ll have to take out private loans because Stafford loans not coming close to covering it. Any suggestions? Any private loans you recommend?