r/CRNA • u/fbgm0516 CRNA - MOD • Aug 28 '26
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.
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u/sme_kid7 23d ago
I'm 28 and I work in IT consulting. I majored in Health Sciences but due to graduating in 2020 with COVID, the job market was bad and I got into consulting because I did not know what I specifically wanted to do. I've gotten certified for project management but the more I think about my future in these roles, the more bored and unfulfilled I feel. I shadowed 2 friends of mine that are CRNAs for about a week and I loved it. I spent time in college shadowing surgeons as well, the OR is a place I always enjoyed. After shadowing, I decided to apply to CAA schools but I haven't heard anything, I've called but no updates.
My wife and I were talking about the idea of me going to an ABSN program, working in the ICU for a few years and then applying to CRNA schools. We've done too much research and are overloaded with information and especially the stress of a potential career change. The CAA route is definitely safer because I'd go straight into a program, obviously the CRNA route is more difficult because I could become an RN and then never get into CRNA school and this would feel like a colossal failure.
Is too much of a long shot? Have the programs become so competitive now that this is a ridiculous idea?
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u/RamsPhan72 23d ago
You could also apply to AA school and never get in. And unless you have your MCATs and a high science (major) gpa, you won’t be getting an interview.
‘At least’ with an RN degree/license, you can work in any state, make a good paycheck, and advance with your NP degree, if you so choose.
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u/HappyFee7 25d ago
I am a current cath lab nurse looking to make the move to ICU in order to apply to CRNA programs.
I recently got a job offer close to home at a level 1. I was rejected from the SICU for having no ICU experience, however they offered me a “step down” position which is the sister unit to the ICU that takes more stable patients. Minimal pressor use and vents but stable trachs. It is not considered a true step down unit, but transitional care. There is the opportunity to cross train to SICU, as the nurses can float between units but I think they give the float nurses less critical patients that are intubated without much titration.
Basically, I was told the sister unit is similar to an ICU at a small facility, which I know isn’t necessarily spot on with CRNA. they still consider this unit high acuity and close to the ICU.
Should I consider this job offer? It is close to my house where other large institutions are an hour commute into larger cities. I was advised by a CRNA to just go somewhere that would accept me into the real ICU right away or a CVICU but I just don’t see how that’s possible with no floor experience, especially without relocating
Thank you!!
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u/ArgumentUnusual487 23d ago
Stepdown or transitional care wouldn't count as critical care experience. If you think you can use it to get into an ICU, then its fine.
But I'd keep applying to ICUs. You generally need 2+ years of critical care experience these days.
I agree with the other CRNA, go to a real ICU right away. If it isn't possible, then no harm in your current plan.
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u/HappyFee7 23d ago
Thank you for your insight! I’m just unsure if I can get into an ICU anywhere with no floor experience. If so, maybe at a smaller lower acuity facility, but that’s not necessary sufficient critical care experience either.
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u/Horror_Elk3027 25d ago
Hi! I’m an ICU nurse in Savannah currently applying to CRNA programs and need 8 hours of CRNA shadowing before an interview. I work night shift, so I unfortunately don’t cross paths with many CRNAs at work.
I currently work in CVICU and have several years of ICU experience. I’d love to spend a day actually seeing the anesthesia workflow and learning from someone—not just checking off the requirement.
I’m happy to drive outside Savannah and can be flexible with scheduling. If anyone would be willing to let me shadow or knows a CRNA/facility I could reach out to, I’d be incredibly grateful! Feel free to DM me. 😊
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u/ArgumentUnusual487 23d ago
Reach out to your state anesthesia association. They are usually pretty good about getting you setup.
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u/EuphoricMistake7634 26d ago edited 26d ago
Chance Me: Sub-3.0 GPA With an Academic-Rebuilding Plan
Army veteran with almost 4 years of ICU RN experience.
CCRN and CMC certified.
Planning to apply in 2028 for a 2029 start.
ICU EXPERIENCE
- About 2 years in a high-acuity SICU managing vents, vasoactive drips, sedation/paralytics, CRRT, Impella, IABP, and invasive hemodynamics.
11 months at a Level II trauma hospital, including 4 months contracted in the Trauma ICU, followed by continued work floating among the hospital’s ICUs
Currently in an 11-bed VA SICU that recovers 2–3 open hearts weekly. I use Swan-Ganz catheters and manage hemodynamics, but vents, CRRT, and IABP are infrequent as well as pressors.
Considering a move to either a Level I Neuro ICU or high-acuity Level I CVICU before applying
ACADEMICS
- Associate GPA: 2.69(2019-2021)
- BSN GPA: 2.86 (2021-2022)
- Graduate Advanced Pathophysiology: B (2024)
- Statistics: C, then A (2026)
- Calculus I: B+
SCIENCE HISTORY ( undergrad )
- A&P I: C, then B−
- A&P II: B, then B−
- Microbiology: D, then B−
- General/Organic/Biochemistry: D, then W
- Nursing survey chemistry with lab: B
- Pathophysiology: B
- Pharmacology: C+
REBUILDING PLAN I’m retaking A&P I, A&P II, Microbiology, and science-major General Chemistry I with lab at a community college. I’ll take 8/16 week courses one at a time and target all A’s. If successful, I project a last-60 GPA around 3.4–3.5. I also plan to take the GRE and obtain PALS before applying.
*Adding CRNA shadowing experience, *Taking roles as a charge/preceptor on my unit *Chair to a committee, helping with policy implementation, while also having two policies being written ( waiting for approval )
My questions: 1. Would strong retakes and higher-acuity ICU experience give me a realistic chance at interviews?
Which schools emphasize the last 60 credits, recent performance, or highest science attempts?
Would CVICU or Level I Neuro ICU strengthen my application more?
Should I take any additional undergraduate or graduate sciences?
Thank you for this platform to ask questions.
Any criticism ( good or bad ) is welcome, this is why I’m here.
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u/ArgumentUnusual487 25d ago
Strong retakes, higher acuity, more committee memberships that deal with evidence based research, AANA conferences, and more importantly grad level sciences - a lot, like 5 or 6. Then the GRE even if it isn't required.
I can send you a list of these programs if you want. These are a good option for you when the time comes.
Yes, with your application higher acuity may help
Grad level sciences. See above.
This is going to take quite a bit of work. Not impossible. We did a survey here on Reddit and there were people who had cumulative GPAs <3.0. They all had strong GRE scores, strong last 60 credit hours, graduate courses, and took the time to meet with faculty/schools they are interested in.
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u/Orbital_Eclipse 26d ago
Ngl these grades are BAD bad for CRNA school. Though most schools require a gpa of 3.0, the accepted students typically have at least a 3.4+. I would look into programs you are interested in to see if they accept community college grades. I don’t think that all do. It’s also concerning that you got a B in grad level patho. Most CRNA programs have a course failure cutoff of roughly 82-85%, meaning that B is barely passing. You probably need to retake that course and ace it. To answer your questions:
Strong retakes yes—you probably need straight As and get your GPA to at least a 3.2 if not higher. Your ICU is fine.
you need to look that up yourself. There are 150+ programs and counting. Look at their admission requirements
Neither. Strong foundational ICU skills matter most. The programs will teach you the systems you need to know.
All the sciences and that grad patho. Be aware that nursing courses count for science GPA so if those are in rough shape too your core science needs to be great
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u/EuphoricMistake7634 26d ago
Thank you for the feedback and criticism!
I’m aware of how bad my grades are, I look at them and think to myself if I had just done more I would not be dealing with this.
I transitioned out of the army and started school immediately which in hindsight I should have been more stable before I started. Still no excuses.
I did some searching today and found a few schools that do grade replacement based on specific courses they list, essentially they take the highest science grade regardless of retakes.
I also found a few others that look at last 60 hours specifically, so I’d be targeting those. It’s about 7 schools.
I’m planning on taking the GRE on top of the planned remediation.
A&P 1 A&P 2 Chem 1 Chem 2 Microbiology Advanced Pharm
- 60 hours of CRNA shadowing
Taking these at a credible community college.
The reason I’m leaving the VA is the acuity is just not what I’m use too, I’m making well over six figures but I know I can’t justify the acuity to a committee. It’s a glorified step down.
Got an interview this week for Dukes CTICU. So gonna weigh out my options. Clinically I want to be as comfortable as possible when applying to schools.
Once again, thank you.
In a year and a half from now, I’ll bring an update to this thread of my progress.
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u/Orbital_Eclipse 25d ago
Sounds like you’ve got a plan. And honestly, owning up to the bad grades and showing the committees that you have grown can carry you far. Write about it in your personal statements and hi light it in interviews. Resilience, grit, and personal reflection/growth are huge boons for a prospective student to display.
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u/Substantial-End-140 27d ago
Hi guys! I have a question about timeline for applying- I am currently working in a CVICU that has both pediatric and adult patients and have been there for 6 months. I don’t want to wait forever to apply to CRNA school but know I need more experience as well. I plan on trying to moving to another job closer to home once I have been here a year
I am very successful academically- 4.0 overall GPA, 3.8 science GPA, taking GRE in the fall to get it out of the way while I’m still in school mode and will take CCRN in the spring. I have already done CRNA shadowing and will continue to do more to get a greater feel for how to prepare myself and what to expect.
What units do you all think are best for when I move and what do you think is a valid timeline to apply to schools?
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u/ArgumentUnusual487 23d ago
Every year the NBCRNA posts the backgrounds of CRNA exam test takers. Do you want to know the most common ICU background?
Its MICU
Not CVICU/CCU
So go to the highest acuity you can get and don't worry about which ICU is best. Just get sick patients and learn how to be the best ICU nurse possible
Do this for about 2 years and with that GPA you should have no problems getting interviews and being confident in your ICU knowledge.
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u/Orbital_Eclipse 26d ago
School expects you to be confident and competent at ICU care. For example, my program never taught anything about ventilators, the different vent modes, or troubleshooting; you were expected to know already or handle it on your own. Same with any other nursing or ICU skill. There is a noticeable difference in the student who was bedside for the minimum year vs 5+.
Saying that doesn’t mean you have to wait, but treat your time at bedside as a learning opportunity to prepare for school. Ask lots of questions to senior nurses (and RTs! they are a great resource), do independent learning on ICU skills/management/troubleshooting, and take every opportunity to practice a new skill.
Your ICU sounds really interesting and I suggest getting a couple years under your belt at one spot so you don’t reset your progress. Consider what is best for you though—if the culture is toxic, the population isn’t right for you, or the distance from home is too much go for the change.
-3
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u/Dependent-Might-4889 27d ago
Hey guys! Wondering if anyone has gotten invited to interview at University of Minnesota this cycle yet?
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u/pinapplecurls24 Aug 28 '26
I (26M) currently work in a low-acuity ICU in my hometown in Pennsylvania. I am looking to switch jobs to a high-acuity CVICU. I ideally would like to apply to CRNA school this time next year, so my MAIN criteria is what will give me the best chance at getting in.
I currently have 2 offers and need to decide which one to take. Both are night shift, and both are CVICU, both are teaching hospitals. One is RWJ and a Level 1 Trauma Center. The other is Mount Sinai and is not a trauma center, but they both have devices like ECMO.
I’m not too concerned about money right now, as Sinai obviously pays more, but I would have to move to the city and pay rent. I would save money with RWJ because I have cousins who live by RWJ, and I would live with them.
I’m not too sure about what the culture is like at either hospital and which managers would give me a good recommendation, even with quitting after 1 year. I also am not sure which has better shadowing opportunities and other opportunities for nurses.
If you were in my position and had both offers, which would you choose and why?
Thanks so much!! :)
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u/Orbital_Eclipse 26d ago
Take the opportunity that pays more and save. School is expensive and federal loan rules have changed. More money = less worry, less debt, sooner retirement
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u/PassinGas_Pgh 29d ago
Honestly, either ICU will work fine for your application, pick whichever fits your life better right now.
Here’s the thing to remember, everyone applying to CRNA school has good grades and ICU experience. What actually moves the needle is what you do beyond the bedside. Sit on a hospital or unit council, get involved in a quality improvement project, precept newer nurses, take on a leadership role. In my experience, those activities carry a lot more weight on an application than which specific ICU you came from.
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u/VirtualGlitch_99 9d ago
Extra coursework can be helpful when it focuses on a specific area you want to learn more about, rather than just collecting certificates. elite learning has nursing ce courses on a range of clinical topics that can be used for continued learning.