MinorityNurse.com

 

Response to Recently Decided to Go Back for CRNA/Lena Gould, CRNA, MSN

Hello Future North Carolina CRNA!

It is great that you have expressed interest in pursuing Nurse Anesthesia as a career choice! Now, that you are committed to fulfilling the requirements, follow these suggestions. First, it appears as if you are currently enrolled in a BSN Program. If this is so, then most definitely perform exceedingly well in your remaining courses, particularly the science courses. In order to be be seriously considered for any nurse anesthesia program you must be strong academically. Yes, having over a 3.0 grade point average is good, but there are many more with over 3.4 who are submitting their applications too!. Remember, the applicant pool is very competitive. So, you have to make yourself a stronger applicant that is worthy to be seriously considered. There are ways to remedy a lower grade point average by re-taking the science courses and or taking graduate nursing courses such as Nursing Research I & II, Pathophysiology, and Advanced Pharmacology.

You will need experience in the critical care unit as well. If you can secure a position in the Trauma ICU, Surgical ICU, Medical ICU, Cardiac ICU, Neuro ICU or Burn ICU, this will significantly make you a competitive candidate. You need the critical care assessment skills to further evaluate a surgical patient that will require anesthesia services. You will gain experience in arterial-lines, Swan-Ganz catheters, CVP, balloon pumps, vasoactive drug titrations, ventilated dependent patients and so forth. Immediately after one year, sit for the CCRN Exam. Most applicants have this credential as well.

While you are working in the ICU, you will interface with other Nurse Anesthetist as they transfer care of their post surgical patient. You need to approach the CRNA and ask this person if you can shadow them for a day. Please read more about shadowing a Nurse Anesthetist by clicking on my post on Response to Shadowing/Lena Gould,CRNA, MSN. It is important to write this in your essay for the anesthesia program and articulate this experience for your eventual interview. As far as the GREs are concerned, start by purchasing a GRE Study Guide and commit to studying the material for at least four months before you sit for this exam. You mention that you have increased anxiety before an exam. You must prepare yourself with intense study for the GREs. You will be amazed on how it will decrease your anxiety and make you more relaxed as a result.

Lastly, seriously consider attending the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Information Session at Duke University on October 23rd (Saturday). You will have an opportunity to meet three Nurse Anesthesia Program Directors from Duke University, Wake Forrest University, and Medical University of South Carolina. As well as meet minority CRNAs and Nurse Anesthesia Students (SRNAs) on the afternoon panel. You will find out about the admission process, interview, rigors of the program, clinical expectations, Board preparation, and Doctoral Studies. A video of minority Nurse Anesthesia Students reviewing the anesthesia machine and related equipment will be issued to all of the attendees. Very informational and inspirational!

If you have any questions, please email me at crna4u@comcast.net.

Take Care, Wallena Gould, CRNA, MSN
Founder, Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program
www.diversitycrna.org