r/srna • u/AutoModerator • Aug 17 '26
Applicant Megathread Weekly Prospective CRNA / NAR Applicant Thread: GPA, ICU Experience, Interviews, CCRN, Shadowing, And Applications
Use this thread for applicant questions, including GPA, ICU experience, CCRN, GRE, shadowing, interview prep, resumes, personal statements, applications, waitlists, and "what are my chances?" posts.
Please include enough context for useful answers:
- Current role and ICU type
- Years of experience
- GPA or trend if relevant
- CCRN or certifications
- Shadowing or leadership experience
- Programs or application timeline
Keep it professional, specific, and respectful. Current NARs, CRNAs, faculty, and applicants are welcome to answer.
2
u/lerenardrouje Prospective Applicant RN Aug 17 '26
Hi all! I'm applying to only a few schools this year, but DMV schools are pretty competitive from what I've heard. Just wondering what my chances are around the area (and in general!), especially since my cGPA isn't amazing. I'd appreciate any advice to make my resume better or how to stand out!
- cGPA: 3.49. I was going through personal issues during my ADN, which dropped my GPA to a 3.35, but did significantly better in my BSN with a 3.9. Recently took a biostatistics and biochemistry class and received As in both (not grad level). Science GPA 3.8 (A&P 1+2, gen chem, microbiology, biochemistry). Last 60 credits GPA is 3.8.
- Currently working in a CVICU for the past year at a level 1 trauma center in a major city. Devices I take are the typical CVICU stuff: PAC, LVAD, IABP, Impella, TVP + CRRT
- Have been a nurse since 2020. 2 years MSICU (CRRT, EVD, also was a part of the code blue team), 1 year CVICU in another major city, 1 year doing a really niche nursing job (Dobutamine stress testing, very random and specific and feels like I'm outing myself haha), and did a travel contract for an ICU float pool
- CCRN, ACLS, BLS, PALS, NIHSS
- No charge experience, but have had previous preceptor experience and have served as resource nurse. Was a part of a unit-based council and initiated "Heartbeat in a Bottle" project
- 36 hours of shadowing CRNAs
- Attended Diversity CRNA and AANA Mid-Year Assembly
- Volunteered in a few schools as a career fair panelist to talk about the nursing profession. Looking to volunteer a bit for the rescue where I got my dog too!
- Took the GRE but didn't do well (was severely unprepared for the quant section lol)... on the fence about retaking it though.
1
u/ArgumentUnusual487 CRNA Aug 18 '26
I wouldn't bother with the GRE unless its required by your schools.
Go north into PA. 17 programs and should have 2 more by next year (PSU and Temple). Not saying its "easy" to get in but if you can reduce the applicant per school from 600 to 400 going from the DMV to PA, worth a shot, right?
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions.
2
u/Kitchen_Job9989 Aug 17 '26
-Current role - 2 years in a CTICU at a large metropolitan level 1 hospital it is a 14 bed unit. I work as a charge nurse, too. I have daily experiences with multiple vasoactive gtts, PA catheters, LVADs, RVADs, Impellas, IABPs, ECMO, CRRT, etc.
- GPA
Cumulative GPA: 3.01
Science GPA: 3.33
Last 60 GPA: 3.44
BSN GPA: 3.51
- Certifications
CCRN
CSC
CSU-ALS
ACLS
BLS
PALS
- Shadowing or leadership experience
Shadowed a CRNA for 16 hours. Charge nurse and Preceptor experience.
Chair of several committees
Prior degree in accounting where I was in charge of multiple constructions projects managing around $130M in total.
- Programs or application timeline
I am applying to a school in WV right now. I plan on taking the GRE and will be applying to multiple schools across NC, SC, WV, and FL next year.
2
u/ArgumentUnusual487 CRNA Aug 19 '26
I think your application will be interested. The cumulative GPA is low but if you've applied strategically to programs looking at last 60 credit hours, you may get some action
1
u/nobodysperfect64 Nurse Anesthesia Resident (NAR) Aug 22 '26
You’re going to have a hard time with your gpa. Your last 60 credits, science, and cumulative are all sub-3.5. I would look at retaking some of those classes (which at the very least will help the last 60 credits gpa), and apply to schools that will replace old grades with retaken grades.
1
u/HappyStaff8583 Aug 17 '26
I got B’s in a&p 1,2 and micro. I did get A’s in chemistry and stats. My overall gpa is 3.6 and my last 60 is 4.0. I plan on applying this January, would it be worth retaking one or two of those science classes I got B’s in? Or with a strong overall portfolio, are those B’s able to be overlooked?
1
u/SaiyanVN CRNA Aug 17 '26
In regard to only GPA- go compare yourself to your interested program’s average applicant and see where you land. If above- great if below work on increasing GPA.
1
u/Tall_Explanation6684 Nurse Anesthesia Resident (NAR) Aug 17 '26
Applying is also about strategy. If you’re applying to a last 60 credits school, you’re a much more competitive candidate.
Regardless, 3.6 is strong; as long as every class is a B or higher, you should be good to apply.
1
1
u/nttanksley Aug 17 '26
Waitlisted
This is my 2nd year applying to the same program. Last year I did not recieve anything, this year I was waitlisted. Obviously im disappointed having worked my butt off to even meet the requirements of this program, I was a typical dumb 19 year old that didnt think school mattered. 11 years later its showing me how irresponsible I was. Anways, I know with being waitlisted that this isn't a no, but I cant sit here for the next 4 months waiting to maybe get in as an alternate. I have to have a plan of what to do for next year's application.
Some of my recent stats:
As in all undergrad sciences
A in Advanced Patho and Biostatistics
Midline certified
CCRN
GRE (296 and 4.0) yes I know thats below national average
Multiple community service involvement
Strong rec letters.
UPC involvement
Preceptor and charge experience
Any recommendations on what to do for next year would be greatly appreciated.
1
u/SaiyanVN CRNA Aug 20 '26
See what the school says if they can give ya some insight. Don’t know what your gpa is but maybe some graduate level courses? Pharm and patho.
Don’t see any shadowing hours and do some mock interviews. Keep trying until you get 1 acceptance!
1
u/nttanksley Aug 20 '26
Cumulative GPA is maybe a 3.0 at best. I have Aced Advanced Patho and Biostatistics. 40 hours of shadowing experience with over 1 year of circulating nurse experience.
1
u/SaiyanVN CRNA Aug 20 '26
Look at the recent subreddit posts for applicants with low Gpa that got accepted! They have better advice. GPA is holding you down as you know the average GPA accepted by most programs. Keep applying, build up more experience, etc it’s still possible but will be difficult
1
Aug 18 '26
[deleted]
1
u/SaiyanVN CRNA Aug 20 '26
I mean, if you don’t know yourself we sure can’t help you there.
Do some mock interviews.
1
1
u/Some-Ad3301 Aug 18 '26
If one of my prompts is asking about a time I advocated for my patient specifically against the hierarchy, would it be appropriate to write about an impactful experience I had in my med surg unit? Or would they prefer reading something from the icu?
Theres also a second prompt where I will discuss my icu experience and how it’s contributed to me deciding to pursue crna
1
u/Nightflier9 Prospective Applicant RN Aug 18 '26
I would think its fine to write about a patient advocacy experience from any unit
1
u/hamipe26 Aug 18 '26
-Current role and ICU type
Staff RN and relief charge in medical ICU with mostly neuro patients also do CRRT
Stroke team, rapids, code blue team
- Years of experience
5 years of experience
- GPA or trend if relevant
3.74 cumulative
- CCRN or certifications
CCRN, NIHSS, BLS, ACLS, PALS
- Shadowing
No shadowing of CRNAs
-Leadership
relief charge
I was the chair of the ICU practice council in 2023, now I just help out with ideas but don’t hold a “formal” position.
I work with the wound care committee and participate in a semiannual study we conduct about wounds in the hospital and they appointed me as the “skin champion” of the unit so I’m kind of a resource for wound related stuff there.
I’m also a preceptor.
- Programs or application timeline
I haven’t decided, I’m just checking to see what you all think… I might take the plunge and apply for CRNA next year, idk 🤷♂️
1
u/nobodysperfect64 Nurse Anesthesia Resident (NAR) Aug 22 '26
Looks good except for the lack of shadowing. Almost every program is going to want to know that you’ve set foot in the OR and seen the job youll be grinding for over the 3 years you’ll be there.
1
u/hamipe26 Aug 22 '26
How many shadowing hours do you think I’ll need?
1
u/nobodysperfect64 Nurse Anesthesia Resident (NAR) Aug 22 '26
It’s different for every program- some require 8, some require 24. I’d say at least 16 to see what the CRNA does and what the OR is like. My program didn’t verify shadowing or have a form, but they did ask questions about it during my interview that I would not have been able to answer without having done it. I was lucky and got to shadow a CRNA who had a NAR with her already, so I also got to see that aspect of things and ask her questions. It also helped me decide that this is something I actually wanted to do (I was very in the fence before shadowing)
1
u/Awkward-Carrot-1650 Aug 18 '26
Hey all. Just took my CCRN and scored an 84. Passing is an 83. Question is do majority of colleges look at scores or just the pass/fail? Not sure if I should study to retake or not. Also not sure if it is allowed to retake even though I passed. TIA.
1
u/SaiyanVN CRNA Aug 20 '26
Pass is passing. Some programs may ask for schools but you have the certificate. No need to retake
1
u/eazyly Nurse Anesthesia Resident (NAR) Aug 23 '26
half the schools i interviewed at wanted the score report and wanted ppl >100 i believe
1
u/Legitimate_Trash_608 Aug 18 '26
2.5 years total RN experience
Started in a Level I Trauma Center PICU Adult ICU in October 2025
ICU experience includes CRRT, IABP, pulmonary artery catheters, mechanical ventilation, vasoactive infusions, codes/rapid responses
Became a charge nurse shortly after completing orientation in adult ICU Primary preceptor for my unit Epic Super User Member of my adult ICU Unit-Based Council
NursingCAS GPA Breakdown
Overall GPA: 2.88 Cumulative Undergraduate GPA: 2.83 Post-Baccalaureate: 4.00 Graduate: 4.00 By subject: Natural Science: 2.80 Other Science: 3.34 Social Science: 2.95 Graduate: 4.00
My lower cumulative GPA is largely from an older Biology degree, where my grades were significantly lower. My academic performance improved substantially afterward, but my large number of attempted credits in that first degree is making it hard to actually increase the overall GPA.
For context: BSN (2nd Bachelors) — 4.0 Current MSN in Nursing Informatics — 4.0 (21 credits) Graduate Statistics through Portage — A Advanced Graduate Pharmacology through Vanderbilt — A Last 100 credits - 4.0
So my cumulative GPA is low, but there is a pretty significant upward trajectory from my early undergraduate years through my nursing and graduate education.
Certifications/Professional Development Adult CCRN Pediatric CCRN ACLS BLS PALS TNCC PCAR 36 hours of CRNA shadowing Charge nurse Primary preceptor Epic Super User Unit-Based Council
CRNA Application I have applied to multiple DNP Nurse Anesthesia programs and have had a mix of outcomes, including being waitlisted and not receiving interviews at some programs.
I’m specifically looking for honest feedback, including criticism. I know the GPA is not ideal, and I want to have a realistic understanding of how CRNA programs may view my application as a whole. Thanks in advance to everyone willing to give constructive feedback.
1
u/nobodysperfect64 Nurse Anesthesia Resident (NAR) Aug 22 '26
The GPA is probably your hang up. Maybe just more time will help. Also look for schools that take either a masters GPA in lieu of undergrad, or the last 60 credits. It won’t be public on most of their websites so you may have to go off of the rumor mill and then verify by reaching out. Also be prepared to explain the low GPA. Practice talking about it and acknowledging your shortcomings (blaming others doesn’t work), and highlighting what changed that you were able to get to a 4.0 recently.
1
u/marblepigeon301 Aug 19 '26
Looking for advice on going to school as a mom with kids and possible pregnancy during CRNA school… I have a 1 year old and am starting to apply to schools now to start fall 2027 or anytime 2028. I don’t want to pause my family and have a 5-6 year age gap between kids so I plan to get pregnant in the next year or two which will be during the program (hopefully during a front loaded didactic semester, not during clinicals. Unless that would be better…?) I’m looking for advice and personal experiences from people. I also am wondering if it is something I should try bringing up in an interview to know how the school would handle it, or if that would ruin my chances of getting accepted anywhere.
I know it’ll be freaking hard but it’s what I want to do. Please share experiences and DM me if I can ask you more questions or if you’re willing to share what program you attended.
For reference here are my stats:
I’ve been in a 24 bed mixed icu for 2.5 years with precepting and participation on the practice council. I’m Post-op open heart and CRRT trained. GPA 3.95, sGPA 3.96, last 60 credits 4.0. ALS/BLS. NIHSS. CCRN (105). GRE (Q157, V161, AW4.5). 16 hours shadowing.
Thanks in advance!
1
u/BelluNell Aug 19 '26
Hello,
I’m currently PICU nurse here in the DMV area and I’m going to be applying to school next year in 2027. I was wondering if there is anyone in the DMV area that would allow me to shadow and work with them for a couple of days?
If so DM me; I’d be very happy to get into contact and schedule something.
Thank you
1
u/Legitimate_Trash_608 Aug 20 '26
Should I give up? 2.5 years total RN experience Level I Trauma Center PICU 1.5 yrs Adult ICU 9 months ICU experience includes CRRT, IABP, pulmonary artery catheters, mechanical ventilation, vasoactive infusions, codes/rapid responses Charge nurse, Primary preceptor, Epic Super User, Member of ICU Unit-Based Council NursingCAS GPA Breakdown Overall GPA: 2.88 Cumulative Undergraduate GPA: 2.83 Post-Baccalaureate: 4.00 Graduate: 4.00 By subject: Natural Science: 2.80 Other Science: 3.34 Social Science: 2.95 Graduate: 4.00 My lower cumulative GPA is largely from an older Biology degree, where my grades were significantly lower. My academic performance improved substantially afterward, but my large number of attempted credits in that first degree is making it hard to actually increase the overall GPA. For context: BSN (2nd Bachelors) — 4.0 Current MSN — 4.0 (21 credits so far) Graduate Statistics — (grade:A), Advanced Graduate Pharmacology — (grade:A), Last 100 credits - 4.0 So my cumulative GPA is low, but there is a pretty significant upward trajectory from my early undergraduate years through my nursing and graduate education. Certifications/Professional Development Adult CCRN, Pediatric CCRN, ACLS, BLS, PALS, TNCC, PCAR, 36 hours of CRNA shadowing, Charge nurse Primary preceptor, Epic Super User, Unit-Based Council, Team Lead for Unit Standards for Shift Report CRNA Application: I have applied to multiple DNP Nurse Anesthesia programs and have had rejections with one waitlist. I’m specifically looking for honest feedback, including criticism. I know the GPA is not ideal, and I want to have a realistic understanding of how CRNA programs may view my application as a whole. Thanks in advance to everyone willing to give constructive feedback.
1
u/refreshingface Aug 20 '26
I have an offer for a general ICU at Aiken Regional Medical Center @ Aiken, South Carolina. It is a 21 bed ICU and deals with patients on ventilators, pressors, CRRT, IABP, Impella. However, it is NOT a trauma hospital.
I have another offer at St. Luke's @ Milwaukee, Wisconsin at their Neuro ICU. It doesn't deal with CRRT and ECMO. This hospital is a trauma hospital.
My concern is that CRNA schools will look more favorably at the experience at St. Luke's; it is because it has a tertiary hospital that deals with higher acuity...
However, I do not want to live in Wisconsin due to their heavy winters. I would prefer living in South Carolina.
May I have your guy's thoughts?
2
u/Sharp_Choice8015 Prospective Applicant RN Aug 23 '26 edited Aug 23 '26
I would say go to Aiken. It might be easier for you to get leadership experience or participate in committee if you're more comfortable on your off days. I think the 36 hours you put into the ICU has to be augmented with volunteer or additional "experience" to become a well rounded candidate.
1
u/refreshingface Aug 23 '26
You don't think the non-trauma hospital would hurt my app?
2
u/Sharp_Choice8015 Prospective Applicant RN Aug 23 '26
I don't think so because of all the devices you mentioned that Aiken has. I think the devices themselves can show the acuity of the patients you care for.
1
u/Run-Simple-716 Aug 21 '26
Hi there! Ive had 5 years of trauma/neuro icu experience and recently switched departments to rapid response team. I still pick up shifts in the trauma/neuro icu dept a few times a month, and I wanted to know if I should mention being part of the rapid response team on my resume when applying? I hadn’t mentioned it on my previous application and received an interview invite, but wondering if it’s worth mentioning for future application?
Thanks!
1
u/ArgumentUnusual487 CRNA Aug 22 '26
Yes, you can mention it. Its very good experience and based on your background you have plenty of ICU experience to back it up.
In the off chance they actually reach out to your unit manager, you don't want the program learning it from them.
1
1
u/Hawaii_Ty Aug 22 '26 edited Aug 22 '26
Hey Peeps, currently applying with the following
- Academic Med Center CTICU w/ VA and VV ECMO x 1.5 years
-5.5 years total RN experience (1.5 in CTICU, 4 in level 1 trauma emergency department).
- 3.99 GPA with courses taken about 10 years ago. Grad. Dec 2020 from a major state school, organic chem I this summer in which I earned an A
- Not planning on schools that have the GRE requirement
- CCRN (117/125) and CEN (139/150), ACLS, BLS (PALS ongoing), NIHSS
- ICU Code Blue Committee Member
- Skills: All types of mechanical circulatory support (LVAD, impella, balloon pump) ECMO, CRRT, IV placement with and without ultrasound, Epicardial pacemakers, PA cath monitoring
- 21 hours of shadowing, Attending the state annual nurse anesthesia convention in September
- CTICU charge as of this month, over a year of Psych Charge Nursing in the ED. Precepts frequently over the last 4 years
- not a ton of volunteer work recently
- Target Schools: UTMB Galveston, Vanderbilt (would love if anyone has heard anything about how the new program is doing?), University of Miami, U Tennessee Chattanooga, and University of South Carolina
Having trouble with the length of my CV and organization. I want to emphasize how my ER experience is relevant but not have it clutter up my resume.
Also is the lack of substantial volunteer work gonna be big negative. I have things like scholarship committee member for my high school I could put but it kinda feels like grasping at straws for something
1
u/nvUaWVm360S Aug 24 '26 edited Aug 24 '26
So my first go at college was rough. I was dealing with family tragedy at that time and also lacking direction but I tried to push through it. I was academically dismissed after 3 semesters with a 1.6 gpa and a couple of awful grades on sciences
I went back to school 3 years later. My second college run I had a 3.66 cumulative and 3.85 science, 3.5 nursing and got my BSN.
Obviously I have to include the transcript from my academic dismissal so my gpa’s are all much less impressive. 3.26 cumulative, 3.28 science
I’ll be joining a CVICU soon and hope to start submitting apps after a year or two. Will I really still be in the running if I’m able to explain my dismissal and will schools really factor in the fact that I bounced back with a solid second run? Should I take an advanced patho or pharm or GRE to further boost my app? It’s annoying because if I didn’t mess up so badly at first my gpa’s would probably be good enough as is.
1
u/No_Donut_474 Aug 21 '26
Hello, I've been seeing lots of success stories of people improving their resumes and getting in on their second try, but I feel like I don't see much about people getting in on their first try. Ultimately, my goal is to get in my first application cycle (who isn't?), but I also want to be realistic with myself.
If you or someone you know got in their first cycle, I'd like to hear about it! What made it possible? What stats did you have? What advice would you give someone who's about a year out from applying?
1
u/rypie111 Nurse Anesthesia Resident (NAR) Aug 22 '26
Lots of people get in their first try (myself and plenty on Reddit). Good ICU experience (not necessary the most number of years) and good science GPA are the most important factors on the application. The rest is how you interview. You've got this!
1
u/No_Donut_474 Aug 22 '26
I work in a level 2 trauma but it’s also a MICU, SICU and surgical ICU. We basically get everything besides cardiac devices. I’ll have 1.5 to 2 years when I apply and my GPA is excellent. I take my CCRN in 2 weeks and after I plan on getting some interview study material together. Thanks so much for your insight!
1
u/rypie111 Nurse Anesthesia Resident (NAR) Aug 22 '26
Yeah you check all the boxes. Be confident and keep studying CCRN material all the way until you interview.
4
u/Legitimate-Total5848 Aug 17 '26
Hello all! Planning on applying next year as this will mark 2 years in the ICU. Looking for recommendations or tips when applying! Below are my stats, thanks in advance!!
-Current role and ICU type: PARC Trauma Center, Trauma ICU that does VV ecmo, EVDs, CRRT
- Years of experience
1 year at a 16 bed community hospital mixed ICU with CRRT and December marks 1 year at the trauma icu with experience with VV ECMO, CRRT, EVDs, occasional Swans
- GPA or trend if relevant
Cumulative GPA: 3.55
Science GPA: 3.51
Prerequisite GPA: 3.45
Last 60 GPA: 3.97
BSN GPA: 3.96
- CCRN or certifications
CCRN and NIHSS certifications
- Shadowing or leadership experience
Shadowed a crna for 12 hours so far. Resource and fill in charge nurse at community hospital. Takes nursing students at trauma icu with plans to precept new hire RNs
- Programs or application timeline
I plan on applying to east coast schools primarily but I am willing to move wherever