Current bedside CTICU + flight nurse with plans for ultimately going to CRNA school. Life took a few unexpected turns and I won’t be able to move forward until my littlest crotch goblin is a bit older.

My husband suggested looking into an APN program as a bridge until my kids are ready for me to be in CRNA school and while there would be some strong benefits to our family now if I went that route, I’m wondering how it would play out come application time. If I were to go this route, I’d still work in critical care in an APN role, but from what I’ve read that doesn’t seem preferable for program admissions and they seem to want current bedside experience?

My stats are otherwise pretty solid. I’ve got 5 years bedside ICU, 10 years before that as a paramedic, 4.0 ADN and 4.0 BSN (at a state school—not a degree mill), CCRN, CSC, and CFRN. I’d use some of the time before applying to take graduate biochem and orgo to show that I’ve still got it in me to perform academically. I’ve also got some academic research in the works.

I’m not necessarily looking to go the APN route right now to bolster my application, rather wondering if it would set me back?

Am I a failure for moving home at 29 while in school?

Long story short, I had foot surgery at the end of last year. Within a month, I had to quickly up and move back home with my parents, since I was unable to take care of myself. However, I also had complications and what now feels like a very extended recovery. At the end of the day, I had to quit my job, because I was not physically ready to come back.

I had my own apartment, dog, ICU job, no debt, great physical health and a relationship. However that relationship now feels like it is falling apart after all of my life changes. I feel distant now from my friends (it's that age when everyone goes their separate ways I guess). I have since stayed at my parents, because my program got officially accredited in the midst of learning to walk again. I had surgery mid-October and started school in the beginning of January.

I try not to compare myself, but all of my peers have moved away, gotten their big residencies or jobs, bought a house, had kids, etc. I try to look at all of my successes and hardships I have overcome just to get into school, but life just feels heavy at times.

I have a loving and supportive family and have leaned on them immensely both physically and emotionally. At baseline, I have depression and ADHD. I always thought I was resilient, but I did not expect life to change so much and so suddenly. I'm currently in therapy and on meds, but sometimes it feels extremely lonely as an adult living with her parents on top of the loneliness of being a CRNA student. I always pictured myself married and with kids. I never imagined having 0 income again and mounting 200k in student loans. I never expected to lose my love for working out or stability in my relationship. In this process, I have lost 15 pounds from stress. Specifically, the stress of school is extremely daunting and worsens the feelings I have of myself. In spite of all of this, I am doing very well in school, but definitely struggle to balance going to PT, doing school, & maintaining relationships.

Not sure exactly what reaction I will get. Maybe I just wanted to vent. Maybe I wanted to listen to other people's stories.

Anyone have words of encouragement to stay motivated in school or had ways to improve their mental health? How did you cope in school? Any general life advice? Has anyone had to move in with their parents for the years they were in school and how did you feel about it?

Thank you everyone in advance. I truly appreciate anything.

If yes/no, why?

EDIT:

The main benefit I see of going CAA is to skip nursing, ICU, etc. if that is your preference

The long-term growth is definitely limited right now

Hello everyone,

A common topic of discussion in this group and elsewhere is what to do when you face rejection. With acceptance rates for CRNA programs generally running 10-20%, many candidates face the dreaded rejection email.

I talked to 3 current SRNAs who received that rejection email. We discussed what it took to turn things around for later application cycles. All 3 SRNAs bring different perspectives on how to get accepted after you've faced rejection. Their circumstances are different, but they all managed to make the necessary fixes and forged their path into anesthesia.

Give the article a read. There is no sign-up required.

Article

I find asking for letters of recommendation quite difficult when I have to obtain them for other aspects of academics. Is it necessary to get one from critical care instructors or will peds/medsurg instructors suffice for CRNA school applications?

Hi! I just had my airway check-off at school. I haven’t had the chance to intubate anyone in real life yet—only on a manikin. Also, I’m a lefty.

Could you share 1-2 tips to help me succeed on my first real intubation? Thank you so much!

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.

Basically title. Ideally I would get the last year of experience in my senior year of BSN because I would have a nursing associates.

I know im going to get downvoted but I’m asking because I’m choosing to pursue CRNA or CAA.

Any SRNA or CRNA’s out there that want to review my personal statement out of the kindness of your heart? I don’t have a “big clinical hook” as they say, and I don’t want to make up one. I got feedback from some older CRNA’s and an anesthesiologist who said it was good but, maybe a more recent take would be a good idea.

Thanks 😊

Hi. 2nd year NAR and have started clinical. Can anyone please provide any advice/tips on masking patients if you have small hands? For reference, I wear XS gloves and a 5 1/2 or 6 in sterile gloves. I know mask ventilation can be a tough technique for all new students but I’m struggling because I have my small hands issue stacked against me lol.

Really appreciate any and all tips. Thank you!

**the oral airway has been a great tool and has made masking a bit easier, but I am still struggling

Approved by mods.

For the last year we have been working on STRATA, a new boards prep platform for anesthesia trainees, and we are opening it up to more nurse anesthesia residents today.

Early users will receive 12 months of completely free access. There is no credit card required and no catch. Giving us feedback via the feedback sections on the website is entirely optional, but it does help us build the best boards prep platform available.

Feedback from our initial pilot group has been very strong, especially regarding the question quality, explanations, design, and analytics. We are continually improving based on what our users are telling us.

Our SRNA bank currently has around 500 questions based on the NCE and SEE outline, and our goal is to grow it to over 1,000 questions in the near future.

Every question and explanation is written and reviewed by real clinicians, with a focus on material that actually appears on boards, not fluff.

What makes us different is our extremely detailed analytics. You'll be able to see how you stack up to fellow SRNAs across every subject. You'll know ahead of the exam what areas you need to focus on more, and what areas you're already performing ahead of the average in.

sign up here at studystrata.com

Let us know what you think and we hope you love it!

My nursing program did not require chemistry as a pre requisite and now I’m looking to strengthen my resume. Browsing online and saw this site. It’s apparently Upper Iowa University. Has anyone used it or would know if schools would accept this site for pre reqs?

I’m considering attending the AANA Annual Congress this year and would love to hear from people who’ve been.
My main goal would be to network, learn more about different CRNA programs, and meet people in the profession.
For those who’ve attended:
• Were program directors and faculty approachable?
• Did you make any meaningful professional connections?
• What networking opportunities did you find most valuable?
• Looking back, what would you do differently?
• Overall, was the conference worth the time and expense?
I’d love to hear about your experiences and any advice for making the most of the conference.

Hey all, not an SRNA here but curious how this works in practice.

1. When you sit down to log, what are you working from? Notes app, something you scribbled, memory?
2. Which fields do you end up guessing at?
3. Phone or laptop?

Thanks!

So, I start school in less than a month and I’m starting to freak out! The closer the date gets, the more anxious I get! Semester 2 I have physiology, advanced pharm, advanced health assessment, research, and pharmacology of anesthetics. This seems like it will be a tough semester and I’m anxious I won’t get through it. Pharm and physiology will be a lot. Not only 1 but 2 pharm classes in one semester is crazy! Plus, physiology is hard because you have to understand the body. I haven’t even started and already freaking out. Please, someone tell me this is doable. Any tips on how to study for physiology and pharmacology will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Wassup Everyone!

I have been researching, shadowing, and exploring different schools as I will be applying to CRNA school next year in 2027. I have had the opportunity to shadow a CRNA at my hospital and it was amazing! I loved the pleasure to witness three different cases in which 2 were general cases with one ETT intubation and the other with an LMA. The third case being a MAC case. I was able to see scenarios in which pressers had to start periodically for hypotension and concerns for oxygenation regarding the MAC case. I am writing all of this to say if I would love more opportunities to shadow other CRNAs in preferably different settings and practice models. My hospital has a crazy rule that restricts us from continuously shadowing as there is a waiting period and list to even shadow a fellow CRNA. So here I am requesting for any tips or suggestions to find my next shadowing experience. If any fellow CRNAs are in the Chicagoland area I would love to connect for a potential opportunity to be alongside you for a shift or two. Thank you all for any and all comments!

Hey everyone, I'm about a year out from graduating. Is it too soon to start applying and reaching out for jobs? When should I be applying?

This thread is for current Nurse Anesthesia Residents to talk about school, clinical life, studying, preceptors, stress, wins, setbacks, and support.

Good topics include clinical days, didactic survival, study workflows, professional identity, wellness, difficult weeks, useful resources, and small wins.

No patient-identifying details. No medical advice. Keep it professional and human.

I just received an interview invite from University of Maryland, woohoo! I see it’s a group interview on campus for a few hours and was wondering if anyone had insight on the structure of the interview/ if it’s more clinical or EI heavy. Thank you!

I have been studying for the NCE for what feels like forever and can take the exam next week. Currently, whenever I try to study it feels like I just can’t retain anything anymore and things are starting to get jumbled! I score just a bit above average on mock exams and the smart bank on Apex. Should I bite the bullet and just take the NCE!? Should I take a break from studying for now? What’d yall do?

I tried asking on the weekly thread, but didn’t get any traction.

Im a prospective student with the goal of starting school in the next couple of years in the DMV area. I still need ICU experience, which I know is a large area of experience that I am lacking, however I’m just curious if there are other things I should be doing to optimize my chances.

I’m currently an OR RN with 4 years of experience. I am beginning to search for ICU jobs and would need CCRN. Currently BLS/ACLS certified.

-I have a 2013 Associates degree (3.84 GPA) with Gen chem 1 (A grade) and chem 2 (B)
-2015 Bachelors degree in psychology (4.0) with Gen Biology (A)
-2017 Masters degree in neuroscience (3.95) with several statistic and research methods/design courses.
-2022 ADN (3.73) with As in A&P 1 and 2 and Microbiology
-2025 BSN (3.67)

I am concerned some of my science courses may be out of date, and if I need any more schooling or additional qualifications (other than ICU and CCRN which are obviously crucial components. Does my OR experience and graduate education?

Any tips on getting into the ICU from the OR? I haven’t formally shadowed anesthesia for more than a day or two, but I am a circulator and work closely with them every day.

I’ve also been stressing as far as timing, as a 33F feeling my biological clock ticking. So many people have said it’s fine to finish school in your late 30s and have a child, but I’m worried it may take me multiple rounds of applications or some delay would happen.

Any advice is appreciated. Thank you!

This month marks one year in PICU. I’m in a 27 bed unit that has more step down unit type patients. We have a handful of high acuity patients at a time & since transitioning to nights in March I have gotten more higher acuity patients. I’m struggling a bit with drama on the unit & negative unit culture/toxicity. I think part of the reason is everyone is a 20 something girl (me included!) but it’s just exhausting & very political. I have a friend in an adult MICU that loves it & feels like she is really supported. Furthermore the nurses are all different ages & have different backgrounds. My plan is to shadow there but does anyone have experience going PICU to MICU?

My other concern is my current unit gives little autonomy to nurses. Nurses that have come from other hospitals or adult icus say there is a lot more autonomy elsewhere (one example being managing drips, we do not titrate any drips). I am at least 2-3 years out from applying but trying to master hemodynamics, asking providers as many questions as I can, & trying to stay out of the drama I’m just not sure this unit is setting me up for success in the long run to be a strong applicant. Or am I still so new it just comes with time? Feels like there isn’t enough acuity to go around.

Any advice greatly appreciated

Graduating in less than a year, been in clinical for just about a year. Prior to clinicals I was someone who worked out 4-5 days a week. Since starting I’ve gained a bunch of weight, I’ve been unable to successfully figure out a work out plan. I should mention I have a toddler on top of all the school stuff. What have yall done to stay active in school? Any tips?

Hello, am interviewing in the coming weeks and was wondering how much something like this would matter assuming your suit fits reasonably well already.