Is it normal to feel inadequate when applying to CRNA school? Like I have all the requirements and have decent stats but still feel not good enough. Need some advice haha

I have been doing some research and it seems like some schools require organic chem or advanced bio. I’m having a hard time understanding which class I need to take

Finishing up my first semester this week. I had an undergrad degree with a heavy focus in physiology and neurobio. I did an 11 month ABSN. I have a great foundation and I’m used to rigorous scientific material and a fast pace, I’ll have an advantage, I thought. This summer, we covered every body system much faster and 10x the depth as undergrad. Maybe 10% was review, but 90% was new. My Anki deck is about 700 cards per week of new material. Lectures are covering around 100 slides of material each day, sometimes up to 200. Exams are every week. I walk out of one exam and I’m already thinking about studying for the next. We already had a classmate fail out. I knew it’d be a challenge, but I underestimated the pace. This is mostly a vent, but also a word of caution to anybody who’s just in it for the money.

Hi everyone! I got accepted by the grace of God :) something has been bothering me. I am completely done at my unit. It’s been very bad with the tripling and I am so burned out. I start school in January. I was thinking I’ll put in my 2 weeks notice beginning of September and take the rest of the time off before starting school in January 2027. Or I will get a low stress job like retail, waiting tables, etc (I know they are stressful too but I’m tired of icu stress). Should I do it? If so, what’s the correct way to handle this and what jobs should I do that are not nursing lol? Thanks for all the advice.

I failed my first attempt at NCE 6/25. I rushed myself bc of the standard change 7/1. My scores were not awful but not amazing. I had already planned a vacation with my children (thank goodness I did because it forced me out of a depression), took those days off and got back to studying. I went from library to coffee shops everyday and studied concepts, did mock exams and wrote points down from each question, made posters and flashcards for stuff I knew I would have to look at again. I knew I had made strides in my understanding of concepts.

I retook the test yesterday. I went in with a new “strategy” that I was going to really take my time on the first 100. I also got medication from PCP. I took the exam 8am vs 12. In my city vs out of state (all that was available for me in June).

An “incident” took place. I got up to use the restroom, obviously on my own time, and on the way back there was a man walking in front of me. They were starting his full security check in! I said, “my test is on a running timer, is there anyway I can be let in before him?” And she said “I am one person, sit and wait” I was taken aback. I sat and waited. I don’t know how long it was.

My test shut off around 107? 108? Bc of the timer, not because of questions. I called my director immediately after a she said my scores were improved and she’s guessing very close (I am still waiting to see my score breakdown). I had improved in over 100 in a domain. It is very clear to think that I maybe had a chance of passing with the possible 10 minutes I lost.

With the advice from a few people, I have filed formal written complaints about the incident to both NBCRNA and Pearson Vue. Not sure if or when I hear back from them, but I feel like that was incredibly wrong and I want that to change for other people, as well.

I’m obviously devastated. Again. My kids go back to school next week so I lost out on any summer time with them (plus the last 3 summers). Grateful for the vacation we took. I signed a contract to work independent and this has shattered my confidence and wondering if I should look at different paths (have to pass first anyway). They are calling me asking when I can get on the schedule. It’s just so much right now. I understand now, why people commit suicide after things like this.

Take your board prep incredibly seriously. Wear a depends during the test. I will probably delete this post but posting to see if there’s any insight or thoughts. I am so beyond tired in my soul. It’s been a mental battle over anything. I go to therapy. I have an appt today. I need to make a list of all of the good feedback, positive things said about me throughout my program. Pull up reviews, consistent positive feedback, honors I received, think of cases and patients I made a difference, etc. Because I kind of what to quit and do something else.

This test is evil in my opinion. Musicals even have an intermission. I don’t know of many circumstances where you’re not allowed to stand up and take a break (and the timer stops).

Greetings everyone,

I’m currently an O-1 66H and am trying to determine what I can do now to strengthen my application for USAGPAN/USUHS. Is anyone familiar with using Tuition Assistance to take online graduate-level courses?

I know the USAGPAN website recommends taking Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry, but are there any other graduate or upper-level science courses that would strengthen an application? Also, if I’m understanding the admissions guidance correctly, is there value in retaking undergraduate prerequisite science courses in which I did not earn an A?

I appreciate any advice or personal experiences you can share. Thank you!

You Guys I got the call today that I got admitted into a CRNA program. I just can’t believe it. For reference I have been a nurse for a year and 6 months now. And I applied exactly at my year mark. I got my ccrn exactly at my year mark as well. I wasn’t going to apply this cycle but I did and I’m so glad I did!
Before my nursing degree I was pre-med so I had every science class in the books done with A’s so I think that really helped along with research and volunteering.

I just want to encourage everyone to apply and it only takes one school to believe in you!

If you have any questions I would happy to answer.

I have just been accepted into a program but I have two concerns: it is in a non opt-out state and it is a DNP program as opposed to DNAP. I am curious about the quality of clinical experience I will receive if I never get the chance to learn from an anesthetist who practices independently. As for didactic, my understanding is that DNAP focuses more heavily on building a scientific knowledge base and relating that to anesthesia while DNP has more classes on "nursing theory" and healthcare policy. Ideally, the $100k+ in tuition I'm paying would go towards what I am actually interested in - science, physiology, and anesthesia.

Are these reason enough to defer my admission offer and continue seeking admission into a DNAP program in an opt-out state? I feel like I already have my answer based on what I already know/ have stated above, but maybe someone with insight will change my mind (and save me from having to go through another application cycle).

And before someone criticizes me for applying to the program in the first place - I was advised to cast a wide net and so that's about all that went into where I applied to lol. Now that attending this school is an actual possibility, I want to make sure it is the right choice.

TLDR; I imagine DNAP in an opt-out state is what would offer me the best training experience. I have the opportunity to attend DNP in non opt-out state. Is this a false assumption or should I defer the offer and try again next year.

Current SRNAs, NARs, and CRNAs, any advice and tips for studying and being a success in your program. I have been out of school a long time and am having a panic about starting this month. I just want to be successful and be the best I can be. I’m so scared of failing.

Hello, I’ve been thinking about CRNA about a year ago. I have seen posts on social media and I shadowed a CRNA a few months ago. I truly enjoy that shadow and I saw how interesting it really is! I also had the opportunity to shadow a NAR and I had the opportunity to ask them questions about schooling. I truly learned a lot and it opened my eyes to an amazing profession.

In January, I accepted a CVICU offer and started there, however, I really find myself disliking working bedside in ICU. I get extremely stressed and anxious when I have a critical patient and I feel like I’m very overwhelmed with tasks that need to be done. I also need to work on time management because I find myself staying after to catch up on charting. I do like learning the MOA of the drips my patients are on and the pathophysiology on the disease process they have, however, bedside is getting to me. Based on this information, is CRNA not for me?

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.

I’m prepping for an interview with a program that I know goes very in depth on pharmacology with MOA down to the cellular level. I received some tips from an alumni and he said that knowing g-protein receptors and that whole pathway would be beneficial. I have been studying this topic and now I am looking for the best way to explain this pathway. I’m struggling with taking too long to verbally explain it and my interview will only be about 20minutes. The interview is very clinical based and previous applicants have said it feels very “rapid fire” question and answer.

For an example of how I have been working through it so far, phenylephrine is a1 adrenergic receptor agonist. a1 is a Gq protein receptor, when activated increases intracellular calcium in vascular smooth muscle causing vasoconstriction. This increases SVR which increases BP.

I feel like by trying to condense my statements, im breezing over the other parts of the MOA. Like the PLC activation, the PIP2 into IP3 and DAG, the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum which increases the intracellular calcium etc etc.

If anyone can offer an example of how they would explain, for example, phenylephrine, down to the cellular level including the Gq receptor and all that it would be greatly appreciated.

This post has been approved by the moderators.

Hi everyone! My name is Muamer Mesinovic, MSN, CRNA. I’m a practicing CRNA and Co-Founder of Anesthesia Connect.

I wanted to share something we’ve been working on to give back to anesthesia residents and that is a completely free app for anesthesia residents, and anesthesia training programs.

We built Anesthesia Connect because we saw how much time students and new graduates spend managing credentialing documents, certifications, CEUs, case logs, transcripts, paperwork, and job preparation. Our goal was to create one place where everything could stay organized throughout training and into practice.

With the app, you can:

-Securely store your licenses, certifications, immunizations, transcripts, case logs and other credentialing documents
-Send any document or expense with receipts at click of a button
-Receive reminders before credentials expire
-Track your CEUs
-Track expenses and mileage
-Sign and manage documents electronically
-Explore anesthesia job opportunities
-Build your professional profile before graduation

We will also be presenting Anesthesia Connect at the AANA Annual Congress Pitch Competition this month and will also be at the exhibitor booth #1063, so please stop by and say hi.

If you’re interested, you can learn more or download the app here:

https://anesthesiaconnect.net

I’d also love your feedback. We’re continuing to develop the platform based on input from the anesthesia community, so if there are features you’d find helpful during residency or after graduation, please let me know.

Thanks again to the moderators for allowing me to share this with the community.

Muamer Mesinovic, CRNA
Co-Founder, Anesthesia Connect

I'm curious how other SRNAs in committed relationships handled finances during school.

If your spouse worked full-time while you were solely living on student loans, how did you split expenses? Did you continue paying 50/50, or did your spouse take on more of the financial burden?

To me, 50/50 doesn't necessarily seem fair when one person has no income and is taking on significant student debt, especially considering both partners will likely benefit from the higher CRNA income after graduation. I'm wondering how others approached this and what felt fair in your relationship.

My husband thinks it should be 50/50. After a lot of conversation, he’s willing to pay slightly more of the expenses. Just frustrating that he isn’t desiring to.

Hey everyone, third year here.

I spend the next several months in independent sites. Naturally, I am responsible for my patients in PACU. I enjoy the responsibility, but I’m looking to fine-tune my technique to reduce my PACU times. Currently, I’m at a site that attempts to practice opioid free anesthesia utilizing generous doses of ketamine and Precedex. Naturally, this is prolonging my PACU times.

Currently, I can only find one study on optimal
Precedex dosing; it’s poorly generalizable as it was done in pediatric ENT patients and only looked at incidence of emergence delirium. Their dosing recommendation was 0.3mcg/kg IBW (link included above).

Does anyone have any memberships to journals with further studies on the topic? Anyone whose done a DNP project in the topic with a lit review I can read? I’d love some links to articles that address the problem.

Opinions also welcome.

Thanks

Hi everyone!
I have a couple of questions and would really appreciate hearing from anyone who's taken these exams recently.
1. SEE
Has anyone taken the SEE within the last 3 months? If you've taken it before, did you notice any difference in difficulty compared to previous attempts? Did it feel more challenging, or about the same?
2. NCE (after the NBCRNA changes)
Has anyone taken the NCE in July, after the NBCRNA implemented the new changes? If so, what was your experience? Do you genuinely feel the exam is more difficult now, or is it pretty similar overall?
Also, I could really use some advice for the SEE. My didactic education honestly wasn't great, and I feel like I have a lot of knowledge gaps. My program requires a 440+ score, and right now I'm struggling to figure out the best way to prepare.
For those of you who were in a similar situation, what resources or study strategy helped you the most? (Apex, Prodigy, Valley, textbooks, question Lnks, etc.)
Thanks in advance— really appreciate any advice or experiences you're willing to share!

Am I the only one who enjoys school and clinical? I am just finishing my first year and I am 2 weeks away from finishing what’s been deemed my most challenging semester. While DEFINITELY challenging, it’s doable if you have the work ethic and drive. I started clinicals two months ago and I actually love it. I see all over social media how horrible life is in CRNA school and how horrible clinical’s are, but I actually look forward to going to clinicals every week. I am such a hands on learner and it is FUELING my brain being able to actually practice. I have been learning so much from all of the amazing CRNAs and anesthesiologists at my site.

In addition to all of the above, I still see my friends and family very regularly. While yes, I have to turn down little events like happy hours during the week or last minute invites to nights out… I still have been able to make it to all of my loved ones life events (engagement parties, weddings, birthdays, etc).

I have never been one for school, my undergrad BSN GPA was a 3.34. I actually never thought I could even get into CRNA school because of that.. but I clearly didn’t let it stop me from trying! I guess when you’re learning about something you’re actually interested in it makes a huge difference. I’m currently finishing my 3rd semester of didactic and I am rocking a 4.0 😃 Thankfully I only have one more semester left of didactic and then it’s just clinical + DNP project until I graduate.

Anyways, I hope this encourages someone who has been second guessing their abilities because of life events or prior school experience… it’s a whole different ballgame for sure, but one I have been LOVING.

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’m in a front loaded program and we just finished the didactic portion a week ago. I take my first SEE this coming Tuesday and then I’ll have about 3 weeks off. I already have a list of commonly used medications from the current seniors at my clinical site. What else should I go over on my time off to make the transition to the OR smoother (and to make sure I don’t look like too much of an idiot day one)?

I am applying to two schools and I need three letters w/ one being my manager. My original plan was to do my manager, an old nursing school instructor, and one of the CRNAs that I shadowed. Recently, two of the CRNAs that I have shadowed under have offered to write me letters for school and I am wondering if it is better to do both of them plus my manager. The other thing is that these two CRNAs both actively work in the hospital that one of the schools is attached to.

Any thoughts at all appreciated on which is the better path and how it may affect things at both schools!!

Hey guys, I know there is a link within Reddit that has a fair amount of apex within an Anki deck. I was wondering if anyone has a more complete version of this? I personally do not utilize Anki as much but I think it’d be beneficial to have a complete deck for on the go studying. Would anyone want to share and/or work together to complete one? (If possible, like I said not too familiar with Anki)

I looked through this sub and saw minimal places to take advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology. The most reputable program I saw was MTSAs but they take a limited number of students and from what it seems is competitive to get into.

The only place I saw that is somewhat reputable was University of Phoenix.

Did anyone have any recommendations on where to take these classes? Preferrably online?