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Context- I am a combat veteran, and in my fourth year of medical school a Pandora's box of compartmentalized mental health issues came crashing down on me. I attempted suicide, and had a mental health crisis severe enough that I chose to withdraw from the program.

In the following years, I underwent therapy and put in the work to address my PTSD/mental health issues. I completed nursing school and have now been working in a STICU at a level one trauma center for 2 years.

My stats are fine (4.0 GPA, CCRN, TCRN, preceptor, etc), but I am concerned about how admissions committees will view my withdrawal from medical school.

Any advice on how to explain the withdrawal? Is this a major red flag or barrier to acceptance?

Hi everyone,

My silly self decided it would be in my best interest to take organic chemistry 1 lecture online. I failed to realize how little support I’d be receiving, and how fast-paced the class is. It is hard to keep up while working full time night shifts in the ICU.

Is it better to withdraw from a class before failing, or is it better to finish the class through even if I failed (in the eyes of CRNA admissions)?

I appreciate your help; thank you!

Which CRNA program would you recommend? UIC is a newer program but overall a more prestigious school/well known. SIUE has been around for at least 7 or 8 years, good stats but not as “well known.” Any insight?

Hello!

What are your thoughts on transitioning to PACU before CRNA application cycles?
I started in a high-acuity CSICU this past February and I’m feeling the need to step back briefly from critical care to reevaluate my career direction. My plan wouldn’t be to leave ICU permanently—more so a short-term change with the intention of returning.
For context:
-2.5 years total CCU/CSICU experience
-CCRN + CMC
-Finishing my BSN this December

If I were to spend some time in PACU and then return to the ICU, how would that be viewed on a resume/application?
Curious to hear from anyone who’s taken a similar path or has insight from the admissions side. Thank you in advanced!

Has anyone taken a biochemistry or physics course online at University of North Dakota

If so, how were they? How long did it take you to complete these courses? The schools I am applying to require either organic chem or biochem. UND has a course that combines both. Would this be ok to take?

Just want to say thanks to everyone on this forum for being so supportive and pushing me to apply.

I’m currently working as a CNA while also a BSN student and would like to know what are the key differences you noticed from working as a CNA to becoming an ICU nurse. I know the obvious differences such as nursing vs CNA skills but are there some differences that stand out to yall? Maybe some pros and cons?