Gooding Institute Panama City Florida

[sunursala]

New to this awesome site!
Thanks to ArmyGas!

I have been looking at the Gooding Institute for several years as a choice for CRNA school. Has anyone gone, interviewed, applied, etc.? Current students? Anyone?

Thanks to all who contribute here!

[agarber]

Hi,

I have applied for 2009 admission. Still waiting on a letter regarding interview.

[berry]

I interviewed in 2006 it had nice small family type feeling. I liked the fact it was not front-loaded. When interviewed I met both the departing and incoming director so some things may have changed.. The interview process was the most intense of the 4 schools I applied to. You take a test (maybe 50 clinical questions) then interview panel style with around six people with question all over the place. I was an alternate, but accepted elsewhere that year so I can not answer much else. I have a friend who is a Sr. at Goodings now he had nothing but good things to say about it last time I talked with him. .

[gthcrna]

Make sure you ask if they have achieved regional accreditation yet. Last I heard they were not regionally accredited. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) is the guarantee of quality that means your degree is worth the paper it is printed on. Last I heard they were not regionally accredited. The Florida Department of Education has the ability to grant permission for anyone to provide a master's degree. If the institution is not regionally accredited, you can't use the degree to advance. In other words, it is worth as much as one you buy on the internet. If you think at some point in your life you may want a doctorate, regional accreditation is vital or you will not be accepted into any credible university. If you are going to go to the trouble of anesthesia school, you might as well make sure your degree is worth something when you are finished.

gthcrna

[armygas]

If you think at some point in your life you may want a doctorate, regional accreditation is vital or you will not be accepted into any credible university.
I have to say this is not true, in fact most science based PhD programs accept Bachelor Degree students to the program (as the master's level work is incorporated into the curriculum). In fact some Science PhD programs will grant both a Master's and a PhD upon completion of the dissertation.

Only for the non-science based PhD programs do Master degrees seem to be necessary.

You can search the Science-based programs for more details, but the long and short of it is this, most Science PhD applicants are undergraduates.

[jamieblu]

sunursala,
Hello, I applied to Gooding Institute to begin Fall of 2008. I received an interview email last week and I am super excited! I don't know much about the interview process or what they look for in their students. I have researched the program a great deal and it seems to be a great school. The school is small, but from what I understand they turn out really great CRNA's. I'm not looking for a big school, I just want to be an awesome CRNA. When I get more info I will pass it on... They are holding interviews through April of this year. If there are any Gooding students on here some info about the interview process would be great! Regardless, I will fill you in after the interview. Good Luck!!
-Jamieblu

[gthcrna]

Armygas,

Seriously, how many CRNAs other than military ones go back for a science based Ph.D.? Again, that is the zebra in a herd of horses. Why shoot yourself in the foot if it isn't necessary? The comment was meant so that they could go into this with their eyes open, their wallet open, and their degree worthless if that is what they choose to do. Most CRNAs go back for non science based Ph.D.'s, DNPs or DNAPs. I can only think of a handful of CRNAs who's degrees are not in education, nursing, etc. The Military is a different animal with the Ph.D. in Physiology offered by USUHS - I've known a few who have done it. I spent 7 years on AD as a CRNA in the USAF, it is a very different world.

I was only pointing something out that may make a difference later in their lives. I didn't think I would ever go back after I finished anesthesia school, but I did. My "non" science based doctoral degree program required a Master's from a regionally accredited university. Had I gone to a program like Gooding, that would not have been possible. I had a guy who wanted to teach for me at my old job, but as a graduate of Gooding I could not get him credentialed as faculty (most all universities require a minimum of a master's from a regionally accredited university). He has since gone back to school for another master's. You are not doing anyone any favors by trying to minimize the potential impact. I've been in education for a long time. I just think that it is something that their potential students should know when making their decision.

gthcrna

[armygas]

Armygas,

Seriously, how many CRNAs other than military ones go back for a science based Ph.D.? Again, that is the zebra in a herd of horses. Why shoot yourself in the foot if it isn't necessary? The comment was meant so that they could go into this with their eyes open, their wallet open, and their degree worthless if that is what they choose to do. Most CRNAs go back for non science based Ph.D.'s, DNPs or DNAPs. I can only think of a handful of CRNAs who's degrees are not in education, nursing, etc. The Military is a different animal with the Ph.D. in Physiology offered by USUHS - I've known a few who have done it. I spent 7 years on AD as a CRNA in the USAF, it is a very different world.

I was only pointing something out that may make a difference later in their lives. I didn't think I would ever go back after I finished anesthesia school, but I did. My "non" science based doctoral degree program required a Master's from a regionally accredited university. Had I gone to a program like Gooding, that would not have been possible. I had a guy who wanted to teach for me at my old job, but as a graduate of Gooding I could not get him credentialed as faculty (most all universities require a minimum of a master's from a regionally accredited university). He has since gone back to school for another master's. You are not doing anyone any favors by trying to minimize the potential impact. I've been in education for a long time. I just think that it is something that their potential students should know when making their decision.

gthcrna
I don't understand this post, I was just presenting the facts.

1. You can get a PhD without a Master's Degree and I am keeping people's eyes open as USUHS is not only for the military but the graduate program in NEUROSCIENCE (and the others are as well....we don't have a PhD program in physiology BTW) is open to civilians too.
2. Why is this shooting yourself in the foot?
3. I don't think you are doing any "favors" by dissuading people from exploring all options. Goto Gooding if you want (maybe it is the right fit for some people), options are still available afterwards. Not everyone has to "walk in your shoes" to be successful. "Footwear" comes in many sizes and fits to allow people to tread their own path.
4. Maybe people should think of the science based PhDs since the AANA is concerned about the quality of research. How better to add to the profession by getting people into bench science and getting published in the SAME journals as our MD colleagues (Journal of Neuroscience, Journal of Neurotrauma, etc...)
5. Hey gt.... "don't hate the playa, hate the game", again Science based PhD programs are open to anyone willing to put the sweat and tears into it.

Also, what kind of research do we want anyway? Don't we want Scientist/CRNAs to better establish the profession? To perform leading edge research and not the same ole' "which pillow is better for patient comfort" stuff? How does that compete with our physician colleagues? What about exploration into receptor based mechanisms for neuroprotection, organ protection, pain, etc? If one follows the path of the non-science PhD, how are we going to have faculty with the background necessary in laboratory techniques so to be able to mentor students into that type of research?

[jamieblu]

Regarding the accreditation of Gooding Institute:
Gooding Institute is accredited through the Florida Department of Education, Commission for Independent Education, Independent Colleges and Universities to award a Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia. I called the Department of Education and they said the degree is legitimate and recognized in all states. They also said that SACS is one of many agencies that can accredit colleges. I also called the school and they said the same thing. Just wanted to update!
-Jamieblu

[gthcrna]

Jamieblu - I can tell you as an educator, it isn't the same. They can tell you anything they want to. Call a reputable university if you want the true answer.

Armygas - why are you a CRNA if you think everything nursing is a waste and inferior? I obviously am not getting through, so I give, you win.

[armygas]

Armygas - why are you a CRNA if you think everything nursing is a waste and inferior? I obviously am not getting through, so I give, you win.

First of all, I am not one of your students, Gerard. I am a CRNA, you will not be "getting through" to me. Who in the hell do you think you are talking to, do you always try and talk "down" to people?

Secondly, just because you are "an instructor" doesn't make your opinions "always right". NO ONE is perfect. If you are one of those people who "don't know what they don't know" then you may be dangerous. Knowledge has a half-life of about 6 months and learning is a daily ritual. If something was "for sure" yesterday that doesn't mean diddly today. I hope you recognize that..... sounds to me that a few verifiable sources state that Gooding has received some type of accreditation maybe you should revise your knowledge by verifying that for yourself.

Thirdly, what does being a CRNA have to do with science research? I tell you what! They go hand in hand, think about the totality of it. Sounds like you really have no clue. With the ground we have gained as a profession, sooner or later we will stop "counting" on our MD colleagues to provide us the "tools" derived from research to practice and we as a profession will start to research those "tools" by ourselves. However, we are not floor nurses. We are at the head of the bed and must act like it. Hey why don't you compare the AANA journal to Anesthesiology and then maybe you will understand. Yes, research efforts are wasted when trying to determine "which pillow is softer for patients" and that type of research is laughable in the science community. What you don't understand, is that our profession co-mingles with nursing and medicine but as we strive for autonomy we must lean on the science. Have I gotten through to you yet? (LOL)

I AM A NURSE you buffoon and I am a VERY GOOD NURSE ANESTHETIST. It sounds to me like you have some esteem issues. I noticed how you sign your name on professional documents today in the AANA bulletin. What does ARNP have to do with anesthesia. That alphabet soup stuff is ridiculous. When I finally finish this program do you want to know how I will sign my name? Michael W. Bentley, CRNA, Phd (what else matters? why do that?)

Finally, for the last few posts (here and in other threads) you come out of "left field", start denigrating everyone, and troll for fights and everyone in here knows that if you pick one with me I will be more than happy to "bring it" long and direct.
http://www.soyouwannafight.com/top.gif

http://www.sound-effect.com/sounds1/human/fight/punches.wav


It sounds to me like you may have some inferiority issues with being a nurse, but me I am one of the best nurses/CRNAs around "these parts"........ NO DOUBT IN MY MIND, THE PEOPLE I WORK WITH, OR WITH MY PATIENTS!!

[armygas]

Also gt,

Are you this "pompous" to your students, if so I feel sorry for them..... The way you present yourself on this forum doesn't sound very "mentoring" to me......... (do they "kiss your ring").

Try this "on for size":

Instead of telling people what they can't do, why don't you tell 'em what they CAN DO?

[Anthony]

Jamieblu - I can tell you as an educator, it isn't the same. They can tell you anything they want to. Call a reputable university if you want the true answer.

Armygas - why are you a CRNA if you think everything nursing is a waste and inferior? I obviously am not getting through, so I give, you win.

I have to call you on this one. PhDs give something back to the body of knowledge - its the entry key for reputability for any institution - private or public. Obtaining a PhD is ones desire to be part of the process not apart from it. I support this pathway (opposed to the other doctoral programs) of matriculation in our growth in anesthesia sciences for this basic fact. Being a CRNA should motivate us to do so..rather than be critical of those who support it...

One can obviously do the work - but understanding and giving back to the understanding is completely another level of education..

tone

[jamieblu]

gthcrna--
Sooo.... I called MCG (Medical College of Georgia) and researched accreditation a little bit. And, you are right about the regional accreditation. Gooding Institute is not regionally accredited. They are nationally accredited which--I thought must be better, but regional accred. is actually better than national accred. They are accredited by the AANA which is where I found the school (on their website). I'm curious as to how this will effect me if I do want to finish my DNP after school. Also do you know if it effects job placement after school? I spoke with the DNP program coordinator at MCG and she said they don't accept any credits from Gooding. Are there any colleges that do? Anyway, I really appreciate the heads up! I really like the school but, I don't know if its worth it if I'm going to have trouble in the future.
Thanks Again, Jamieblu

[armygas]

gthcrna--
Sooo.... I called MCG (Medical College of Georgia) and researched accreditation a little bit. And, you are right about the regional accreditation. Gooding Institute is not regionally accredited. They are nationally accredited which--I thought must be better, but regional accred. is actually better than national accred. They are accredited by the AANA which is where I found the school (on their website). I'm curious as to how this will effect me if I do want to finish my DNP after school. Also do you know if it effects job placement after school? If I just want to be a CRNA will not being regionally accredited matter? I spoke with the DNP program coordinator at MCG and she said they don't accept any credits from Gooding. Are there any colleges that do? Anyway, I really appreciate the heads up! I really like the school but, I don't know if its worth it if I'm going to have trouble in the future.
Thanks Again, Jamieblu
Isn't this interesting, so the AANA/CCNA says you can be a CRNA but MCG won't take your credits. This is the kind of crap that just plain irks me......................

My guess is that once you receive your CRNA certification that there will be some programs that will accept your credits. I would look outside the region and make some phone calls to DNAP programs and not necessarily the DNP programs. Also, contact the AANA and get their advice, I think there is more to the story. For example, how do you think all the old-timers went back to school? I am sure some of those schools had the same issues............


You may want to look into another "nationally accredited" program. Read this website: http://www.elearners.com/guide-to-online-education/regional-and-national-accreditation.asp

Here is an excerpt:
The main issue is the transferability of credits from one institution to another. While nationally accredited institutions will usually accept credit from regionally or nationally accredited institutions, regionally accredited schools often do not accept credit from nationally accredited institutions.


Another............
http://www.useducation.com.pk/stpages/typesofaccreditation.html
Some institutions hold national rather than regional accreditation because they are unwilling or unable to
meet the standards of regional accreditation. For example, regional accrediting bodies require that between one-quarter and one-third of the institution’s curriculum be allocated to courses in general education (humanities, social sciences, and physical sciences); this is a problem for some specialized institutions. Another example involves colleges that are controlled by religious denominations that require that certain concepts (for example, creation) be taken on faith; since all regional accrediting
associations require that institutions allow faculty and students the academic freedom to pursue all ideas, these institutions are not eligible for regional accreditation.

[armygas]

Another thing I would do is to email Gooding with your questions at gooding@baymedical.org

Ask them which schools will accept their credits, ask the same questions you asked here.

[6hipguns]

Regional accreditation is important, it is actually a national structure divided into regions. It's the Holy Grail of higher education. I doubt you will find a doctoral program that requires a Masters as an admissions requirement to accept one that is not from a regionally accredited institution. The COA accreditation of the program allows you to sit boards, but universities look at regional accreditation. If Gooding later becomes regionally accredited, the degree may be accepted by some universities. Is Gooding in the process of obtaining regional accreditation? The thing about the system is they can't become fully accredited until they produce graduates.

[jamieblu]

The school is one of the two oldest in Florida. They have been around since 1969. I am not sure if they are eligible for regional accreditation because they only have one program--nurse anesthesia. I just don't understand why they offer a MSNA and the AANA website credentials them if the degree is not legitimate. In the info packet they sent me it says they are accredited by The Commission for Independent Education. Does anyone know of any Gooding Institute graduates that have gone on to continue their education? The program seems pretty great but, I want to be sure I am really getting a MSNA. Thanks everyone for your input.

[MmacFN]

Here is some info on Regional vs National Accreditation

Regional versus national accreditation

Regionally accredited schools are predominantly academically oriented, non-profit institutions.[7] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_accreditation#_note-usaed)[8] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_accreditation#_note-yahoo) Nationally accredited schools are predominantly for-profit and offer vocational, career or technical programs.[7] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_accreditation#_note-usaed)[8] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_accreditation#_note-yahoo) Every college has the right to set standards and refuse to accept transfer credits (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transfer_credit). However, if a student has gone to a nationally accredited school it may be particularly difficult to transfer credits (or even credit for a degree earned) if he or she then applies to a regionally accredited college. Some regionally accredited colleges have general policies against accepting any credits from nationally accredited schools, others are reluctant to because regional schools feel that national schools academic standards are lower than their own or they are unfamiliar with the particular school. The student who is planning to transfer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_transfer) to a regionally accredited school after studying at a nationally accredited one should ensure that they will be able to transfer the credits before attending the nationally accredited school.[9] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_accreditation#_note-demand)[10] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_accreditation#_note-tussle)[7] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_accreditation#_note-usaed)[8] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_accreditation#_note-yahoo) There have been lawsuits regarding nationally accredited schools who led prospective students to believe that the would have no problem transferring their credits to regionally accredited schools, most notably Florida Metropolitan University (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Metropolitan_University) and Crown College, Tacoma, Washington (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crown_College_%28Tacoma%29).[11] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_accreditation#_note-sea)[12] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_accreditation#_note-5)[13] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_accreditation#_note-wj) The U.S. Department of Education (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Department_of_Education) has stated, however, that its criteria for recognition of accreditors "do not differentiate between types of accrediting agencies, so the recognition granted to all types of accrediting agencies — regional, institutional, specialized, and programmatic — is identical." However the same letter states that "the specific scope of recognition varies according to the type of agency recognized."[14] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_accreditation#_note-6)

Types of Accreditation

Throughout the world, more and more students are obtaining college degrees and reaching their educational goals through distance and e-learning programs. Now it is easier than ever to make education a part of your daily life because the industry of online and distance education is growing so very rapidly.
But students, educators, and all people interested in distance education and e-learning programs should know about the importance of obtaining a college degree from a college, university, or other institution of higher education with accreditation. They should also know about the dangers of obtaining a degree or diploma from an institution without accreditation.
It is easier to understand the importance of accreditation if you know how accreditation works.
World Wide Learn strives to provide you with the information you need to know about the different types of accreditation. Use this section as a resource to find out about the different types of accreditation and how accreditation types affect your education.
Types of Accreditation

There is not just one type of accreditation. In fact, different educational institutions and other kinds of institutions require specific types of accreditation status.
Some kinds of institutions that require accreditation status are:

Public institutions
Private institutions
For-profit institutions
Non-profit institutions
Single-purpose institutions
Private career institutions
Faith-based colleges and universities
Distance learning colleges and universities
Law schools
Medical schools
Heath profession educational programsOnly one kind of accreditation would not be sufficient to address the accrediting needs of the various institutions that require accreditation status. This is why accreditation organizations provide two major types of accreditation. They are:

Institutional accreditation
Specialized, professional, or programmatic accreditationThese two major kinds of accreditation are used for quality review, assessment, and assurance of institutions all over the world.
1. Institutional Accreditation

Institutional accreditation status is achieved by a college or university that meets the quality standards and fulfills the requirements designated by the accreditation organization.
In order to meet the requirements for institutional accreditation status, all aspects of the college or university, including academic quality, administrative effectiveness, and all other related services of the institution, are reviewed by the accreditation organization.
Institutional accreditation affirms that the college or university operates with a high level of quality in all its aspects. This type of accreditation is comprehensive and indicates that the institution has achieved quality standards in areas such as faculty, administration, curriculum, student services, and overall financial well-being. This type of accreditation is held in high regard in the world of education.
2. Specialized, Professional, or Programmatic Accreditation

Specialized, professional, or programmatic accreditation is a type of accreditation status that is designated for specialized departments, programs, schools, or colleges within a college or university that have already been awarded institutional accreditation.
Specialized, professional, or programmatic accreditation focuses on particular aspects of the department, program, school, or college's specified academic field of study. For instance, this type of accreditation status recognizes particular aspects of quality in the academic fields of engineering, nursing, law, or education, among others.
Some professions that are regulated by and dependent upon a state or national licensing board may require job applicants to have graduated from specific academic programs that have specialized, professional, or programmatic accreditation status. Specialized, professional, or programmatic accreditation organizations operate all over the United States, reviewing programs and single-service institutions.
Students who are considering enrolling in a college degree program should know the requirements of their future career field and what it takes to become a licensed practitioner in that field. Students should look for programs that have achieved specialized, professional, or programmatic accreditation status in order to ensure their eligibility for professional licensure in states that require it.
Regional and National Accreditation

Institutional accreditation organizations can be further categorized into two sections: regional and national accreditation organizations. Regional and national organizations each have particular functions and specific geographical areas that they cover.
Regional Accrediting Organizations
Regional accreditation organizations perform the accreditation process in six regions of the United States. These accreditation organizations review institutions in their entirety. According to CHEA, 98 percent of the institutions reviewed by regional accreditation organizations are nonprofit and degree granting, though these accreditation organizations may also review for-profit, non-degree-granting institutions on some rare occasions. Institutions reviewed by regional accreditation organizations are both public and private and can be two-year or four-year educational institutions.
National Accrediting Organizations
National accreditation organizations perform the accreditation process throughout the United States and review institutions in their entirety. According to CHEA, 34.8 percent of the institutions in the United States that are nationally accredited are degree-granting. 65.1 percent are non-degree-granting. 20.4 percent of the institutions with national accreditation are non-profit, while 79.4 percent are for-profit. Some of these institutions are faith-based or single-purpose institutions, like distance learning colleges and universities. Nationally accredited institutions can be public or private.
Purposes of Regional, National, and Specialized Accreditation

Because the primary purpose of the accreditation process is to ensure the quality of the education and services provided by public and private colleges, universities, programs, non-profit, and for-profit organizations, it is important for students to know that the institution they enroll in has achieved the appropriate type of accreditation status. It is a good idea for students, families, and all those interested in distance and e-learning programs to learn about different types of accreditation. Knowing about accreditation types makes it easier to determine whether your prospective e-learning program has been awarded the correct type of accreditation.
A program that has received appropriate accreditation status from a regional, national, institutional, or specialized accreditation organization can provide students with:
http://www.worldwidelearn.com/images/images/pixel.gif
A Quality Education: Appropriate accreditation status indicates that a college, university, institution, or program meets the standards of quality set by the accreditation organization, in terms of faculty, curriculum, administration, libraries, financial well-being, and student services.
http://www.worldwidelearn.com/images/images/pixel.gif
Financial Aid Opportunities: The federal government relies on accreditation organizations to establish quality assurance of institutions by awarding appropriate types of accreditation status after a successful review of the institution's characteristics. Students are only able to obtain federal financial assistance if the institution they are attending has achieved appropriate accreditation status from an accreditation organization recognized by the USDE.
http://www.worldwidelearn.com/images/images/pixel.gif
Ability To Transfer Credits Easily: At some point in their education, many students want to transfer to a new college or university. Most often, these students want to transfer the course credits they have already accumulated to the new college or university so that they will not have to repeat similar courses, spending unnecessary time and money. Accreditation is an important factor when a college or university is deciding whether to accept transfer credit from a student's previous school. Most colleges and universities will not accept transferred course credits from an institution that has not earned appropriate accreditation status from an accreditation organization.
http://www.worldwidelearn.com/images/images/pixel.gif
A Promising Professional Future: Most employers prefer job applicants who have received their education from a college or university with the appropriate accreditation status. Many employers also look to see that employees have been educated at an appropriately accredited institution when making decisions about business promotions and company advancements, and whether to provide tuition coverage or assistance for employees who want or need to further their education.

[sunursala]

Jamieblu,
I work in the OR with several previous graduates of Gooding, and every single one of them are excellent CRNA's! They all have nothing but good things to say about the program. None have gone on to further their education as yet, so I can't comment about any possible difficulties in that area. Thanks for sharing. Good luck to you! Please do keep me posted on how things go at the interview etc. If you don't mind saying, where are you working now?
Sunursala

[jamieblu]

I currently work at a hospital in Athens, GA. I work in a surgical/medical/neurosurgical ICU. We have 20 ICU beds. I have worked there since I graduated in June of 2006. I will keep you posted. Good luck with everything!!
-Jamie

[paigeRN]

Has anyone interviewed there this year? I heard they have a new director and wondered how much things have changed. Thanks in advance :) :usa:

[jamieblu]

Sooo... I had my interview last week. Overall it was pretty stressful for me (first interview). When I walked in the door I was taken to the sim lab and given an exam. It was difficult. After the exam I was taken out to the waiting area and there were several students present for me to ask questions, etc. They were all super nice and answered any questions I had about their day to day life and the program. After about fifteen minutes I was taken in to interview with the PD, a current student, and another staff CRNA. They were all nice and questions were mostly personal. I liked the program overall. Panama City was kind of gross (to me). I asked the PD a great deal of questions before going to the interview regarding the regional accreditation, so that may have annoyed her. But I have to know the facts! You may have trouble transferring to a doctorate program after Gooding. But if your goal is only to be an awesome CRNA, I think Gooding is probably a great place for it. They put their students in the OR on the first week of class and the graduates apparently are excellent clinicians. I hope this helps... -Jamie

[armygas]

Sooo... I had my interview last week. Overall it was pretty stressful for me (first CRNA interview). I thought I my heart was going to beat out of my chest! When I walked in the door I was taken to the sim lab and given a 45 min exam with about 45 questions. It was difficult and had several questions on Swans. It also had questions on hemodynamics, drugs, drug calculations. I have no experience with Swans so, obviously I missed those questions but overall did well on it, according to the director. I think most people make 50's and I got a 58. Apparently the clinical coordinator had just tried to take it and got a 70. After the exam I was taken out to the waiting area and there were several students present for me to ask questions, etc. They were all super nice and answered any questions I had about their day to day life and the program. After about fifteen minutes I was taken in to interview with the PD, a current student, and another staff CRNA. They were all nice and questions were mostly personal. Why do you want to be a CRNA? What do you think a CRNA does? What do you do for stress relief now and how will you deal with stress in school? They also asked what kinds of patients I care for in my unit and personal experiences of when I had to intervene for a patient. I liked the program overall. Panama City was kind of gross (to me). The PD seemed to be playing devils advocate at times, picking apart things in my essay, etc. I asked the PD a great deal of questions before going to the interview regarding the regional accreditation, so that may have annoyed her. But I have to know the facts! You may have trouble transferring to a doctorate program after Gooding. But if your goal is only to be an awesome CRNA, I think Gooding is probably a great place for it. They put their students in the OR on the first week of class and the graduates apparently are excellent clinicians. I hope this helps... -Jamie
Hey there,

Post the questions you remember in the "pimp section"

:)

[paigeRN]

Sooo... I had my interview last week. Overall it was pretty stressful for me (first CRNA interview). I thought I my heart was going to beat out of my chest! When I walked in the door I was taken to the sim lab and given a 45 min exam with about 45 questions. It was difficult and had several questions on Swans. It also had questions on hemodynamics, drugs, drug calculations. I have no experience with Swans so, obviously I missed those questions but overall did well on it, according to the director. I think most people make 50's and I got a 58. Apparently the clinical coordinator had just tried to take it and got a 70. After the exam I was taken out to the waiting area and there were several students present for me to ask questions, etc. They were all super nice and answered any questions I had about their day to day life and the program. After about fifteen minutes I was taken in to interview with the PD, a current student, and another staff CRNA. They were all nice and questions were mostly personal. Why do you want to be a CRNA? What do you think a CRNA does? What do you do for stress relief now and how will you deal with stress in school? They also asked what kinds of patients I care for in my unit and personal experiences of when I had to intervene for a patient. I liked the program overall. Panama City was kind of gross (to me). The PD seemed to be playing devils advocate at times, picking apart things in my essay, etc. I asked the PD a great deal of questions before going to the interview regarding the regional accreditation, so that may have annoyed her. But I have to know the facts! You may have trouble transferring to a doctorate program after Gooding. But if your goal is only to be an awesome CRNA, I think Gooding is probably a great place for it. They put their students in the OR on the first week of class and the graduates apparently are excellent clinicians. I hope this helps... -Jamie

Jamie, Congrats on doing so well on your interview. This is my first CRNA interview also, and I'm calm so far, but I'm sure it will get worse, LOL. My interview is next week, so thanks for the info. Im going to brush up on Swans, that is for sure. Panama City is definitely very Spring Breakish, I remember going in high school. Good luck on the rest of your interviews (if you have any), and maybe we will be classmates ::nurse:

[jamieblu]

Good Luck at your interview!

[GinaFloridian]

The school is one of the two oldest in Florida. They have been around since 1969. I am not sure if they are eligible for regional accreditation because they only have one program--nurse anesthesia. I just don't understand why they offer a MSNA and the AANA website credentials them if the degree is not legitimate. In the info packet they sent me it says they are accredited by The Commission for Independent Education. Does anyone know of any Gooding Institute graduates that have gone on to continue their education? The program seems pretty great but, I want to be sure I am really getting a MSNA. Thanks everyone for your input.
Check the U.S. Department of Education (USDoE), or the Commission for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) for more information.

[GinaFloridian]

Well written!

[jamieblu]

Still waiting to hear from Gooding...

[paigeRN]

Still waiting to hear from Gooding... :eek5: :aargh4: :call: Anyone heard anything yet? The wait is enough to make you crazy... and it's only been a couple of weeks.

My interview was Wednesday, and I really liked the school. Very laid back, everyone was really nice. Kinda hard to fake stuff like that. The 2nd years had just finished taking a test and were just hanging out meeting all of us there for the interview. I'm with Jamie though, I don't remember much about it LOL. I was just glad when it was over :beerglass: We should know the 2nd week of March.

[jamieblu]

Paige--
I'm glad your interview went well. Good luck to you:flowers1:

[paigeRN]

Thanks Jamie, I hope so too!! I'm just glad its over. I really liked the program and got a great feeling all the way around. One more week LOL..... :aargh4:

[jamieblu]

Paige-
Did you interview at any other schools for fall? I spoke with Gooding today and acceptance letters were sent this morning and alternate letters will be sent at the end of this week. Do you already live in Florida?

[paigeRN]

Paige-
Did you interview at any other schools for fall? I spoke with Gooding today and acceptance letters were sent this morning and alternate letters will be sent at the end of this week. Do you already live in Florida?

Nope, it was my one and only. I live in SC now, and will move to Florida in August if accepted. I guess I'll know today or tomorrow :aargh4:

[pepino]

If you are set on Gooding, and you want to go on to doctoral level education, then you very well may have to go out and get another degree to gain admission.

Let me assure you, the training at Gooding has been of stellar quality since its inception in 1969. When I finished, I was ready to deliver anesthesia independently; that is the hallmark of a first rate anesthesia education, and is the benchmark by which you should measure a school of anesthesia.

The lesson here is this: life is a round hole, your job is to figure out how to drive the square peg through it. IOW If you get a degree from Gooding and someday decide to go back to school, then, with the same vigor with which you approached getting into school of anesthesia, find a graduate school that will take your unaccredited degree and get that coveted doctorate...BTW...you will still be a nurse in the end.

[jamieblu]

Actually it worked itself out--I decided that I wanted to hold out for a university based program, then Gooding decided they didn't want me anyway. I'm picky, I guess. I never had any doubts about the quality of its graduates, they have an excellent reputation. I would prefer getting an excellent anesthesia education and an MSN that will transfer at the same time. Thanks though...