http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/ This forum is designed for the RN who is interested in CRNA school. Please read the FAQ post before asking a question! en Sun, 26 May 2013 05:44:06 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/images/styles/BlueDemon/misc/rss.png http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/ http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/16759-What-are-my-chances-advices-please?goto=newpost Sat, 25 May 2013 20:38:16 GMT RN with 12yrs of experience , out of that 10 yrs ICUs in different hospitals. ADN GPA... 3.8 Bsn GPA ...4 ccrn and cnrn ( neuro certification ) ... RN with 12yrs of experience , out of that 10 yrs ICUs in different hospitals.
ADN GPA... 3.8
Bsn GPA ...4
ccrn and cnrn ( neuro certification )
today I took the Gre... Scores were ...verbal 150 , quant 145 , essay score still waiting... I am planning to apply the colleges in Florida... Most of the schools I am looking is verbal 153. Any suggestions to rewrite GRE? Also I am planning to shadow a CRNA... all advices are really appreciated. Thanks. ]]> So you wanna be a CRNA? georgia RN http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/16759-What-are-my-chances-advices-please http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/16729-Took-pharmacology-twice-and-made-B-s-both-times-are-my-chances-gone?goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 05:12:39 GMT So a little over two years ago, I decided to take (at my old university) a nursing pharmacology class basically for the hell of it. I was definitely... So a little over two years ago, I decided to take (at my old university) a nursing pharmacology class basically for the hell of it. I was definitely NOT familiar with nursing-style questions, so I bombed the first test and ended up with a B in the class. Fast-forward to the spring 2013 semester, and I'm at a different university and am actually enrolled as a nursing student; I just finished my first semester in the program. I ended up with an A in the assessment/nursing fundamentals class and was a single test question away from an A in pharmacology. Are CRNA schools going to see this and toss my application in the trash? I really have no interest in being a bedside nurse for my entire professional career, so should I go ahead and pursue something else? I don't want to, but are my chances at getting into a good CRNA school blown?

Thanks... ]]> So you wanna be a CRNA? SpicedCider http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/16729-Took-pharmacology-twice-and-made-B-s-both-times-are-my-chances-gone http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/16721-Foley-insertion-certification-course?goto=newpost Mon, 20 May 2013 15:50:32 GMT Failed to place foley cath on a healthy 80yr/F today after 3 attempts. In my defense, her labia were extra slippery, but seriously there is no... Failed to place foley cath on a healthy 80yr/F today after 3 attempts. In my defense, her labia were extra slippery, but seriously there is no excuse. I have never felt as crappy a nurse as I do today. My question is, should I notify my school of my failure right now so they still have time to accept an alternate for my spot, or should I hide from them that I suck ]]> So you wanna be a CRNA? The_dude http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/16721-Foley-insertion-certification-course http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/16701-Shadowing-in-San-Antonio?goto=newpost Thu, 16 May 2013 17:44:46 GMT I have been interested in nurse anesthesia since encountering it in LVN school many years ago. I have since moved away and now am finishing my RN to... I have been interested in nurse anesthesia since encountering it in LVN school many years ago. I have since moved away and now am finishing my RN to BSN bridge in August, working in a SICU/NeuroICU, and completing chemistry courses that are either needed or helpful for an APRN. As of right now I am extremely interested in CRNA programs as well as becoming an ACNP. I feel like I have a somewhat solid grasp of what the nurse practitioners do in the hospital but I would like to get more experience with what CRNAs do. I am currently located in San Antonio, Tx and in need of a CRNA that would be willing to let me shadow them. Any help or insight would be much appreciated. Thanks! ]]> So you wanna be a CRNA? NoHandsNurse http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/16701-Shadowing-in-San-Antonio http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/16691-Any-updates-on-Gooding-s-program?goto=newpost Sun, 12 May 2013 21:42:03 GMT I'm still a few years away from applying to CRNA programs, but just out of curiosity, does anyone know if there are any updates regarding Gooding's (the school in Panama City, FL) status? It is stated on their website that they weren't accepting a class for 2013 and would be commencing a new class during the fall of 2014, but obviously, that doesn't seem to have happened. I haven't received any replies to emails I've sent to the administrators (haven't tried calling yet). This is one of the schools I was eager about applying to in the future, so I'm just wondering what's going on. ]]> So you wanna be a CRNA? SpicedCider http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/16691-Any-updates-on-Gooding-s-program http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/16686-again-with-the-money?goto=newpost Sat, 11 May 2013 01:59:07 GMT So, I know there are a lot of posts about paying for anesthesia school and the advice seems pretty standard... save as much as possible, pay off... So, I know there are a lot of posts about paying for anesthesia school and the advice seems pretty standard... save as much as possible, pay off debt, etc.. makes sense. That said, I have to wonder... as much as this is the ideal situation, I imagine it's not the norm. I don't think I am alone in that I have been accepted and start this fall with scant cushion in the pennies department and looking at the reality of the bottom line, pucker factor is high! The reality is I am signing up for a 6 figure loan, adding on to maybe 30K from previous degrees (low interest loans). I have the usual car payment, insurance, etc... but no family (or second income), no house, no fancy toys other tna some fancy bicycles and an addiction to racing said bikes. I am pretty used to living modestly and I could care less about new cars, big houses, etc. (meaning I am cool with a modest lifestyle and used to it) So, I guess I understand what the IDEAL situation would be, going into school debt free with 200K in the bank, but given this is NOT my situation... I gotta ask how the seasoned among us have gotten along the few years after graduation? Honestly, I didn't think I would get into school this time around but I DID. Turning down acceptance in order to bank a few more bucks and ultimately need to retake science courses to meet requirements and still risk not being accepted seems crazy to me. So... I pose the question to those who have walked the walk... is this really doable? ]]> So you wanna be a CRNA? skelly http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/16686-again-with-the-money http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/16664-The-Gong-Show!?goto=newpost Tue, 07 May 2013 09:05:59 GMT So I was reading some of the more neutral posts on SDN and came across two great videos. The first one, http://www.theaba.org/home/VideosP24, was... So I was reading some of the more neutral posts on SDN and came across two great videos.

The first one, http://www.theaba.org/home/VideosP24, was just great to see as a pre-SRNA. It was validating to me that I knew some of the more "basic" concepts regarding anesthesia that occur frequently in critical care. Do any of the CRNA programs out there use oral boards to examine their students?

The second video, http://www.theaba.org/home/VideosP26, was just a riot! However, it did elicit a certain concern of mine: What stupid thing (or collection of stupid things) am I going to say or do
during my anesthesia training? Hopefully, my chain of awkward stupidity will be broken by brief moments of brilliance that will effectively puzzle my instructors until I graduate. So let's have some fun. I would like to know what faux pas or clinical errors have all of you either witnessed, heard of, or have even done yourselves during your anesthesia training that you feel comfortable sharing so that we may learn from them.

I am also becoming more and more aware of competent anesthesia students being dismissed from programs for alarmingly petty reasons such as muttering an expletive at the wrong place or at the wrong time. Yes, me must all be consummate professionals, but all of us are capable of mistakes in the heat of the moment. I am starting to get the impression that faculty in anesthesia programs not only judge scholarship and clinical performance but also the character of their students and will fail said student if all three are not up to snuff. My goal with this thread is to share in some laughs while gaining a better understanding of the type of character and professional that is expected of a nurse anesthetist.

Thanks for playing! ]]> So you wanna be a CRNA? Anesthesinator http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/16664-The-Gong-Show! http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/16661-Chemistry-Pre-Req-s?goto=newpost Mon, 06 May 2013 04:52:04 GMT I am new to the forum, I have found so many helpful posts. I am a wanna be. I am finishing by BSN in 2 days, I am taking the GRE in 3 weeks and the... I am new to the forum, I have found so many helpful posts. I am a wanna be. I am finishing by BSN in 2 days, I am taking the GRE in 3 weeks and the CCRN in 4 weeks. I have been an RN for 12 years. I have 2 years in a PICU and 3 years in a SICU. The remaining 7 years were in PACU, with the last five years being in ICU's. Enough about me, my question is in regard to the chemistry pre-req's that many schools have.

I am wondering which Organic Chemistry would best meet the requirements of CRNA school. Fundamental Organic Chem or General Organic Chem. These course descriptions are from Glendale Community College in Arizona. The reason for my question is that, if Fundamental Organic Chemistry is sufficient, I will have time to complete Fundamental Bio-Chemistry prior to starting a CRNA program in the fall of 2014. In order to get in to General Organic Chem I need to take one more semester of General Chemistry II which would not allow me to take Bio-Chem. I have taken Inorganic Chem and General Chem I. Also, I have asked several schools and have only heard back from 2 of them. I have called and emailed.

Any thoughts?


Fundamental Organic Chemistry:
Chemistry of representative groups of organic compounds, emphasizing biological applications. Course Note: Course content designed to meet the needs of students in agriculture, home economics, nursing, pre physician assistant, and physical education among others.

Prerequisites: (CHM130 and CHM130LL), or (CHM150 or CHM151 and CHM151LL).
Completion of (CHM130 and CHM130LL) or (CHM150 or CHM151 and CHM151LL) within the last two years recommended.




General Organic Chem
Rigorous introduction to chemistry of carbon-containing compounds. Reaction mechanisms and recent methods of synthesis emphasized. Prerequisites: CHM152 and CHM152LL, or CHM154 and CHM154LL. Completion of (CHM152 and CHM152LL) or (CHM154 and CHM154LL) within the last two years recommended. ]]> So you wanna be a CRNA? WinMag http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/16661-Chemistry-Pre-Req-s http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/16646-Barnes-Jewish-Nurse-Anesthesia-Program?goto=newpost Thu, 02 May 2013 02:16:53 GMT Hi everyone. I'm new to the site, so apologies if I'm starting a thread that's already been covered.

I'm in the process of narrowing down anesthesia schools to apply to, and one of those on my list
is the program at Barnes-Jewish in St. Louis. The main things I'm looking for are clinical sites that
offer a wide variety of cases, plus plenty of regional opportunities. Barnes has an anesthesiology
residency there as well, and I'm concerned that obtaining those cases and regional opportunities
might be a challenge. Does anyone know if SRNA's have had problems with this at Barnes, or is
it a decent place to go?

Thanks! ]]> So you wanna be a CRNA? reagan http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/16646-Barnes-Jewish-Nurse-Anesthesia-Program http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/16639-OH-Scope-of-Practice?goto=newpost Tue, 30 Apr 2013 06:47:25 GMT I was working on CEs for getting my OH license and came upon this from the OH Nursing Board Scope of Practice:

"A certified registered nurse anesthetist with the supervision and in the immediate presence of a physician, podiatrist, or dentist, may administer anesthesia and perform anesthesia induction, maintenance, and emergence..."

Does this mean CRNAs are unable to practice independently in OH?

I'm confused. A program director at an unnamed CRNA school in the south told me [insert haughty, condescending tone of voice] 'CRNAs can practice independently in all 50 states'. ]]> So you wanna be a CRNA? severine http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/16639-OH-Scope-of-Practice http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/16636-Jeff-Foxworthy-quot-You-might-me-be-ready-for-CRNA-school-quot?goto=newpost Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:49:37 GMT I have read a lot recently about when an individual might be ready to attend CRNA school on this forum and I thought I would put a somewhat fun, yet... I have read a lot recently about when an individual might be ready to attend CRNA school on this forum and I thought I would put a somewhat fun, yet serious twist on what may make a person "CRNA-school ready". As a tribute to the great Jeff Foxworthy, we shall indulge ourselves in what it takes to be ready for CRNA school.

1. If you find yourself getting fewer and fewer "code brown" assignments...You might be ready for CRNA school
2. If you know the standard concentrations and MOA of all the gtt's (inotropes, chronotropes, sedatives, paralytics, etc) you regularly see on your unit...you might be ready for CRNA school
3. If you are the bloodiest nurse after a bedside open chest code...you might be ready for CRNA school
4. If you can safely manage two busy patients while leveling up in Candy Crush Saga...you might be ready for CRNA school
5. If the charge nurse stops coming by to "check on you" every half hour...you might be ready for CRNA school
6. If you actually are assigned charge nurse responsibilities...you might be ready for CRNA school
7. If you have run out of certifications to obtain...you might be ready for CRNA school
8. When you can tell the difference between PEA/Asystole and disconnected monitor cables...you might be ready for CRNA school
9. If you have stopped a new resident from trying to defibrillate PEA/Asystole...you might be ready for CRNA school
10. When you start telling your confused patient your name is actually the name of the poor new nurse on the unit, and that patient starts yelling out for them...you might be ready for CRNA school
11. If you see a problem with giving succinylcholine before etomidate...you might be ready for CRNA school
12. If you have read the insertion instructions from a IABP kit to a cardiothoracic fellow...you might be ready for CRNA school
13. If you find yourself at the head of the bed during every code, even if the patient isn't yours...you might be ready for CRNA school
14. If you find the MDAs/CRNAs/CNPs offering you LORs without even mentioning CRNA school...you might be ready for CRNA school
15. If you know from heart all your unit's protocols (and when to deviate from them)...you might be ready for CRNA school
16. If you find yourself fascinated with the vein finder at 2 AM...you might be ready for CRNA school
17. If you have run out of committees/research projects to be a part of...you might be ready for CRNA school
18. If you find yourself priming a stopcock row with phenylephrine during tubing changes...you might be ready for CRNA school
19. If you can actually enforce your unit's visitation policies...you might be ready for CRNA school
20. If the words "sedation vacation" are the bane of your existence at work...you might be ready for CRNA school
Personally, I have a total of 4 years nursing experience, 3 of which are in ICU (MICU/CVICU) and am patiently:frusty: awaiting my program's start this August. I don't think experience in the essence of time is a good prognosticator to determine a person's readiness for school. I find it hard to believe, however, that a person can be ready for school after only one year of ICU experience. I think it is a developmental process that varies from nurse to nurse. After 4 years, I can still say confidently I do not know everything, not even close. I, however, have the retrospect to know this. So humbly, I am ready to move forward.

Finally, this was for fun (day off and it's raining). Feel free to add your own 2 cents worth! ]]> So you wanna be a CRNA? ativan halen http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/16636-Jeff-Foxworthy-quot-You-might-me-be-ready-for-CRNA-school-quot http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/16627-GRE-insight?goto=newpost Sat, 27 Apr 2013 23:27:01 GMT So with just one semester left in my ADN ( graduating in december) i've already got my rn-bsn lined up. It starts in june '14. I was thinking about taking a couple of different routes during that january-june 6 month spread.

1. retake chemistry ( previously made a B and the only class keeping me from a 4.0 science GPA)
2. start preparing for the GRE

All this while HARASSING ICU's to let in a new ADN grad :der:


from people who have oriented straight out of school into new ICU's, is it possible to do anything else during those crucial first 3-6 months? Would you recommend I focus only on increasing my knowledge in critical care when i'm not at work?

Theoretically, I'd like to start in an ICU end of december/jan 1. Prepare for the gre for the next 6 months ( my cGPA will only be around a 3.1 AFTER my bridge...:frusty:....so i really need to smoke this test) and take the GRE right before I start my bridge. This will allow me to finish my bridge in june '15 and IMMEDIATELY apply for schools to matriculate into the 2016 spring/summer/fall...whichever semester the particular school starts.

How farfetched do ya'll think this is?

What would you suggest, based off experience? ]]> So you wanna be a CRNA? GasDreams http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/16627-GRE-insight