[gastudent09]

Does anyone live in the Athens, GA area and work as a CRNA that would be willing to let me shadow them? I am a senior BSN student at MCG-SONAT and have done clinical rotations at both St. Mary's and Athens Regional so they have all of my immunization paperwork. I am really interested in becoming a CRNA after working in the ICU as an extern this summer; unfortunately, I just don't know any CRNAs. I would be really appreciative!! Thanks!

[jamieblu]

Hi, I work at Athens Regional in the ICU. I am not a CRNA... yet. I have been accepted to ECU's CRNA program and start this January. I waited until I had a little ICU experience before shadowing, I think you may get more out of it this way. Plus, you will meet some CRNA's along the way, just grab one and say "hey can I shadow you?" Most of them are more than happy to. Good Luck. I loved SONAT and all of their professors. I completed my BSN there.

[jamieblu]

Oh BTW,

I will be speaking on the "nursing panel" on September 15th 10-12 for the incoming junior students. I would be glad to speak with you about my journey to SRNA-dom. Let me know if you will be around and I will be on the lookout for you.

-Jamie

[gastudent09]

Jamie,
I actually have class on September 15 until 1:00 so I guess I'll miss you. Which ICU do you work in at ARMC? We are doing clinical there this semester and rotating out to one ICU -- i got neuro. Do you know if they have a preference as to which one you should work in before applying to CRNA school? How many years did you work in the ICU before applying? Thanks for your help!!

Alex

[jamieblu]

Alex,

I work in the north tower ICU which has a medical, neurosurgical, and surgical section. All of the nurses rotate to each unit so you get a great range of different experience. I have known people that have worked in the CVICU/CCU on the other side and have gone on to CRNA school. I really couldn't say which side is better, but it seems like the school I will be attending liked the fact that I had a broad range of skills. Each side has pros and cons. We don't see any IABP, swan ganz but do get the sick as he*l trauma patients. I graduated from athens tech with my adn in 2006, finished my bsn with mcg this last spring and start crna school this january. I have worked in the icu since graduating so all in all it will be a little over two years experience upon entering the program. This seems to be about the norm for length of experience. I have also worked over the last year busting my behind on multiple committees, CCRN, GRE, etc. I have known one girl who has gotten in with one year experience off an alternate list, so it can be done. Two years experience is a safe bet if you have everything else in line. It has not been an easy journey to get to where I am at, but totally worth it. Once I started shadowing, it all fell into place for me and I knew it was where I belonged. Anyway, sort of rambling on here... I will be glad answer any questions you may have. I think (professor) is taking me to lunch after the lecture, so it's possible I may see you. Please pm me for email.

I probably won't see you if you only have one clinical day in the icu, but if I'm there stop by and we will chat. I mostly work weekends