[apaisRN]

I'm hoping to be accepted this year, but in case I'm not I'm making plans to strengthen my app for next year. One strategy is to take a graduate course in pathophys at the state university where I got my BSN. It's designed for their nursing grad students - the school has NP and CNS programs. Obviously it's not aimed at anesthesia in particular, and I don't think it will substitute for any course I might have to take in CRNA school, but it seems like it would be a good science base to have as well as proving I can handle graduate-level coursework. My employer will pay if I get B or better.

Good plan? Waste of time and energy? Any other ideas? I'm also taking the CCRN tomorrow and will take another graduate summer course if I don't get in. Maybe will go work in our SICU/CTICU although I don't want to, I love my medical unit. But the hearts experience would look good.

[TraumaNurse]

I think that is a good idea. You should also be able to transfer that course to your anesthesia school when you get in. I have taken Pharm, Patho, research etc that is taught as part of the MSN component of my program. These are graduate courses that we take with other MSN students such as CNS and NP. These courses are not anesthesia specific, but part of the masters degree. If the anesthesia program you get accepted in has a Patho course, you should be able to transfer another graduate Patho course from another U. Make sure you get an "A"! Good luck.

[versatile_kat]

apais ... that is a great idea. If I could have done that I would have, no question. Plus, this will give you an edge when it comes to your pharm classes and learning about pharmacodynamics as related to the ANS. Good luck ... and ditto on the making an "A" in the class.

[kjt2004]

It is always good to have a plan B. You seem motivated, hopefully you are conveying that during your interview(s) this year.

[apaisRN]

Of the CRNA curriculums I've applied to, most don't seem to have patho or if they do it's "Pathophysiology for Anesthesia." So sadly I don't think I'll avoid any classes by taking it. It's about the only useful course offered this coming semester, that's how I chose it! I do think it'll be good info no matter what.

My CCRN is tomorrow! Very anxious despite 6+ weeks of dedicated studying.

[UCDSICURN]

My CCRN is tomorrow! Very anxious despite 6+ weeks of dedicated studying.

6 weeks is plenty. Did it with about 2 weeks total a couple hours in the evening. No surprises, pretty straight forward.

D.C.

[dneill01]

First hope you did well on the CCRN. It was pretty straight forward when Itook it. I am a first semester CRNA student at Webster University in St. Louis MO. Patho-phys hasnt seemed to bad to this point. This is finals week so I guess I will find out. Biochemistry is the challenge at this point. Webster's program is a Masters of Science in Anesthesia not an MSN in anesthesia. Whats the difference? Alot more difficult science courses and no nursing theory courses. Now that creates some mixed emotions. Maybe the program that you are trying to go to does not have as strenous science courses, if this is the case take the patho class it will look good on your app as well as the CCRN. You might even consider joining your local AACN chapter. Regardless good luck to you!

David

[apaisRN]

You won't believe this! The testing center completely screwed up and gave me some BS story about how they're moving soon (but they don't know where or when) and thus they don't have an intact phone linefor the computer. This wasn't discovered until I sat down to take the test. I was livid! All that studying and anxiety. Worst is I have no idea of when I CAN take it - AMP and AACN are still playing games. I am so ******.

[UCDSICURN]

Originally Posted by apaisRN

You won't believe this! The testing center completely screwed up and gave me some BS story about how they're moving soon (but they don't know where or when) and thus they don't have an intact phone linefor the computer. This wasn't discovered until I sat down to take the test. I was livid! All that studying and anxiety. Worst is I have no idea of when I CAN take it - AMP and AACN are still playing games. I am so ******.

Ick! That's bad, very bad. The place I took it, the lady told me i failed....then....just kidding !! She had no clue how close I was to going over that counter after her...

[aRNnAR]

Originally Posted by apaisRN

I'm hoping to be accepted this year, but in case I'm not I'm making plans to strengthen my app for next year. One strategy is to take a graduate course in pathophys at the state university where I got my BSN. It's designed for their nursing grad students - the school has NP and CNS programs. Obviously it's not aimed at anesthesia in particular, and I don't think it will substitute for any course I might have to take in CRNA school, but it seems like it would be a good science base to have as well as proving I can handle graduate-level coursework. My employer will pay if I get B or better.

Good plan? Waste of time and energy? Any other ideas? I'm also taking the CCRN tomorrow and will take another graduate summer course if I don't get in. Maybe will go work in our SICU/CTICU although I don't want to, I love my medical unit. But the hearts experience would look good.

I'd take Organic Chem. &/or Anat.&Phys&Pathophys. BTW, the program that I attend,TWU,is a Master of Health Science in NA...not a MSN. We do not take any Nursing "theory" classes...much more natural sciences. It's actually a requirement that you've had chem w/in the last 3 yrs...but, if you have to choose 1 type of chem, take Organic. It will benifit you the most for GPNA.