Originally Posted by armynse
Reality: CRNA programs are very hard to get into due to the fact that hundreds of nurses compete for a limited number of seats. In order to maintain their statistics, mainly high passing percentages on boards, CRNA programs normally accept the most highly qualified students. There have been occasions where students with less than optimal academic performances have gotten into CRNA school by way of having stellar interviews, but they are the exception rather than the rule.
Reality: Of the 40+ African American applicants to a local CRNA program which takes in its next class in August, a mere 10% met or exceeded the school's published minimum requirements. Every African American that was granted an interview also received an acceptance letter. Where's the discrimination here?
I cannot fathom the number of unqualified students that go through the application process. What goes through their minds? Did you factor these people into your research, the disgruntled pre-CRNA applicants. Conventional wisdom will tell you that those individuals are the ones who beg to be heard...they are the ones who turn around and discourage other applicants.
Your rant and utter dissatisfaction with CRNA programs will only serve to discourage potential applicants. If readers choose to hang onto your every poisonous word they will likely fear the application process. I know I would. I think that African Americans who read your posts will be left feeling like CRNA schools accept only a very small fraction of
qualified black nurses. Perhaps only once every blue moon according to you.
My reality: I am a successful and proud African American. You have no idea about the hurdles that I had to jump across or the hoops that I had to jump through in order to get where I am today.
My reality: I know how to play the game. I know how to walk the walk and talk the talk. I have always made my presence known. I am a teamplayer.
My reality: My application stood out in a stack of hundreds. I graduated with two previous baccalaureate degrees. Both programs were fiercely competitive, yet I got into each of them on my first try. Did someone forget to discriminate against me?
My reality: I sent in only one application to one CRNA program. I got accepted!! Once again, did someone forget to use the "black factor" and summarily dismiss my application?
My projection: I will be a successful student nurse anesthetist in the coming weeks.
My suggestion to you: Please stop inundating readers with your negative experiences. Your words do not serve to empower prospective applicants. In fact, you are doing a grave disservice to the young African American community by planting the fear of failure in their minds.
Success stories are far more encouraging than anything you have had to say. If you sincerely want to help other minorities...tone down the negative energy.
Finally, FYI, several of my African American co-workers followed my lead and they will matriculate in their respective CRNA programs this fall. They shared your faulty thinking when they began the application process, but they followed through despite their fears and they will soon reap the reward of their efforts. BTW, they will all be attending CRNA school in the south...Louisiana to be exact!
Army
I would like to
congratulate you on your success, acceptance/entrance into the
CRNA program, and your defying statistics.
I am very sorry that
YOU feel as if my words plant failure and do not empower you. My inborn proclivity is of an
altruistic nature. However, it is with
inevietable proof that some individuals will overlook and read into what they
solely desire. Ex..
You stated, "Success stories are far more
encourging than anything you have said."
As I mentioned in previous posts:
**The
CRNA director of Michigan State University is an African American Male---Success Story
** The webpage
www.diversitycrna.org consist of numerous success stories. It was also posted as a motivational tool for minorities.
**The creator of this webpage is a success story. She is also an AA who is a chief nurse anesthetist, another success story.
I also previously stated, "I am not dismissing the fact that
all AA are rejected."
You readily admit to hurdles you had to jump through in order to get to where you are today. With that said, I reflect back on my statement regarding Black America and obstacles.
In announcing your acceptance, you asked, "Did someone forget to discriminate against me? Did someone forget to use the "black factor" and summarily dismiss my application?" Only you can honestly answer that.
You posted information regarding 40+ African Americans.... Every AA that received an interview received a letter of acceptance... WoW I am delighted to hear that.
Can you post and let the readers know where you received that information from, what is the name of the school? Also, exactly how many AA were
granted an interview? What constituted the school minimum requirements? Is there a website address where you received this information?
Closing,
Once again, I would like to leave my readers a few words...
When your belief is strong and purpose is just, no obstacle can stand in your way---W.E.B Dubois
Not everything that is faced can be changed until it is faced---James Baldwin
Abortion of TEAM in the compound TEAMPLAYER is ABORTED when one fails to abet his or her own counterparts-----Thurgood Marshall
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