[Natef26]

I'm interested in applying to Kaiser-P Anesthesia at Cal-State Fullerton.

I watched the info video and it definitely looks like alot of travel for clinicals. Curious how long each of these sites rotation typically is and how does housing work while at these sites. Surely there isn't commuting every day 100+ miles from home base in Pasadena/Fullerton.

How long is the Hawaii assignment and does everyone go there as well or only the top students?

Any negatives about the program I should know about?

They mention community service on the video. How much have you all found that they want of this?

What are the chances of acceptance assuming you exceed all qualifications but your ICU experience isn't from a Level I teaching hospital? Level II here and no MD residencies.

How much can I expect to spend for rent for myself if I do and do not get a roommate during the program?
Are there monthly or weekly rental options readily available for the month long clinical rotations? I despise sitting in traffic and have no intention of adding 5 hrs to my already long clinical day for round trip commuting to home base.

[mammothsnw]

Hey Nate I will be starting at Kaiser this Fall...The best way to have your questions answered is to call the school and set up a "counseling" session which you will have to do anyway prior to applying. They will answer most of what you asked in that session...and yes you can do this session over the phone. To try and answer some of your question about admissions though - here is what Ive heard about how much they weight some factors.
1) GPA (very important considering the large applicant pool being one of only 5 schools on the West Coast)
2) Experience (many who get in do work at large Level 1 centers but I know of some in my class that were at smaller hospitals..you just have to stand out in other ways)
3) Interview
4) LOR's
5) Community service you've done, leadership roles, awards, ect...
They basically look for smart, accomplished people who are humble, easy going, and teachable...they do not choose people who come off cocky in the interview...let your grades and experience speak for themselves.

As for the driving...yes LA sucks...but the clinicals that are far...in San Diego for instance you are put up in an apt that is included in your tuition (20k) which is very cheap compared to other top ranked programs (all your books are included too BTW). As for going to Hawaii, Oregon, Utah sites...it has nothing to do with student rankings...you can go but you do have to pay for travel..and maybe some other expenses..I did not ask as I do not plan to go.
One thing to remember about the driving though...you will be leaving early enough in the am to miss the jams...and usually returning after peak traffic times. I have been doing a 30 mile commute to UCLA for over a year now and I get there in under an hour...and that is at a pretty busy time. If your on the road at 5am (which is most likely when I'll leave to get to most clinicals anyway ..it is not bad at all...just something to consider).
As far as apartments go there is actually a guy who graduated from Kaiser a couple years ago and owns a few houses and multi family homes in the Pasadena area. He rent them out to Kaiser students for very reasonable prices ($800 range). If you go elsewhere you can expect to pay 1300-2K month for a 1-2 bedroom apt. Anyway hope all this helps. I was accepted to 2 other schools and I chose Kaiser because of the opportunities to train at so many top notch teaching facilities, no competition with residents for cases, the wide variety of experiences, the faculty and Director of the program - John Nagelhout - (who literally wrote the book on Nurse Anesthesia), and just the no BS politics that some schools play. Kaiser is a great school and they have an awesome reputation..I feel VERY fortunate to have been accepted here...good luck and let me know if you have any other questions.

[surferbruin]

hey mammothsnw! i have an interview with the unit manager at UCLA SICU & CTICU for the new grad residency program very soon, and was wondering if you had any tips re: the interview itself, as well as the new grad orientation process? thanks!

[mammothsnw]

I sent you a PM

[richo_006]

Originally Posted by mammothsnw

I sent you a PM

HI mammothsnw Im also interested in applying for CRNA someday at KPSAN. Im planning to go to UCLA new grad residency too..I saw you're requirements on how to enter KPSAN. And I do have some questions about it.I really want to build a good exerience like yours and i feel like I dont know where to start. Please Please PM me. THank you thank you in advance