2 semesters down at TWU (Texas Wesleyan) CRNA program, ask away!

RRNA-CO2016 · Jan 5, 2015

I just finished my first semester in Texas Wesleyan's Nurse Anesthesia Program. I know interviews are starting on tomorrow (Jan. 5th) and wanted to give some insight on what to expect. Everyone who meets the requirements for applying gets an interview! My interview was all clinical based as were most of my class mates. I haven't talked to anyone in which they were asked about their family life or what they like to do for fun (not saying that it does not happen)...... You will be broken during the interview, it is part of the process and sets you a part of your peers (after all there are a ton of people who have met the requirements to get an interview just like you did!). You could be offered a spot during the interview or you may be told that they will be sending out letters of acceptance after all applicants have been interviewed. My letter said I was selected as an alternate, meaning I would be considered for an opening when available if someone did not accept a clinical site, so do not freak out if you do not get the offer in the interview.

Pointers for the interview:

- Obviously look professional

-IF YOU DO NOT KNOW, SAY SIMPLY I AM NOT FAMILIAR WITH THAT OR JUST SAY I DO NOT KNOW! DON'T MAKE SOMETHING UP, THESE PEOPLE ARE THE REAL DEAL.

- THOSE INTERVIEWING (ON CAMPUS) WILL BE EITHER CRNA'S, OUR CHEMISTRY PROFESSOR, AND OUR A&P PROFESSOR depending on who is interviewing that day (So again if you do not know, SAY "I don't know")

- Stay calm, your interview will fly by.... from the time I walked in the door to the time I was walking out to my car was LESS THAN 30 minutes (they have these interviews down to an art and move people in and out). My interview (Jan. 2014) consisted of a video about the program, a math quiz (which did not count toward the interview), and the interview itself.

- My interview had 4 people interviewing and were all CRNAs.

- They will say " Do you have any questions for us" and you should ask questions (I went out of my interview regretting that I did not ask questions due to how nervous I was). If you have interviewed at other schools, ask them what makes their program different from others and would make it a better choice. Remember you are not rejected until you get the letter saying you have not been accepted.

Overall, Good luck and go into the interview with your "A" game. It's a great program made up of great professors. As far as the previous arguing about which programs are better my advice is to say yes to any program that offers, then decide which one is best for you. They all give you the opportunity and the tools needed to sit for boards, after that it is up to you!

RRNA-CO2016 · Jan 5, 2015

You are going to definitely be asked why you are pursuing Nurse Anesthesia at TWU instead of the NP. I will say that once you are in the program, there will be no way to continue pursuing nurse practitioner at the same time. Good luck in your interview

crr1987 · Jan 5, 2015

I definitely expect to be questioned about my NP courses. I can honestly tell them it's a backup plan. CRNA school by the nature of the education process is a more competitive career. I'm passionate about advanced practice nursing in general and the courses I've taken will only have helped prepare me for the rigor of CRNA courses.

ClaimingCRNA · Feb 2, 2015

Congrats on completing your first semester! I start this fall and anxiety is already setting in. Would you be willing to give pointers as in what to expect and how to prepare for the first semester? What did you experience your first semester? [email protected]

ClaimingCRNA · Feb 2, 2015

Edited

PluralizesStuffs · Feb 12, 2015

crr1987,

I'm a fellow applicant like you, but from what I've read on programs im applying to, having taken all those grad classes is a huge plus towards them accepting you. Some programs suggest students take graduate classes to show their ability, especially when their undergrad gpa is less than theyd like. Moreover, some programs allow students to transfer credits. UNF, for example, allows transfer of pharm, patho, or theory, and also states that that is an indication of a student's ability to handle courses at the graduate level. You put in a lot of work to earn that 4.0 in those classes, and says a lot about who you are, what you know, and the kind of student you'll be in crna school. Walk into an interview with confidence that that sets you apart in a very positive way from other applicants

rcd9229 · Apr 9, 2015

Just shut down the anxiety for now...find your facebook group, they likely have already started one. This will be your place to vent and stress and support each other. Because you will need it. Your worst class will likely be A&P. Find yourself a group of willing classmates and start a dictation group. I recommend on google drive. This will be your friend later on. Think outside of the box a bit for A&P....if something happens mostly here....mostly is not all...so there may be something else to consider. And the dictation group will cut down on time that you spend pouring through his lectures and let you focus on his wording. Just because he says something only once, does not mean it isn't important. He says things for a reason. Get the Guyton physiology review book and do the questions if he gives you some to practice with. Get the Mohrman cardiac book and the renal book....Both are small, have a lot of questions that will help you work things out when you get there. The pulmonary book by lange and the physiology review book will be pretty handy in 2nd semester. You will hate A&P immensely after your first test. Sorry about that. And you may wait a long while for your grades. Sorry about that too. But that wait may help you out. If you really do not understand something, go talk to him. Because you will appreciate him when the second semester rolls around.

But this is the part that you need to understand, this is not about grades anymore. You will need the support of your classmates more than anything else in this program. Because when you flunk a test, and you likely will, someone in that class will be the one to pick you up, tell you its time to study (or grab a beer), explain a concept to you, help you with notes that you just spaced out on and you will do the same. Because it won't be about a grade anymore after first semester. It will be about the finish line. And you may be pushing and pulling each other to get there when you are just worn out.

It is doable. Just put in the time.

And when you get a few weeks into class, and kinda see who is the defacto leaders, and you know most faces, or they know most faces, go into your facebook, and make sure these are all your classmates. Sometimes the original admin is .....well I really do not know. But that FB page is actually really good for answering questions and getting ideas. And if you want to say some colorful words as a stress release, you just want to be sure that everyone who has access to that site, is in the same boat. Don't even add us upperclassmen. Feel free to message us, but make that page completely your own. You will be thankful to have it in a few months. :) hope that didn't add to your stress. It is very doable.

And good lord...do not cheat. That is all I will say on that. :no:

And I have had way too little sleep and a lab in the morning. I apologize if I rambled a bit. Just remember, you can do this.

c9ja · Dec 28, 2015

I have an interview coming up next week at TWU. How was your interview and is there any advice you would give? Questions asked...or things to expect...etc

rcd9229 · Dec 31, 2015

Group interview- know your clinical info well. Especially in the focus area you have been in...and common stuff such as CO numbers, drip info. And if they give you a scenario, just be able to give rational for your decision. Even if it's not the answer they seek, they may give it credit if there is a rational that makes sense. They know you won't know it all.

Dexter1 · Jan 15, 2016

SRNA1985, I've been accepted to TWU and will be starting this August. Would you mind if I asked you some questions?

I've seen many reviews criticizing the program's quality and a few praising it. How do you feel about your experience at TWU? CRNA schools demand much of their students no matter where they go and some student fail outs are bound to happen. I last heard an attrition rate of 10% from TWU.

I suppose it's possible that the scathing comments about the program are from those who are bitter about failing out and felt motivated to show their discontent due to their frustration. What do you think is the root of these comments? Is there some validity to the criticism regarding faculty?

Thanks!

cuteRN007 · Jan 18, 2016

I couldn't have asked it better myself. I hope SRNA1985 or any current students of TWU can help. Please guys, we really need your input. I have to decide between TWU and another school in FL so I really wanna make the right choice as this has been my lifelong dream. Thanks

Shannon Nicole · Dec 31, 2016

SRNA1895

What were all the science prerequisites required? Did you retake any of them? My BSN GPA was a 3.9, my GRE was around an 1100, however, my science GPA is below a 3.0. I do have 4 plus years of trauma 1 ICU experience. Will they accept GREs older than 5 years? Thank you!