Just finished my first semester. Ask me anything.

Nursing Students SRNA

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Wow...I can't believe it's only been been 3 1/2 months! It feels like it's been at least a year. But finally, a few hours ago today, I took my last final and finished my first semester of CRNA school!

I figured this would be a good time to answer questions anyone may have about transitioning into a CRNA program.

I'm in a front-loaded program, so I can't really help out with any questions regarding clinicals, but if you have questions about didactics and transitioning into school, I'll take a crack at it!

thank you so much! that last question was sitting heavily on my conscience.

Do you have any advice as to how to get into ICU being a new grad? I'm not seeing/hearing any places that are really hiring them (1 year experiance requirement) and I'm sure ICU is much more competitive.

This might sound dumb, but would ICU experiance count if you were not paid for it? I'd be willing to work for free if I needed to.

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Specializes in Neurosurgical ICU.
thank you so much! that last question was sitting heavily on my conscience.

Do you have any advice as to how to get into ICU being a new grad? I'm not seeing/hearing any places that are really hiring them (1 year experiance requirement) and I'm sure ICU is much more competitive.

This might sound dumb, but would ICU experiance count if you were not paid for it? I'd be willing to work for free if I needed to.

It really depends on you. In the ICU I was hired into, they were having a lot of people going out on maternity leave and management was changing, so it was the perfect opportunity to slip in :rolleyes:. But I really had to make my case in order to get in. Before I graduated nursing school, I had my ACLS/PALS certification and I had my clinical practicum in the cardiovascular ICU. Every single day I would show up to practicum looking great and with a smile on my face. I harassed every single person on the unit for learning opportunities . I hounded the nurse manager and gave him my resume (a few times, actually :banghead:). I sent cover letters and made many telephone calls.

Most ICU's aren't interested in hiring new grads unless they're having staffing issues. Luckily, mine was. When I left, they were in a better position staffing wise, so I didn't feel too bad about it. But while I was working there, I always asked if we'd ever hire another new grad and the answer was always NO!

A few of my friends got hired into ICU's at regional hospitals, one even got offered a job in a MICU that still used paper charting :no:. It really depends on you. If you just want to get in and get the year of ICU exp and get out, work as a tech somewhere and apply to every little hospital in your state. I honestly was expecting to be an ICU nurse for a few years before school, so I picked a good hospital with lots of trauma to get me great experience. Things just happened a lot sooner than I expected :w00t:.

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methern,

are you a member of the other na website? i haven't posted enough to be able to pm on this site and i wanted to know if you would consider looking over my sop. you seen to have a pretty good grasp on the writing thing. just wanted a little feedback from someone that is na school. anyway... let me know if this would be an option.

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Wow! It's great to hear that we had the same GPA when applying to BSN program; it gives me more hope that I'll not only get accepted but also sustain my GPA (and hopefully raise it.) Thanks for the advice, I'll definitely be following what you said! Although I'm curious about the brain supplement; I've considered buying them before. Have you noticed any improvement since you started taking it? I notice I feel more mentally sharp when I remember to take my multivitamin. Also, would you have been able to take any of those classes you took in your first semester prior to entering the program- sort of as a pre requisite?

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Specializes in Neurosurgical ICU.
Wow! It’s great to hear that we had the same GPA when applying to BSN program; it gives me more hope that I’ll not only get accepted but also sustain my GPA (and hopefully raise it.) Thanks for the advice, I’ll definitely be following what you said! Although I’m curious about the brain supplement; I’ve considered buying them before. Have you noticed any improvement since you started taking it? I notice I feel more mentally sharp when I remember to take my multivitamin. Also, would you have been able to take any of those classes you took in your first semester prior to entering the program- sort of as a pre requisite?

I've definitely noticed some improvement in the sense of mental clarity, but it could all just be in my head. Even if it is a placebo effect, I'll take any advantage I can, even if it's psychologically created.

No, I would not have been able to take any of these classes beforehand. Some other colleges will let you take a class or two before you start the actual program, but all are different. I've heard of people taking advanced health assessment and pathophysiology before getting into the program, just make sure your program accepts that. I'm not too mad about having to do them all now though because they're more geared and focused on anesthesia.

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Specializes in ICU.

Thanks for taking your valuable time to reply to posts and provide information. I interviewed for an ICU job today in Idaho. Their floor does not do open hearts and brain surgeries, but does everything else. The open hearts and brain sx's go next door to the larger facility. Unfortunately, this other facility may not work out for me. Without a lack of open heart experience hurt chances of CRNA school? I will also consider NP school at some point. Thanks!

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Specializes in critcal care, CRNA.

I would think you are fine as long as you are working with high aquity patients. My ICU was not the open hearts or post-surgical. We mostly had DKAs, renal failures, ODs, strokes, post-code non-responsive. Lots of vent experience and a lot of experience with drips should be good for most schools. You can also ask your particular choice of school.

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Specializes in ICU.
I would think you are fine as long as you are working with high aquity patients. My ICU was not the open hearts or post-surgical. We mostly had DKAs, renal failures, ODs, strokes, post-code non-responsive. Lots of vent experience and a lot of experience with drips should be good for most schools. You can also ask your particular choice of school.

Thanks morificeko.

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Specializes in ICU.

It's been difficult finding a post addressing this very question: How good is a particular ICU? I know it's preferable to work in the nastiest, biggest, baddest ICU available, but I would rather not live in downtown Chicago, but put equal weight on living somewhere I really enjoy, close to outdoor activities without commuting an hour to go mountain biking and hunting. Anyway, ALL comments and thoughts welcome!!

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This cost of attendance can be (and should be) completely made up of federal student loans.

So basically you do your FAFSA and it'll tell you that you're eligible for a Stafford and a Graduate Plus loan. You ask for the maximum amount on the Stafford (because it has the lowest APR) and then whatever you need extra from the grad plus. I maxed out both.

Why federal loans? People keep telling me that, but the federal loans I found all have interest rates around 6-7% and 10-15 year repayment terms. I did a private student loan from a credit union and pay 5% with a 30 year repayment term. I will pay it off sooner, but it's nice to know I can drop down to a super low monthly payment if necessary. Is there some other reason to pick federal loans?

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How much do you need to remember from your prerequisites from nursing school? I am starting CRNA school in about a month and am worried that I won't rmember enough from my previous chemistry and nursing courses (from 8 years ago). Do they expect you to just know things before starting school?

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I'm getting ready to start my BSN is August but I already have a goal se to become a CRNA so I want to make sure I do anything that will help me reach that goal. Can anyone give me any advice or tell me of their experiences? Feel free to private message me and anything would be appreciated. Thanks :)

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