Ask me anything (CRNA)

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Hi all - I recently graduated and passed boards! If anyone has any questions on anything related to CRNA school or nurse anesthesia , feel free to ask. Good luck to everyone on their applications and journeys towards becoming a nurse anesthetist! It's hard work, but definitely worth it. 

Specializes in CVICU.

What are the chances of getting into CRNA school with a 4.0 nursing school GPA and 3.86 cumulative, but only 1 year of CVICU experience?

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Specializes in Nurse Mentoring & Tutoring.
ICURNHI said:

Hi there ! Congratulations on passing boards ! I just got accepted into UMiami to start in Jan. Any recs on what courses or podcasts, anything I can take/listen to to prepare for first semester? 

CONGRATULATIONS on your acceptance into your program! That's a *huge* accomplishment!! 

In addition to the podcasts mentioned, you may consider checking out the CRNA School Prep Academy podcast as well. We have several episodes on the topics of succeeding in CRNA school, avoiding burnout, preserving mental wellness, tips for success, time management, how to avoid dismissal and more; we also recently introduced our series where current Nurse Anesthesia residents are guest hosting episodes sharing insights into their lives during school. 

You can find it on YouTube here: https://www.YouTube.com/crnaschoolprepacademy 

It's also available on your favorite podcast service ?

Congratulations again, cheering you on! 

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Specializes in MICU/STICU.

Hi good morning! I am planning to apply for CRNA school in couple of years, I have been a nurse for a long time now and worries about my study habits going back to school. Do CRNA schools subjects mostly use memorization when giving tests/quizzes and exam to students? Both during lectures and clinicals? Thank you! 

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Specializes in Nurse Mentoring & Tutoring.
robby0611 said:

Hi good morning! I am planning to apply for CRNA school in couple of years, I have been a nurse for a long time now and worries about my study habits going back to school. Do CRNA schools subjects mostly use memorization when giving tests/quizzes and exam to students? Both during lectures and clinicals? Thank you! 

Hi there-- GREAT question, and kudos to you for thinking about it before you're in the thick of it. Memorization is not likely to serve you well in CRNA school, so you will want to look into different study techniques that work for you. 

You can check out the CRNA School Prep Academy YouTube channel, we have a lot of videos on this topic. 

https://www.YouTube.com/crnaschoolprepacademy

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Specializes in MICU/STICU.
CRNA School Prep Academy said:

Hi there-- GREAT question, and kudos to you for thinking about it before you're in the thick of it. Memorization is not likely to serve you well in CRNA school, so you will want to look into different study techniques that work for you. 

You can check out the CRNA School Prep Academy YouTube channel, we have a lot of videos on this topic. 

https://www.YouTube.com/crnaschoolprepacademy

Hi Jenny! Thank you for responding to my question! I have been listening to your podcasts about CRNA! And it is so insightful. I have bought the book "make it stick" and started reading it when I heard it in your podcast. I noticed that memorization doesnt do me well as well in studying, as it does not colate and transpire to critical thinking (for me) in various topics related to nursing and studying-there is no synthesis of information to practice when I just memorize word-by-word. That scares me if, CRNA school needs more memorization cuz I suck at it.

thanks for the insight. And I like your podcast, and hopefully ill be able to join the academy soon! For now, I am focusing on getting my CCRN and GRE. And then I will go from there! All the best to you! 

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Specializes in Nurse Mentoring & Tutoring.
robby0611 said:

Hi Jenny! Thank you for responding to my question! I have been listening to your podcasts about CRNA! And it is so insightful. I have bought the book "make it stick" and started reading it when I heard it in your podcast. I noticed that memorization doesnt do me well as well in studying, as it does not colate and transpire to critical thinking (for me) in various topics related to nursing and studying-there is no synthesis of information to practice when I just memorize word-by-word. That scares me if, CRNA school needs more memorization cuz I suck at it.

thanks for the insight. And I like your podcast, and hopefully ill be able to join the academy soon! For now, I am focusing on getting my CCRN and GRE. And then I will go from there! All the best to you! 

Rooting for you as you prep for the CCRN and GRE, Robby!! Thank you for tuning into the podcast, too! Cheers!! 

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Specializes in Cvicu.

Thank you for sharing! all the info in the comments are helpful

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Specializes in Nursing student with experience in critical care.

Hi there,

I would like to extend my warmest congratulations on your recent graduation, what an accomplishment! Your willingness to answer our questions and share your insight with us is greatly appreciated. 

As I aspire to pursue a career in the field of anesthesia, I would be grateful for any guidance or advice you could offer on how to increase the likelihood of being accepted into a CRNA program, just like you were.

I am a nursing student pursuing a second bachelor's degree (previous degree in kinesiology), and currently working as a Patient Care Technician in a neuro ICU. Prior to applying to nursing programs, I had the opportunity to shadow anesthesiologists at an ambulatory surgery center where I previously worked. As I pursue my BSN degree, would you recommend I do anything more, such as extracurricular activities, volunteering, shadowing, etc?

Upon graduation, my plan is to work on my current ICU floor for at least one year to gain experience in critical care. However, I am curious to know if one year is enough. I have noticed that many programs list one year as a requirement, but it seems like most applicants have more experience.

Thank you again for your time and willingness to share your expertise. 

Best regards, 
AB

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Specializes in CVICU.

For those who have been accepted to a program or are currently applying, what techniques did you use to formulate interview replies? I feel like I have a wealth of experience and stories, but some of my answers feel too long or rehearsed. I'm currently reworking my answers for potential interviews. Thanks!

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Specializes in Nurse Mentoring & Tutoring.
DabofDantrolene said:

For those who have been accepted to a program or are currently applying, what techniques did you use to formulate interview replies? I feel like I have a wealth of experience and stories, but some of my answers feel too long or rehearsed. I'm currently reworking my answers for potential interviews. Thanks!

It's GREAT that you're practicing your replies! Interview panels WILL push you to the edge of your knowledge base; many of them are doing this to see how you do when you don't know the answer to a question and/or "how you perform under pressure" 

Mock Interviews (teachRN.com) can help; of course, we specialize in interview prep and would love to help you! 

www.cspaedu.com/welcome if you're interested in learning more. 

You can do this!! We're rooting for you! 

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Specializes in SRNA with PMH of MICU.

Hi there Guest,

First of all, congratulations! If you're reading this, you must be well into your career as a CRNA by now. My question for you is, when did you start looking for post-grad jobs? Did you wait until after passing boards or did you line something up a few months before graduating? And what do you think about some of these places that approach students during the program with job offers? Better to take it or wait?

Thanks,

- iso

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