Ask a CRNA any question you want

CIRQL8 · Nov 20, 2015

Other than the rest of the CRNAs in the group the only time I actually see any NPs are when they are first assistants in the OR helping the surgeon. All they do are close the incision at the skin and assist holding retractors and things during the case. Not worth the amount of school to do just that in my opinion.

Comment is late, sorry.... But.... I'm not an NP but the reason surgeons like PA and NP asissyung is because they can dictate the procedure, write post op orders, and assist with pre and post op clinic visits. For some, assisting in the OR (which may sometimes be more than simply holding retraction) and closing skin is wee worth the education and training.

grn0623 · Nov 20, 2015

Do CRNA's always have to be on call or can they make the choice whether they want to or not?

PaSSiNGaS, MSN · Nov 20, 2015

Mac or Miller?

I prefer a Mac but it's all personal preference

mr1122 · Dec 6, 2015

Thank you for taking the opportunity to answer questions for us. You didn't have to but you did.... So thank you!!! I , too am so happy to have found this forum. I currently have my BSN and 2.5 years experience in a multisystem ICU. I have a 3.5 GPA score (I know not the best)

BUT.... I have a few questions as well hopefully you can help. I know that it is challenging to get recognized/ accepted in a program due to competition So.....

1. What scores do you recommend to score in for GRE? GPA? Should I go back and retake classes to improve my GPA?

2. Do you recommend taking the CCRN?

3. How can I shadow a CRNA If I don't know one personally?

4. What do you think I should do to stand out during my interview or in my in my portfolio?

5. Tell us more of how did you get into your program and what did you do to stand out?

PaSSiNGaS, MSN · Dec 6, 2015

1. Your GPA is fine I wouldn't go back and retake anything. Regarding the GRE, I have no clue what a competitive score is since it has changed from when I took it.

2. Yes I would take the CCRN. Some schools I've heard don't even really look at applicants if they don't have it and it will only benefit you to have it. Might even give you a leg up answering clinical questions during your interview.

3. Contact the anesthesia department at your hospital or just approach a CRNA and ask them.

4. A good amount of shadow hours, few years in a high acuity ICU taking care of the sickest of the sick, CCRN, any grad level physiology or patho classes. Also a biochemistry class would really let you stand out too.

5. My GPA was only a 3.1 so I worked for a few extra years and applied when I had 4 years CVICU and Neuro ICU. I didn't do well my first year of college but made straight As in RN school. I also had my CCRN. I think what really helped me to stand out was my ICU experience coming from a well known hospital system that sees the worst patients.

Thank you for taking the opportunity to answer questions for us. You didn't have to but you did.... So thank you!!! I , too am so happy to have found this forum. I currently have my BSN and 2.5 years experience in a multisystem ICU. I have a 3.5 GPA score (I know not the best)
BUT.... I have a few questions as well hopefully you can help. I know that it is challenging to get recognized/ accepted in a program due to competition So.....
1. What scores do you recommend to score in for GRE? GPA? Should I go back and retake classes to improve my GPA?
2. Do you recommend taking the CCRN?
3. How can I shadow a CRNA If I don't know one personally?
4. What do you think I should do to stand out during my interview or in my in my portfolio?
5. Tell us more of how did you get into your program and what did you do to stand out?

mr1122 · Dec 10, 2015

1. Your GPA is fine I wouldn't go back and retake anything. Regarding the GRE, I have no clue what a competitive score is since it has changed from when I took it.
2. Yes I would take the CCRN. Some schools I've heard don't even really look at applicants if they don't have it and it will only benefit you to have it. Might even give you a leg up answering clinical questions during your interview.
3. Contact the anesthesia department at your hospital or just approach a CRNA and ask them.
4. A good amount of shadow hours, few years in a high acuity ICU taking care of the sickest of the sick, CCRN, any grad level physiology or patho classes. Also a biochemistry class would really let you stand out too.
5. My GPA was only a 3.1 so I worked for a few extra years and applied when I had 4 years CVICU and Neuro ICU. I didn't do well my first year of college but made straight As in RN school. I also had my CCRN. I think what really helped me to stand out was my ICU experience coming from a well known hospital system that sees the worst patients.

Thank you!!!!! You gave me hope.

1. So I've taken principles of chemistry, organic chemistry, and inorganic chemistry.... Should I go back and take biochemistry as well?

2. Do you think I should explore CVICU for 6mths to a year in addition to my previous experience before applying into the program?

3. What school did you go to?

How many schools did you apply to?

Do you recommend in-state university or out of state?

Did you have to relocate for school?

Sorry for so much questions.... I'm just ready to leap into this program and want to make sure I am on the right track.

russianbear · Dec 13, 2015

What resources do you recommend for learning more about pathophysiology and pharmacology?

PaSSiNGaS, MSN · Dec 15, 2015

1. If you got a good grade on your Ochem then I would not retake or take biochem

2. As long as you got good experience handling really aick cases with multiple comorbidities then i wouldnt worry about additional experience.

3. I applied to 4 schools and got into 2. I went to a school in Florida. Main thing i would recommend is going to a school that will let you practice independently when you finish. So a school that lets you place a lot of central lines, peripheral nerve blocks, and run your own room as a student. The location or in state shouldnt matter as much as those factors.

Thank you!!!!! You gave me hope.
1. So I've taken principles of chemistry, organic chemistry, and inorganic chemistry.... Should I go back and take biochemistry as well?
2. Do you think I should explore CVICU for 6mths to a year in addition to my previous experience before applying into the program?
3. What school did you go to?
How many schools did you apply to?
Do you recommend in-state university or out of state?
Did you have to relocate for school?
Sorry for so much questions.... I'm just ready to leap into this program and want to make sure I am on the right track.

PaSSiNGaS, MSN · Dec 15, 2015

A great book is by Constanzo "physiology"

lippencotts illustrated pharm is a good starter too

What resources do you recommend for learning more about pathophysiology and pharmacology?

callisto1013 · Jan 18, 2016

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer these questions. I have an atypical one myself. So I graduated top of my class and immediately got a job at a Level I Trauma Center in the SICU. I love it but I am definitely feeling the itch to further my career (which I always planned to do). I feel like CRNA is absolutely the right path for me- for the autonomy, skill, and the knowledge. Here is the "but". I am hard of hearing- I wear hearing aids- and in general find it difficult to communicate with others when masks are necessary. So my question to you is- is it possible? Should I consider a different cared (i.e. NP, which I really don't love the idea of) or just push myself like I did with my SICU job and make it work? How much communication/interaction is necessary with the surgeon? I hear all these CRNA's say they are pretty autonomous during the surgery so I am curious as to whether my work would be affected by this limited interaction with the surgeon?

Thanks so much!