CRNA interview--please help

cube · Jun 28, 2007

Hi, Chrissy

Congratulations! When is your interview?

fancygirl · Jun 29, 2007

:lol2:I am interested in the same information. I have an interview at Barry U also.:balloons:

chrissyRN · Jun 29, 2007

I have an interview with Barry on July 9th and currently waiting to hear from UM for an interview. I also applied to FIU, but that program doesn't start until the following August. So any idea on the ups and downs of those programs? Also any help on the interview with any of those schools?

THANKS!

cube · Jun 30, 2007

Can you tell me what the application process is like at Barry U? How many students are accepted each year? How many applicants? Is the admissions staff friendly? I'm from Arkansas. Would that put me at a disadvantage if I applied there. What are the average statistics for acceptance?

chrissyRN · Jun 30, 2007

I dont really have the answers to your questions...Maybe I can find out when I interview. The application process I feel is the same at any other school, as long as you have everything in order, it's not bad. It making sure you have all the prereqs and requirements of the program before you apply.

I am hoping someone who has attended Barry (or UM or FIU) will give us there insight to the different programs and interviews??? Any Help?

g8rgas · Jun 30, 2007

Hello chrissyRN! First, congratulations on getting an interview at Barry! I'm currently an SRNA at Barry (in the 2nd semester)....not too long ago I was sitting right where you are now.

The interview process is very laid back and easy-going. They ask the same basic questions that will be asked at every interview - why do you want to be a CRNA? why this school? strengths/weaknesses? what will be your biggest obstacle? etc. I was also asked several questions regarding my ICU experiences (i.e. experience managing vents, drips, balloon pumps, swan's, etc).

The test that is given assesses critical care skills & knowledge. If you have worked in an ICU, then you will be able to answer most of the questions. If you really want to "study" for it (which I really don't think is necessary), the best thing to do is review questions for CCRN certification.

I'm not sure where you are from or what location you prefer, but make sure (at the interview) you know which site you would prefer. The interviewers will ask you to rank your first, second, & third choice; they also want to know if you are flexible (are you able to move to another site, if needed?). Make sure you have an idea of which location you prefer (once placed in a location it is tough to get it changed)....just in case you are not aware of the clinical sites, the choices include Orlando, Miami, Tampa, West Palm, & Ocala.

The best advice I can give you for the whole process is to just be yourself and relax! Also, if and when you get accepted to a program, make sure to take a vacation before the program starts....because it will be a long time before you have free time again! Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions!

chrissyRN · Jul 1, 2007

Thank you so much for your valuable information. I really appreciate it. did you go to uf? I see in your name the G8r? I went to UF for undergrad!! Go GATORS! (if so..that is a side note).

THANKS!!! I was a PICU RN for 2 years and now in the Peds ER at BG. So I dont have much training in swan's and balloons, but in the other areas. I am thinking this is my weakness and will need to make sure I come across confident in willingness to learn and becoimg familiar with "BIG" patients.

So how are you liking Barry? You seem to be satisfied with the school. Did you apply to UM and FIU as well? And thanks for the heads up on the program location. I hope it will not be hard to get the Miami location , as I live in Ft. Lauderdale and that is the closest to my home.

thanks again for all your input. !!!

g8rgas · Jul 1, 2007

ChrissyRN.....yes I went to UF for undergrad and grad school! GO GATORS!!!

You probably won't have any trouble getting the Miami site - Orlando and Miami can accommodate the most students.

If you want to get some information regarding swans, there is a great website you can go to (www.pacep.org). You have to register to use this website, but it is free. This will give you some great information regarding how to insert a PA catheter, how to read/interpret the waveforms, etc. I highly recommend it!

Also, Barry re-structured the curriculum this past year. It is for the better, but it is tough! You now will have general, organic, & biochemistry all combined in the 1st 8 weeks of the 1st semester. This was definitely a challenge. If you are not comfortable with chemistry, I would get the book and start reading ahead of time (the book we used was General, Organic, & Biochemistry, 5th edition, by Denniston, Topping, & Caret).

Cube, I would encourage you to apply even though you are from Arkansas. In our class (the class of 2009), I would estimate that 40% of my classmates are from out of state.....so don't let that keep you from applying. I'm not sure of the numbers as far as applicants and interviews.....but our class started with 82 students, so I would assume next year will be around the same number.

Good luck to you all!

chrissyRN · Jul 1, 2007

G8rgas...thanks so much for all your input. I will check out that site. ANy other helpful information on changing vent settings? In my PICU, most of the vent settings were established by the RT and MD? Any help? Thanks again...Also a class of 86? That is pretty big. I was under the impression I was like 30-35! Well I guess that is good for me if I am trying to get in. Are you based in the Miami group? If so, what hospitals do you guys work out of ?

g8rgas · Jul 2, 2007

ChrissyRN.....I'm in the West Palm group. The Miami site has around 20 to 25 students (so it doesn't feel like the class is that big). I'm pretty sure they go to Broward General, Coral Springs, and Cedars (but this site might get changed since UM just moved in). I'm not sure about where to get more information about ventilators.....the best resource is your RT's that you work with....ask them whatever questions you may have. Good luck with your interview!

naturalgas · Jul 5, 2007

ChrissyRN.....yes I went to UF for undergrad and grad school! GO GATORS!!!
You probably won't have any trouble getting the Miami site - Orlando and Miami can accommodate the most students.
If you want to get some information regarding swans, there is a great website you can go to (www.pacep.org). You have to register to use this website, but it is free. This will give you some great information regarding how to insert a PA catheter, how to read/interpret the waveforms, etc. I highly recommend it!
Also, Barry re-structured the curriculum this past year. It is for the better, but it is tough! You now will have general, organic, & biochemistry all combined in the 1st 8 weeks of the 1st semester. This was definitely a challenge. If you are not comfortable with chemistry, I would get the book and start reading ahead of time (the book we used was General, Organic, & Biochemistry, 5th edition, by Denniston, Topping, & Caret).
Cube, I would encourage you to apply even though you are from Arkansas. In our class (the class of 2009), I would estimate that 40% of my classmates are from out of state.....so don't let that keep you from applying. I'm not sure of the numbers as far as applicants and interviews.....but our class started with 82 students, so I would assume next year will be around the same number.
Good luck to you all!

Hi and thanks for the great information. Are there any other books that you feel should be read prior to starting the program? Physics, perhaps? I really appreciate that you have taken the time to respond to our questions, I know you must be extremely busy. Thanks again for the great advice and information.