Fort Worth CRNA Programs

gasmaster · Jan 11, 2008

I chose TWU because I know some former students and they had great things to say about the program. I got accepted at my interview! They only spent about 10-12 minutes with me. I felt like that was really short for the interview. Anyone else have this kind of interview? I flew from Georgia and it almost seemed like I could have done it over the phone!! I have also applied to MUSC, Mercer in Macon, Georgia, The Gooding Institute, and Univ. of N Florida.

Please share your stats with us (GPA, GRE, etc) cuz most of us didn't get onsite acceptance but did really well in interview. Just wondering what would qualify someone for immeadiate acceptance. Most of us are getting nervous with all you smart people getting in so fast! Seriously, a few have emailed me with this question and would be great if you could share info. We're all second guessing ourselves now. Anyway, congrats on acceptance because you obviously deserved it!:w00t:

sleepEZ13 · Jan 11, 2008

Got in to TWU after interview. 1200(+) on GRE, CCRN, Low 3's gpa, 3(+) yrs exp. What a relief!

maymay281 · Jan 11, 2008

RRTNeuroRN - Did they ask clinical stuff? What did you talk about? Wow, that's a quick interview! Congrats! Mine is Monday in Denver with TWU. Had my TCU yesterday, and it went great!

gasmaster · Jan 11, 2008

Got in to TWU after interview. 1200(+) on GRE, CCRN, Low 3's gpa, 3(+) yrs exp. What a relief!

Congrats to you too!:ancong!:

RRTNeuroRN · Jan 12, 2008

Neurogeek,

I have a 3.8 GPA, a 1080 on the GRE, I have 5 years RRT experience (adult and pediatric), and 2 years as an RN in Neuro ICU. I also have six years in the USAF Reserve as an EMT. I have not taken the CCRN exam yet.

Maymay281,

They asked me a few respiratory questions and a few questions about my specialty (neuro). They were all pretty standard things that we do everyday at my hospital...how to decrease ICP, what meds to give...etc...They were really friendly and I liked the vibe I got at the school. I also met the lab instructor and he wanted to see my intubation technique on the dummy!!! I was pretty nervous as I have not intubated in over 2 years!! Overall I enjoyed my experience and am seriously considering accepting their offer. TWU also called me today with my clinical site....anyone else???

mmbmoc · Jan 15, 2008

Has anyone called TCU to see if they were accepted or not?

gasmaster · Jan 15, 2008

Has anyone called TCU to see if they were accepted or not?

Do you think they've decided? I mean, they were still interviewing Friday. My guess it will take them at least another week to figure out who they are taking.

californianurse · Jan 15, 2008

I talked with X yesterday, and she said that they would be meeting today to discuss the candidates. I think they'll make their decision soon, and we should all hear before Feb 1. I was told that at the interview.

Pedsccrn · Jan 15, 2008

I also had my interview last week at TCU and felt really good about it (same as everyone else). I was told by the Director's Assistant that all the letters would go out on the same day, so as to not cause any anxiety attacks among us. She also said that no one would be accepted at the interview. I really liked how TCU handled the interview process and wish that TWU would get away from the clinically based interviews and let people really show their strengths instead of feeling terrorized. Just my opinion! Luck to all.

1310 · Jan 16, 2008

I disagree with the non-clinical interview that TCU is currently using.

Objectively ask yourself these questions:

Do all nurses who work in your unit have the same clinical base?

Are all individuals possessing the coveted CCRN (which is not that difficult to obtain, let's face it) the very best clinical nurses in your unit?

Are all ICU's, even in a major metropolitan areas, the same?

Are all facilities geared toward and condusive to a learning environment?

If the answers to these questions are "no", then how does it stand to reason that asking clinical questions doesn't offer a glimpse into the candidates abiliites?

Of course, some highly qualified and clinically competent individuals may have the occasional bad day. As well, a real ding-bat may have a moment of truth and come across like the next nobel-prize winner in nursing (nursing ?).

Whatever the case, I believe a strong argument can be made for a clinical interview.

I am curious as to the nature of interviews across the country.

Furthermore, it does not make sense that just because someone works at a facility that has such-and-such reputation then that person is automatically going to know their stuff.

Anyhow, good luck to everyone (it will all be OK).

Neurogeek . . . take a deep breath . . . relax . . . listen to some jazz . . drink a beer and have some good relations. . . It sounds like you did a very good job on your interviews . . . don't worry!

Pedsccrn · Jan 16, 2008

I disagree with the non-clinical interview that TCU is currently using.
Objectively ask yourself these questions:
Do all nurses who work in your unit have the same clinical base?
Are all individuals possessing the coveted CCRN (which is not that difficult to obtain, let's face it) the very best clinical nurses in your unit?
Are all ICU's, even in a major metropolitan areas, the same?
Are all facilities geared toward and condusive to a learning environment?
If the answers to these questions are "no", then how does it stand to reason that asking clinical questions doesn't offer a glimpse into the candidates abiliites?
Of course, some highly qualified and clinically competent individuals may have the occasional bad day. As well, a real ding-bat may have a moment of truth and come across like the next nobel-prize winner in nursing (nursing ?).
Whatever the case, I believe a strong argument can be made for a clinical interview.
I am curious as to the nature of interviews across the country.
Furthermore, it does not make sense that just because someone works at a facility that has such-and-such reputation then that person is automatically going to know their stuff.
Anyhow, good luck to everyone (it will all be OK).
Neurogeek . . . take a deep breath . . . relax . . . listen to some jazz . . drink a beer and have some good relations. . . It sounds like you did a very good job on your interviews . . . don't worry!

Although I agree with many of the points you made here, and it is true that nurses practicing within the same units most often do not have the same clinical or critical thinking skills -- It is my opinion that both aspects, the clinical and the personal, should be evaluated.

I know of 4 SRNA's that have recently failed the beginning of their program, not because they didn't have the clinical knowledge, but because they didn't have the people/social skills they needed to study in groups and ask for help when they were in trouble.

I know alot of "educated idiots" in the healthcare field and I think it's important to evaluate all aspects of a candidate for admission, rather than just GRE scores and information regurgitation during a clinical interview. I realize that some people may disagree and I totally understand. However, this is just my personal opinion! :specs:

maymay281 · Jan 16, 2008

I got in at TWU - Denver Health. Not sure yet what I'm gonna do because I still have to interview with UT and BCM in Houston. I have to call and see how long I have to decide. They did sound pretty anxious about getting a reply ASAP, though. Any advice? I don't want TWU to think I'm not stoked about the invitation...because I TOTALLY AM! It's just such a big decision, and I want to know all of my options before I make it! Tips appreciated!!