Halfway done w/ CRNA school, ask me anything

[nimbex_n_chill]

Hi everyone, I was previously a SICU nurse before starting CRNA school. Back then, I always wished there were more blogs / forum threads about the SRNA journey to help me understand it better.

Luckily I met many people who were kind and supportive, so I thought I’d pay it forward by starting this thread so I can support others. ?

I’m not sure if anyone needs this…but for what it’s worth, today I have a day off from clinicals! So I’m enjoying my coffee, studying, working on my blog, etc. And I’ll check this thread throughout the day to answer questions if y’all have any. ?

[nimbex_n_chill, BSN, RN]

On 3/23/2021 at 5:53 PM, Rnonsteroid said:

@nimbex_n_chill Thanks for starting this. I know programs won't outrightly make it known that you were disqualified based on age but I see that as a growing concern. Most programs seem to favour younger applicants with similar if not lesser qualifications than their older (over 40) counterparts so my question is do you have any classmates in their late 40s? and how are they coping generally? Thank you for caring to share.

I don’t know any SRNAs over 40 yo. Yeah I was kinda surprised to learn this unspoken bias in CRNA school, because I used to think more experience = stronger applicant / SRNA student. I think schools favor younger applicants for 2 main reasons:

1. Studies show that board exam pass rates correlate with GPA, not years of clinical experience

2. One big problem for all schools are whiny students with an attitude. You wouldn’t believe how much students complain, or argue back against preceptors, etc LOL. Some schools think this behavior is more likely to happen with more experienced nurses because it’s hard for them to transition back to being a lowly, obedient student, since these nurses may have ingrained habits, or were likely seniors on their units and well respected, etc.

I’m not saying this is fair, I’m just sharing what I’ve come across. I think more experienced applicants can address this issue by giving examples of how they’re humble, open minded, lifelong learners etc!

[SRNA2CRNA2021, BSN, RN]

On 3/23/2021 at 7:53 PM, Rnonsteroid said:

@nimbex_n_chill Thanks for starting this. I know programs won't outrightly make it known that you were disqualified based on age but I see that as a growing concern. Most programs seem to favour younger applicants with similar if not lesser qualifications than their older (over 40) counterparts so my question is do you have any classmates in their late 40s? and how are they coping generally? Thank you for caring to share.

Current SRNA here that just wanted to throw my 2 cents in - my class has 2 or 3 SRNAs in their 40s and they have done well throughout the program (graduation is in about 6 weeks), both in didactic and clinical phases.  Don't let your age stop you from applying to programs if that's your ultimate goal!  

[nimbex_n_chill, BSN, RN]

3 hours ago, SRNA2CRNA2021 said:

Current SRNA here that just wanted to throw my 2 cents in - my class has 2 or 3 SRNAs in their 40s and they have done well throughout the program (graduation is in about 6 weeks), both in didactic and clinical phases.  Don't let your age stop you from applying to programs if that's your ultimate goal!  

Thank you for sharing that! I agree no one should let age stop them from pursuing their goal, be it nursing, CRNA, med school etc!

[blastfellow]

1) How are you paying for CRNA school, and how much should one save before school?

2) If you don’t mind me asking what were your stats?

3) How did you pick which schools to apply for?

[headofcurls, BSN, RN]

When they say class taken within 5 years does it mean 5 years since graduation or 5 years since the actually class was taken?

[blastfellow]

2 hours ago, headofcurls said:

When they say class taken within 5 years does it mean 5 years since graduation or 5 years since the actually class was taken?

I believe 5 years, since the class was taken

[123GoToSleep]

19 hours ago, SRNA2CRNA2021 said:

Current SRNA here that just wanted to throw my 2 cents in - my class has 2 or 3 SRNAs in their 40s and they have done well throughout the program (graduation is in about 6 weeks), both in didactic and clinical phases.  Don't let your age stop you from applying to programs if that's your ultimate goal!  

 My cohort had 5 people in their 40s, and they were by far the smartest ones in the class.  I agree with SRNA2CRNA, don't let age stop you from applying. 

[Rnonsteroid]

On 3/26/2021 at 6:31 PM, nimbex_n_chill said:

I don’t know any SRNAs over 40 yo. Yeah I was kinda surprised to learn this unspoken bias in CRNA school, because I used to think more experience = stronger applicant / SRNA student. I think schools favor younger applicants for 2 main reasons:

1. Studies show that board exam pass rates correlate with GPA, not years of clinical experience

2. One big problem for all schools are whiny students with an attitude. You wouldn’t believe how much students complain, or argue back against preceptors, etc LOL. Some schools think this behavior is more likely to happen with more experienced nurses because it’s hard for them to transition back to being a lowly, obedient student, since these nurses may have ingrained habits, or were likely seniors on their units and well respected, etc.

I’m not saying this is fair, I’m just sharing what I’ve come across. I think more experienced applicants can address this issue by giving examples of how they’re humble, open minded, lifelong learners etc!

Your points noted, I agree that longer experience may likely make a student unteachable however trust me those with that mentality are not ready to go back to school. Most of them are maxed out on Nurses pay code and are likely making close to same amount as CRNA and as such not interested in any stressful academic rigor. During one of my interviews I was asked my plan for success. I was outlining what I had planned which  included  my children, while still talking the director asked me " wait you have children?" I said yes and he  asked how many. I told him and I can feel the pause and a minute silence amongst the panel before they resumed. Right there I  knew I wasnt gonna be accepted. And weeks later I got the rejection letter.  I just don't think its right to put everyone in one category. Every applicant into  CRNA programs understands how difficult and rigorous the program is and should be given equal opportunity. Just my thoughts though!

[Rnonsteroid]

On 3/27/2021 at 4:47 PM, 123GoToSleep said:

 My cohort had 5 people in their 40s, and they were by far the smartest ones in the class.  I agree with SRNA2CRNA, don't let age stop you from applying. 

Yes I will keep trying. Thanks

[RNsicu007]

any go to resources for clinical/classes? Any websites/Youtube channels that you frequently visit and or best resources/apps that you use during clinicals (hear a lot of good stuff about Vargo app)

[SRNA2CRNA2021, BSN, RN]

Vargo is a pretty good reference (it will sometimes be on sale for $80).  I also reference NYSORA for regional blocks

I referenced Dr. Najeeb videos ($10 for lifetime access or at least that's what it was a few years ago), Ninja Nerd, and Armando Hasudungan for physiology and pathophysiology concepts.  Quizlet is also a good reference for study help during didactic.    

[kayekeninc]

That’s awesome. So my understanding is that I should strive to make good grades during nursing program. A’s and B’s and work in an ICU or critical care floor after graduation from 1-2 years? Also who did you get to write your letters of recommendation for CRNA school (assuming you would have been out of the academic world for 1-2 years while working bedside). Also how did you pay for CRNA school and is it OK to ask how much was your tuition along with extra study materials ? That’s awesome you are almost done, congratulations!