9 months until classes begin. What should i spend this time learning/reviewing?

Nursing Students SRNA

Published

I recently gained admission to CRNA school and will start classes in August. What material should I familiarize myself with in the meantime? What would you (CRNA graduates) get a head start on if you had it to do over again? Thanks in advance.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am not in yet but my friends in a program now are swamped with phys. When I interviewed they really recommended everyone taking a phys class or grad level phys. Good luck and congrats !

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It depends what your program focuses on. Some programs focus on chemistry, some on pharmacology, yet others on physics. Ask your program and prepare accordingly.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Anesthesia.

I don't know of any nurse anesthesia program that focuses on physics, maybe physiology. Physics principles only play small part in the overall learning of anesthetics and little if any physic principles will be on the certification exam. There will be applied physic applications that do not really require much more than a very basic understanding of physics, but other than that I would not spend my time worrying about physics.

There isn't a lot you can do to prepare yourself for nurse anesthesia school that you have not done already, but if you want to study something I would recommend reading Basics of Anesthesia (Miller editor) Basics of Anesthesia: Expert Consult - Online and Print, 6e (Expert Consult Title: Online + Print): Ronald D. Miller MD, Manuel Pardo MD: 9781437716146: Amazon.com: Books and the USUHS pharmacology handbook (which is free and I can send you a copy if you pm your email address). Other than that enjoy your time before school this is not like other graduate programs or even nursing school your free time for the next 2-3yrs is going to be virtually non-existent.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Anesthesia.

agree with Wtbcrna....enjoy your freedom...Miller is a great book....read when bored and nothing better to do....work some overtime....drink a few....but in all honesty...just enjoy your free time...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Get your life and finances in order. Take care of everything that can be taken care of- doctors appointments, dental cleaning, house cleaning, car maintanence, setting up a study area,etc. You will need to be organized and manage your time carefully as there will be so much to do and learn that getting behind can be a deep hole that you may not be able to climb out of so do everything you can to avoid falling behind. Best wishes and get ready for the roller coster ride of a lifetime.!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

About to complete first semester of crna school here. I would highly recommend taking human physiology at a community college, that or biochem.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SICU.

If you had no trouble in your more difficult science classes, then kick back and enjoy this time. If you struggled at all in the past, then I suggest putting some work in before classes start. Either follow jflo956's advice and take phys or biochem over the summer, or look into online classes....

Or, if you're disciplined, you can just read and use the internet to teach yourself concepts. You could always ask to get in touch with a current first year student and ask them for a syllabus to guide your reading.

Check out Khan Academy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey chudder I have been looking at khan academy but it doesn't seem to have the types of topics I am looking for - or the info isnt as advanced as I would like. I have only been on there a few times so it could be what I am not searching correctly. Thoughts of topics to search for on there ? I know phys and things like ANS are important...

Dont really want to dish out 1500 for une's phys class. I know vcu has an intro to mammalian phys that is much cheaper , however worried it wont be as in depth as I would like. Been looking for an online phys to take with no luck and local schools do not work with my schedule. I have been reading the baby miller... have had phys in 8 years. I am probably overthinking but want to prep as much as I can before school starts.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SICU.
Hey chudder I have been looking at khan academy but it doesn't seem to have the types of topics I am looking for - or the info isnt as advanced as I would like. I have only been on there a few times so it could be what I am not searching correctly. Thoughts of topics to search for on there ? I know phys and things like ANS are important...

Dont really want to dish out 1500 for une's phys class. I know vcu has an intro to mammalian phys that is much cheaper , however worried it wont be as in depth as I would like. Been looking for an online phys to take with no luck and local schools do not work with my schedule. I have been reading the baby miller... have had phys in 8 years. I am probably overthinking but want to prep as much as I can before school starts.

I went through most of the chemistry videos and found them helpful.... especially getting into Henderson-Hasselbach and acid base stuff.

I recently reviewed some of the healthcare and medicine videos relating to pressure-volume loops in the heart...

If you're looking to jump into some gnarly stuff that may be beyond what you'll do in school, search around on http://www.ocwsearch.com

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks will do !

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

Check out Dr. Najeeb's videos on youtube. They helped me a lot in physiology class.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment