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I took the Board Exam in October 2009 and passed taking the minimum of 100 questions. I can tell you with all honesty the questions DO NOT resemble what you get in Memory Master. Valley is an excellent review, however, you should not rely upon it solely! The Core Concepts test questions give a better representation of difficulty and style of questions you will see on the exam. You are doing the right thing by using more than one source to prepare. Based on the username "CRNA2007", I am assuming you took the exam in 2007; at that time you would have been correct-- you could "memorize" the Memory Master and do very well; that is not the case with the present exam. Be prepared for "multiple response" questions... I had more than one question that gave me a list of 8-10 answers from which I had to select 4 correct responses--- and note, it doesn't matter if you know 3 correctly... if you select one incorrect response you do not get credit for the question. Cyclic AMP, I wish you well... I notice this was posted in April... hopefully you have taken the exam already and have passed!!

I can imagine you feel defeated, you must find what in particular led to your failure, as some have suggested already, was it anxiety? Test-taking ability, i.e. reading into the question, reading the question incorrectly? (Valley Anesthesia gives some good advice on how to avoid those mistakes). However, I am rather astonished at your question "do I have to be certified"? C-ertified R-Registered N-urse A-nesthetist. We have an extraordinary amount of responsibility. I cannot say it better than the gentleman that was part of leading one of the review courses I attended... He said, "Yes, this is an important test, one you MUST pass to practice, but more importantly, you are studying for PRACTICE... every day we have a life in our hands, and our patients depend on us to keep them safe!"... can I hear a hearty AMEN! Good luck in your endeavors.

I could not have said it better myself!! I am in my second year of CRNA school and could not agree with you more! Especially your statement "would you reallly like someone caring for your family member with only the MINIMUM ICU experience..." There is no room for "short-cuts" in anesthesia.

I don't know about the acceptance rate at UMD, but I can tell you that you cannot trade anything for EXPERIENCE! I am in my second year of CRNA school; I worked in critical care for 10 years prior to applying to CRNA school. I have seen students in my class and heard of students in previous years with "minimum critical care" experience struggle when it came to the clinical portion of the program. I am not saying that you need 10 years. But truly, that first year in critical care is an orientation period... you don't know "jack" about much of anything... you are just beginning to get organized as an RN and start putting the pieces together at the end of that year. As you know, being a CRNA is a HUGE responsiblity, having good assessment skills and gut instinct that comes with experience is priceless. I also find that most CRNA's during your clinical rotation don't have as much "respect" for those who did the "minimum" just to get accepted into CRNA school. Most CRNA's I have worked with feel the "minimum" should be 5 years experience. Experience truly is the best teacher. Good luck in your journey!

Just out of curiosity, in which program are you enrolled? Personally, I am a "note-taker" when I read. I skim the chapters for the points of emphasis, and those points that build on the lecture notes. Basically, not reading word-for-word, I hope that makes sense. Reading one chapter of Barash, word-for-word is enough to put me right to sleep :zzzzz Good Luck! :wink2:

Woooo Hooooo!!! I'll never forget the day I got my acceptance letter! Actually, my letter is in a frame! Enjoy your summer and get ready to work hard! Good Luck!:)

I am in my second year of CRNA school, and my primary critical care experience is NICU (10 yrs). However, at the time I applied to the program I was working in an adult ICU (1 yr with adults before starting school). I also found that I was the only one in my class that had a clue about pediatrics/OB (who carry their own set of high risks for anesthesia). I definitely found my adult experience to be helpful. I also believe my NICU experience along with the fact that I stepped out of my "comfort zone" to do adults was an asset during my interview. Let's face it, sometimes the "comfort zone" is shaken up a bit and be able to readily adapt and think on your feet is key in providing anesthesia. I don't know if you will get in based on your NICU experience alone. However, I do know it is an asset and that you want to "stand out" in your interview from those beside you. Everyone will have outstanding grades in undergrad, since it is a requirement, as well as critical care experience. You want to show what YOU will also bring to the program. Good Luck!!! :)

Thank you so much for the offer! I would definitely appreciate a copy. Thanks again for your kindness! PipSRNA

Hello Everyone, We are currently trialing the BD Insyte-N catheter in our Level III unit. We use the Jel-co Accu-vance, but were experiencing problems with IV starts and longevity of our IV's. During the trial of the BD's we are finding that we get great blood return, but then upon flushing the vein "blows". The BD's are definitely sharper, I'm sure it's a case of us going through the back of the vein. However, our most experienced nurses who rarely need more than one "stick" to be successful are now sticking multiple times to get it. What type of catheters do you use in your unit and if you use BD, have you experienced the same difficulties we are experiencing through our trial of the BD Insyte-N? Thanks Much!

Lab values will vary based on gestational age and postnatal age. What is normal for a term infant will not be normal for a 24 weeker. I suggest looking at the tables provided in A. A. Fanaroff, R.J.Martin, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. This will give you an idea of how lab values can vary based on gestational age and postnatal age in days. Hope this helps! :) Pip

based on the letter we received from vapotherm," several hospitals, reported to cdc and fda, have indicated that some vapotherm devices are colonized by ralstonia spp. the source of contamination is not known, but testing is ongoing. we are therefore recommending that all vapotherm devices be removed from operation as soon as clinically and reasonably possbile..." our unit has followed the recommendation and have discontinued use of vapotherm until futher notice . vapotherm is indeed a godsend! we miss the comfort it provided our babies as opposed to cpap. our unit was the first in the nation to send a baby home on vapotherm, (the story was posted on the vapotherm website). i am currently researching for an alternative. thus far i have come across a product by smiths medical "aquinoox" which is also a high flow humidificaiton system. i have emailed smiths medical asking if this product has been approved for neonatal use, i have not yet received a response. i do plan on calling the company today and will keep everyone posted. pip