In2B8

That's interesting about the generic drugs from Walmart, I hadn't heard of that before. My school's insurance is really, really expensive, so I wouldn't go that route. I appreciate the input you gave!

Hi! For all the students, especially SRNA's out there, I am looking for advice regarding health insurance. I was carrying my health insurance through my job, as well as benefits for my husband. Now that I am in anesthesia school, I have to cut back my work hours and will no longer be eligible for health benefits. The student plans that I have seen so far are really expensive. Any advice on reasonable plans???? Thanks!!

It is a tough decision on if you should share your goals or not. The anesthesia school I got accepted into required that I have a letter from a supervisor. I have met different CRNA's who recommend keeping it to yourself, because there will be staff members who feel jealous

Thanks, guys, for clearing this up for me:)

What is the difference between an SRNA and RRNA?

I work in a MICU/CCU in Pennsylvania that still uses a lot of Swans/ CCO Swans. However, it does seem definitely that the trend is to move away from them. Nurses shouldn't hesitate to apply to CRNA school due to limited exposure.

Thanks for posting some insight into your program. I start anesthesia school in August! If you have any other helpful advice, please post it!

Starting school at the U of Scranton in August 2006. I chose it because it has a good reputation, and is not a far commute from my house

I am definitely with everyone here! I start in August, and somehow those GI bleeds with a Hgb of 4, or the nights the superviser is trying to triple me with CVVH don't seem so bad because there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I am like you, SorenDrake, and trying to pick up all the OT I can now! It does make the time go by quicker, and I definitely want to bank up some pesos before school starts!

To all my fellow RN's-- your comments to golfmontpoker are great. We are nurses and passionate about what we do. We do not settle in this profession, and this is no back up plan!! We are the voices for our patients when they have none!! A resident's knowledge pales in comparison to ours, and we are very proud of our profession! We really are the eyes and ears in our units, and nursing is no place to be for the person who is simply ambivalent about it!

JennieK, I really got a kick out of your response about feeling that your offer to school might be revoked.............until you got your name tag. I feel exactly the same way. I start school this August, and my additional info should come in the mail in May or June, but until it does, it just won't seem real!

Thanks for asking about a PDA, because I was wondering the same thing! I start anesthesia school in August, so I need to start shopping around. Does anyone else have any good websites to go to for info? I tried the above listed link, but it doesn't seem to be working right now. Thanks!

Thanks, Lizz! I think we all just put so much stress on ourselves about getting accepted into a program:uhoh3:

While the anesthesia school looks at ALL your transcripts, other students have had mess-ups along the way, too. It is important to show how you have learned from the mistakes and improved since then!

I absolutely loved "nitecap's" tales of a night in the ICU- I laughed so hard, because I think we have all been there before!

I think also trying not to focus too much on the interview helps. I think the second time around I was a lot more confident, because I knew that I had other options even if I didn't get accepted. I, too, felt nervous during my first interview. I think it was difficult that the school I applied to has group interviews, so even though you have an answer formulated in your head, you don't want to repeat what somewhat else already said. It's almost like you have to trick yourself into thinking the interview doesn't matter, just so that you are not nervous, and you can answer the way you would prefer to.

ICUDOUCME, Last year I applied to anesthesia school, and I thought I did OK on my interview, too. But I was really disappointed to get a rejection letter. My grades were good, and according to the school's guidelines, I had met the requirements. I think I placed a lot of emphasis on that interview, because I was really surprised and disappointed that I wasn't accepted. However, I wasn't going to give up that easily. I talked to a friend of mine who sits on another school's committee that accepts anesthesia students. She gave me some pointers. For instance, not all schools require that you have your CCRN, but it definitely helps set you apart. Also, some years, all the applicants are highly qualified, so the decision is really tough. At first, I was just going to throw in the towel and not reapply. HOwever, my friend encouraged me to reapply, because the schools see this as real dedication. So, I continued to work for the past year. I had already started a Master's degree in nursing education. I did reapply and was re-interviewed. I think this time I was less nervous, because in the back of my mind, I knew I would just finish out my Master's, and I already had teaching job offers for Fall 2006. Well, much to my surprise, I did get accepted to start anesthesia school in Aug! So, my point is to hang in there!!!! If this is your dream, fight for it! Forget your age, you probably have at least 20 more years in the workforce, so do something that you will love! My ego took a big hit with that rejection letter, but everything works out for a reason. I have a family member who has been sick this year, and actually my not being in anesthesia school has given me a lot more time with this person! Don't give up!

YOu will probably be able to get in, but having your CCRN is a HUGE plus!