vikingirl

Now that I'm a few weeks into the program I have a better idea of what works for me. Everyone is different. Access to a computer to print out class slide notes (or use the library computers - we get 500 free printed sheets a semester which is nice) 0.5 pens blue, black, & red pens to underline and mark up your preprinted notes during class (I love my 0.5 Sarsa Zebra pens) Listen more, write less. A sturdy bag to carry all of your stuff around Portable snacks and a water bottle to keep your attention span going throughout the 3 hour stretch classes and 10 hour days. A basic calculator to work out equations in class Clips to keep your notes for the day together. (It would be too heavy to bring and carry all of your three ring binders around all day. I just bring what I need for the day and keep the rest organized at home in my binders.) Scope out used books for class since some required books are really only used for reference only. (I'd spent too much money on books that I may never open.) I hope that helps. Good luck!

Thanks to all that have taken the time to reply! It's been very helpful. Sometimes it's the simle items that get overlooked but help immenseley in the long run. Cheers!

It's important to have questions to ask them during the interview. It shows commitment and an interest in finding a program that is a good fit for both parties. -How does your program faciliatate student research? -Does the schools library carry current literature or anesthesia journals? Which ones? -Do we share time with residents during clinical placements? -Do you currently have any students on the Coucil for Public Interest in Anesthesia (CPIA)? -If I'm accepted, what can I do between now and the begining of the program to adequately prepare myself? Good luck!

I just wanted to say congratulations! How exciting. I've only heard good things about the Rush NA program. I used to work at Rush. Way to go!

It goes without saying, have a strong application and goal statement to get the interview. Be prepared to answer questions from your goal statement during the interview. Become CCRN certified. Shadow a CRNA and be prepared to discuss the experience. Be confident, comfortable, but not cocky during the interview. (If you can't handle the stress of the interview , how can you handle the stress of the OR?) Be prepared to ask questions at the end of the interview when they ask. I'd send your application in earlier than Sept since it can take some time for your references to get there -- it takes a good 13 days for your info to post as "arrived" after you mail it there based on their system of scanning into a database --- and if you don't have a complete application, your not going to get an interview. I hope that helps and good luck!

Congrats to all! I wonder if we'll get a chance to meet before classes start. kachoo414, did your co-worker get in as well? Anyone moving in from out of town?

Hi, Any past or present SRNA's out there willing to share their best "must have's", "fav's", and "can't live without's" for didactic and clinical? Examples: Best digital recorder? Clipboards? Pen's? Shoes? Programs? References? Video's? Chocolate? Or anything else you may have that has helped with class or clinical. Thanks in advance!

Congratulations! My interview was on 9/19. A coworker of mine got in as well. It would be funny if most of our class were lurking on this board. Now to figure out how to apply for loans.

Hi Gluck, I called Boston College and they told me that they were "looking for greater than 500 on each, and obiously the higher the better." 1320 is well above that. Good luck with your applications!

Congratulations! Wooo-hooo. I'm saying "yes" today too. I can't wait! I wonder who else will be in our class. Has anyone else heard?

My acceptance letter from Boston College came today! Woo - hoo! I can't wait! Classes start January 2009. Did anyone else hear?

When is your interview at BC? I interviewed there on 9/19. They had curent students available while interviews were being conducted -- which was extremely informative. Good luck with your interviews!

baby831, In regards to the interview at BC - it was relaxed get to know you type of questions -- why bc, why crna. Be yourself. Group of about 12 applicants, starting with a presentation from the Director about the classes, clinicals and faculty. An opportunity to speak to current students while we waited our turn to interview separately with the Director and Assistant Director - 15 minutes each. The current students all stated it was a very rigorous program but they were glad that they chose BC. A close group that was genuinely interested in succeeding. Competitive with themselves but not overly competitive with each other. I would suggest to get your CCRN if you don't already have it and have strong ICU experience. I hope that helps. Good luck!

In regards to the clip board notes .... anesthesia-ed on ebay has laminated reference cards with formulas and references for SRNA and CRNA's, called an anesthesia bundle, that can fit on your clip board. I like Sota Omoigui's Anesthesia Drugs Handbook as a drug guide on my iPAQ (I am addicted to my iPAQ - huge screen, it's so useful - love it!) Good luck!

My interview at BC went very well! I'm so excited! "Get to know you" type behavioral questions. Why BC? Why CRNA route? etc. Very friendly Director and Asst. Director - it appears to be a very personable program where they want you to succeed -- cut throat diadiatic program, excellent clinical sites. They had current students there to answer questions about the program out of ear shot of interviewers - which was informative. Acceptance letters will go out end Oct, begining Nov; classes start Jan. Good luck to everyone interviewing and awaiting acceptance at their prospective schools -- fingers crossed! Anyone else interviewing at BC?