krzysiu

I think we are in a unique time. I don't think standards have changed, but number of applicants may have gone up, thus leading to "harder to get in" in recent times. A great number of people are gravitating toward nursing because despite of what is going on nurses are still working. That being said, I think it does take a certain type of individual to remain a nurse. All my classmates had past lives and came from various professional backgrounds but several are no longer nursing (a significant number given the fact that my class wasn't exactly huge). What I do find interesting, however, is after speaking to the director of my anesthesia program, it seems like the applicant pool is down for anesthesia programs in the area. I have a friend in another program and they also accepted 3 less people than their usual number because less people are applying. I think it has gotten SO bad that if someone does have a job, they are less willing to jump ship and pursue something else. Also, I think people are in panic mode that how will I get by without working?? is running through people's minds. Another thing to think about, is, are people less likely to get personal loans to keep their head above water? Is it a combo of all this? Who knows, but scary none the less. I did Loyola's accelerated program. Did it keep you busy? Sure it did, but it wasn't bad at all. I worked and had a wonderful social life. NOTHING like the anesthesia program. No work and no life at all. Good luck, you'll be fine!

Glad I could help. Because, like I said, I had to jump through some hoops to get into the O.R. myself. You may want to hit up your manager to try and set something up. However, sometimes it's a good idea not to let no one know what your intentions are. What I personally did was, I contacted the director of the anesthesia department myself. The group at my old hospital did not work for the hospital per say, but once they knew my intent they were more than happy to help me out. Call your hospital directory or just take a walk to the PACU and ask around and find out who is in charge/director of anesthesia etc. Get their contact information and politely introduce yourself and definitely let them know you work in the hospital. Let them know you're extremely interested in pursuing a career in anesthesia and would be very grateful if you can shadow a member of the group: MD or CRNA. The head MD at my place was big into teaching and very CRNA friendly. They are usually pretty receptive at that point. One, it's a teaching facility and two they are always looking for good people and are quite encouraging of your pursuits. All the best and good luck...

I agree, I'd call a hospital directly. Preferably a teaching hospital. Or, possibly, call a nursing school. The nursing programs will have clinical sites that they deal with and it might be another way for you to get some observational experiences. Either way, it will have to be approved because of insurance purposes. I speak Polish, however, I don't read or write it. Good luck, let us know how it goes.

Are you a nurse or currently in a nursing program? Do you work in a hospital? I noticed you said NYC, I'm from Chicago. Atleast in the larger metro areas, hospitals won't let just anyone into the operating room. I had to be employed at the hospital where I shadowed. They are completely aware that you will not be involved in patient care and, usually, patients are quite receptive to the idea of someone observing. However, the problem is, who will be responsible for YOU if something happens? The hospital will argue that you're not an employee and won't be covered by their or the anesthesia group's insurance. They know you can't mess anything up with a patient because you will not be touching them. But, what happens if a scalpel flies across the O.R. and hits you? Or, someone throws a bucket of blood at you and it goes right into your eyes? I know its far fetched, but I went through the same thing. Even though such an incident would be a rarity, it can happen and the hospitals would rather just not bother. Sucks because I have some classmates from Wisconsin who shadowed all the time. There must be much fewer lawyers in certain states. Hope this helps you understand why you're having such a hard time...

Check out University of Tennessee - Memphis. When I applied, it was not a requirement. However, you may want to look at the website to see if anything has changed.

Not to mention, if I remember correctly, the assistant director of my program said she can easily estimate that most people in CRNA programs have 4+ years critical care experience. It's one thing to be qualified and another to be a competitive candidate. I myself attended an accelerated program and most of my class came from a non-healthcare/non-scientific background. Needless to say, most of them are no longer in nursing. Jobs are plentiful and the field is quite enticing due to the current economic climate. However, nursing can be tough at times and it defintely takes a certain type of person to stick with the job in the long run. So, coming from another field, you have a long road ahead of you emotionally, financially, and academically. I use to question why the requirements are the way they are, but as someone entering clinical residency, it makes sense now. Good luck.

And, once gross anatomy hits, you'll pretty much live there...

Why you have to rub it in man??? Call me tomorrow...

In the program right now. Director and faculty are from RUSH. It's tough! If you have any questions, please, feel free to email me. Chris

I agree Qwigley, it's a pretty humbling experience.

I better apply for unemployment now then. So, hire me or pay my welfare through your taxes... just kidding Not hiring someone over a tattoo is kinda like saying an asian guy would be good at math or an african american guy is good at basketball etc. Very stereotypical and quite discriminatory. However, since we live in this great called the United States, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I'm just saying it can be done tastefully and you can remain professional if you have them. Plus, you'd be surprised who has them under their "professional" attire. I can play the part too. You'd never know I had them...until it's too late. I'm not saying go get a piece on your face a la Mike Tyson. If you did something ridiculous like that, then you're just asking for it. It can be done in a way that isn't a sign of rebellion, attention seeking, or mental illness. Stay warm out there (if you're from around here)

As a big admirer of tattoos, unlike some who have responded, I'll try and offer advice. Mainly, don't rush into anything. Really research what you want and more importantly who you want to do it. Good tattoos are not cheap and become a real time commitment. However, in the end, you can truly get a piece of art that anyone will appreciate. I have had nothing but positives from patients who notice mine. It's an excellent ice breaker and conversation starter during a time when you see people that are extremely anxious or at their worst. Plus, if you're really worried about it, put your lab coat on. Your demeanor and professionalism will speak for itself and no one will think any less of you if you have a tattoo. Sure there will be a small segment of the population, more than likely not born in this century, that will not like tattoos. However, they have probably never seen a good one. There are artists out there can mimic the beauty of a priceless piece of art displayed in a museum. So, what is difference between it being displayed on a wall canvas or your arm? I dare these individuals to say they have never admired a painting and the such. I would like to start my second sleeve incorporating Hypnos and the AANA seal, Morpheus, Death, Saint Rene, with background use of poppy and other elements. Just tossing some ideas out there for you. Where are you from? Maybe I can help you find a reputable artist within your area? Hope this helps. Chris

I'm basing my posts on experience. I am in a program. Will be finishing soon. Basing those numbers from a offer on the table. Hourly position and have happy friends within the group some have been there for years. Never compared ICU nursing to CRNA. I was stating that I was glad I wasn't doing it anymore. I am fortunate that a close friend heads a MDA group. I get to see whats going on first hand. Plus, many of our sites are staffed by a very large group in Chicago. I'm not talking about a one time shadowing deal as a requirement for applying to school. Trust me, I completely agree with you. I'm well aware a lot of places and offers look great on paper and are full of empty promises. But, I am willing to work very hard in order to get to a place I want to be. If I have to temporary live with with a crappy deal here and there, for the right pay, I'll do it... If I won the lottery and didn't have loans to repay I'd probably get REALLY good at guitar hero or something like that. But, I can't. So, part of the reason for doing this is $. And, I'll be out to get some. I guess I am just willing to admit that. Take care and have a great new year.

Oh yeah, I forgot. For Italian, consider Carmine's http://www.rosebudrestaurants.com/rest2.php A lot of nightlife right in walking distance from there.

This list is pretty dead on for steak: http://chicago.citysearch.com/bestof/winners/steak Primehouse is pretty good looking on the inside. Most places will have some kind of surf and turf to meet your needs http://www.davidburke.com/primehouse.html Otherwise http://www.japonaischicago.com Seafood: maybe look on the net for N9NE, Shaw's crabhouse, or http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/ If you're going to go out afterward to a nightclub or bar email me and I can recommend those too. Have fun...