Brian_SRNA

I spent the last three years of my rn career, before crna school, as a traveler in ICU's. You just have to play it up, let them know you had to be flexibile with trauma pt's one day, open hearts the next, and an acute MI the next. Being able to get along with all the different tyopes of doc's says alot too. I also told them that I needed the money to support my family, I did waht needed to be done, and they respected that. Best of luck. One word of caution, try to get real chummy with at least one manager so you can get a good recommendation.

If your credit isn't perfect than you can get a cosigner, a mom dad inlaw etc. Especially if you have already quit work. best of luck. Brian Walsh

Take the time to enjoy a hobby...you wont have any after the program starts...and remember that if you don't get in (which i hope you do), then next year you will already have known what the interview was like, and one more year of experience. Best of luck to you. Brian

I got 2 c's and a D in medical ethics my freshman year in school, I got in in my first choice, first try. 3.5 gpa, average, 1160 gre, slightly above average, the most important thing that the admission boards look at are your reccommendations and your work history. Best of luck. Brian

I have to agree with paindoc on this post.....you would not want an anesthesiologist or cardiologist working in a pediatric well baby clinic...it wouldn't make sense...our training is specialized and we are great at what we are trained to do...but CRNA's are not general practitioners...nor do i claim to be. I started this post as a rant about the SDN and now, unfortunately, realize that many CRNA's and SRNA's are guilty of the same biased. I appreciate all the posts and it has made me refocus my attenntion. Thank you Brian

I think some people are taking what paindoc said out of context.....and that is not the point of these forums...he said that in indiana CRNA's are not APN's. I think many of us, including me at first, took that as a blanket statement that CRNAs are not APN's in the broader sense of the meaning.He is and only has been talking about the state of indiana...of which he is correct....I looked up the laws in indiana and CRNA's are not APN's, which in this state i feel is a good thing...there are MANY more restrictions on APN's in indiana (NP's, CNS, Midwifes) than are needed in CRNA practice. SO we can all stop the posts about everyother state out there....thank you. Brian

I think we owe a round of applause to the state legislature of indiana. I just spent about 20 minutes looking over the Indiana state code and it is fascinating.....and in response to "We have more specific.....CRNA's have the option of going back to school for 2 years if they really want to be treated as APN's." Here are a few direct quotes from the state law IC (Indiana Code) IC 25-23-1-1 Definitions Sec. 1. As used in this chapter: (a) "Board" means the Indiana state board of nursing. (b) "Advanced practice nurse" means: (1) a nurse practitioner; (2) a nurse midwife; or (3) a clinical nurse specialist; who is a registered nurse qualified to practice nursing in a specialty role based upon the additional knowledge and skill gained through a formal organized program of study and clinical experience, or the equivalent as determined by the board, which does not limit but extends or expands the function of the nurse which may be initiated by the client or provider in settings that shall include hospital outpatient clinics and health maintenance organizations. IC 25-23-1-19.4 Advanced practice nurses; collaboration with licensed practitioner Sec. 19.4. (a) As used in this section, "practitioner" has the meaning set forth in IC 16-42-19-5. However, the term does not include the following: (1) A veterinarian. (2) An advanced practice nurse. (b) An advanced practice nurse shall operate in collaboration with a licensed practitioner as evidenced by a practice agreement, or by privileges granted by the governing board of a hospital licensed under IC 16-21 with the advice of the medical staff of the hospital that sets forth the manner in which an advanced practice nurse and a licensed practitioner will cooperate, coordinate, and consult with each other in the provision of health care to their patients. As added by P.L.185-1993, SEC.7. From my understanding the APN MUST be in collaboration with a physician in order to be able to practice....hmmm lets look at the rules for CRNA's, in the State Code IC 25-23-1-1.4 "Certified registered nurse anesthetist" defined Sec. 1.4. As used in this chapter, "certified registered nurse anesthetist" means a registered nurse who: (1) is a graduate of a nurse anesthesia educational program accredited by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (referred to as the "AANA" in this chapter) Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs or its predecessor; (2) is properly certified by successfully completing the certification examination administered by the AANA's Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists or its predecessor; and (3) is properly certified and in compliance with criteria for biennial recertification, as defined by the AANA Council on Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists. As added by P.L.185-1993, SEC.3. And on the issue of "forced collaboration" or "under medical Direction" the next one is the kicker. (4) Requires that a: (A) licensed physician with specialized training or experience in the administration of an anesthetic; supervise the administration of or (B) certified registered nurse anesthetist (as defined in IC 25-23-1-1.4 ); administer the anesthetic to a patient and remain present in the facility during the surgical procedure, except when only a local infiltration anesthetic is administered. Looks like they took out the MDA requirement for supervision. I think this looks good for our profession. and maybe we shouldn't be considered APN's, I dont know. It looks like CRNA's are looked differently, higher?, in indiana, I dont know. But please, especially anyone out there reading this verrry long post as a student...do not get the idea that this profession is about being the boss...its about being a team player...and if you can't agree with that...than maybe this isn't the right job. Sorry for being long winded. wheeew Brian

I am very curious what state this is too.....hmmm, with a name paindoc I guess what profession he might be in. Please let us know what state and where we can find the "legislature that says CRNA's dont have enough training to..." Brian

I totally agree, although some might beleive that the actuall role is mid-level, APN's serve as "direct providers", providing direct, usually untethered care...again...it must be noted that no practitioner of healthcare...be it a doctor, chiropractor, dentist, surgeon, anesthetist or FNP is perfect...the whole BALANCE of healthcare depends on COLLABORATION...anyone that thinks he is above that (with the exception of Dr. Gregory House) is a danger to their profession, and my health. "Independent" practice is kind of a misrepresentation, I like "unobstructed" better. And I think that APN which every nurse( or almost every MSN nurse is, based on state law), is what we are first.....we are all Advanced Practice Nurses first, then we are CRNA's, FNP, CNS, Midwives etc. Just think of a football team. Ask a player what he does he says "I play football" usually, not I am a running back. They realize very well(most of them) that it takes collaboration (teamwork) to achieve there common goal. SO my rambling is now done. GO TEAM Brian

I know....that 10K premium got me a 2K family deductible, and 70-30 after that...it really sucked. Now I have a 750 deductible and 80/20 withalot more being covered. God Bless UT- Go Vols Brian

Trying to stay away from the SDN is like the forbidden fruit. And I know i am stupid for even caring....but i do. My program starts is 2 months...I have worked for years to get to this point and for some reason it is getting under my nerves. I know that this battle has been going on for years, and that it will continue, but the arrogance of many of the MDA (attendings mind you) is scary. I almost laugh at some of the crap they say. But I guess I just needed reassurance (I know it sounds stupid), but I have sacrificed and taken out loans for the program...I have always, and will always continue to love this profession, as I grow with it. But I am really curious where everyone (Practicing CRNA's specifically) see this going as it relates to CRNA's ability to freely practice. Brian

ANd it has been documented by many outside sources that the MDA has moved away from the bedside in many cases and is doing more managerial supervisory role, while the CRNA is at the bedside, "adminsitering at least 2/3 of the anesthetics in the US." Can't argue with facts. Sorry....

Yes....and they actually offer you more money for grad school 18,500 a yr...as long as you have not defaulted....and youhave not reached your maximum. The max is like 100K so you probably have some to go. Best of luck

I did not interview at UT chattanooga/Erlanger but i did interview at UT knoxville, and it was a panel interview, with 5 interviewers, alot of personality type questions, not too many (or any) technical nursing questions. But this was in knoxville, just thought it might help Brian

What is a PBL curriculum, I have heard of CBL (Computer Based Learning). Are they the same. Brian