roxy48

Hi there, I live in Narberth which is about 10 minutes drive (5 miles from Bryn Mawr hospital). Great area and you will have no problem finding a one bedroom apt for about $ 800 - 1200 / month. Any of the area's Ardmore, Narberth, or Wynnewood are very nice area's to live in. Check out craigslist and under rentals put in Narberth and you will be able to search and see pics. Let me know if I can be of any help. Lisa

Hi, Although I am not a CRNA, I have worked in PACU for over 12 years in a variety of settings from outpt to high acuity level 1 trauma centers, and I am amazed at the number of new nurses who want to "become CRNA's" without knowing anything about the field. It isn't for everyone, yet it seems that there is a trend for fairly new nurses to "get their year of ICU experience " just to get into CRNA school. I also think you should work in a PACU, preop, or OR area as a nurse to see if it is for you. Surgeons can be extremely arrogant ( especially to the anesthesiologist and anesthetist), the stress can be high and it takes a certain personality type to handle it. The liability is great... when things go wrong they can go dreadfully wrong. I really think that new nurses should work in the perioperative area before contemplating a CRNA program. Lisa

Hi all, Like heartICU, I'm afraid I am in the minority in my opinion on this topic. I have been working in PACU ( in several facilities ) for over 10 years, and I feel that the report by the anesthesiologist or CRNA is very adequate for what I need to take care of the patient. Between setting up the pt, equipment, monitors, and keeping ahead of their pain etc, I can usually get what I need from my own assessment of the pt and OR periop record ( for drains, local given etc). In fact, I have worked in 4 university hospitals and in only one did the OR nurse give a report. Our anesthesiologists, residents, or CRNA's generally give a good report and the preop nurse communicates the pts family and preop status to the PACU staff.

Hi, When I graduated from nursing school many years ago, I also was encouraged work in med-surg for at least a year. Instead I went straight into critical care, and have never regretted my decision since. There are challenges everywhere, yet I think you will really like PACU nursing. I have never worked med-surg because, like you, I knew the areas I wanted to work in. I feel so fortunate that because of my decisions and choices of where to work, after 23 years I still truly love nursing and the continual challenges and joys of my job. Best of luck to you

Hi Belle, I have lived and worked in the Phila area for years, and I think you will find it relatively easy to find a job as a new grad. In fact, you will probably have your choice of hospitals, and many are offering sign on bonuses and student loan repayment plans. It really doesn't matter what school you are graduating from. Good luck to you, Lisa