jmccrn

I'd have to agree with the majority and say don't take it if you have already been accepted. I've had the certification several years and am up for renewel this year......and am not planning on renewing it. For one, it wouldn't do me any good to renew it at this point and two, I don't want to spend the $$. I had thought about going into an inactive status until I saw it still costs about $100!

I agree that the program is great and very comprehensive. I had a discount code as well, but it didn't apply to that program. Many of the discount codes only apply to certain software. It's still worth the $50 if you are unable to use the code!

My total debt will be around $55,000. As stated in other replies, it is an investment.....a great one at that!

I would think that it could potentially help if you meet all the minimum requirements.........and some of the "right" people can give you a reference. If there are some MDAs or CRNAs who know you and your work, they could give you a positive reference. That reference may mean more to the interview panel if the panel respects the opinion of the person writing the reference. It always can't hurt to have something that may make you standout among applicants. I do, however, know of several people who work at a facility with a CRNA program who were not accepted. I do not know why each one did not get in, but as you probably know, it is highly competitive getting into a program. You need to do everything you can to make you standout from the other applicants. Of course, each applicant is looking to do the same. Best of luck!

Riverking: A simulator lab can prove to be valuable, but you must also look at how much time is spent in there. It may not prove as valuable if students rarely use the simulator. You should also look at the curriculum each program has to offer. Clinical opportunities are another important factor to weigh in. I guess what I'm getting at is don't just use one factor to weigh your decision. If the one without the simulator seems to be a better fit, go for it! Good luck!

We have had a few ECMO survivors in the unit I used to work in. Of course more died than survived, but nonetheless there were some survivors who made it out of the hospital. My current hospital doesn't do adult ECMO. We currently have a gentleman in my current unit who has apparently set the record for the longest time on an Abiomed. A Heartmate was inserted this week so hopefully he'll eventually make it out of the ICU.

Our facility requires 2 RNs to check the blood in the patient's room. Anyone can pick it up at the blood bank. Vitals are checked prior to administration, 15 minutes after the start of transfusion, 1 hour after start, then on completion. The only instance when blood is not checked by 2 RNs is when blood is given through a level 1. It can then be checked by a nurse and respiratory therapist (who runs the level 1) or by 2 therapist. Then at this point vital signs are not really written on the blood forms since so much is given so fast; the vitals are just recorded on the patient care flowsheets.

The crew can be different depending on the helicopter service. I think a common crew is a nurse and paramedic, but I have also seen a crew consisting of a respiratory therapist and nurse, as well as an ER resident and a nurse.