lgcv

Newman has a cadaver lab. And a simulator, albeit not the expensive does everything kind, but enough to get the job done.

Roland, Find out what the schools you would like to attend require. Then do that, do not overload yourself with classes you may not need. Although, I am sure they will all require an organic chemistry class, I am not so sure about the other classes. If you cannot do the classes while you are obtaining your BSN, then take them after you finish your degree. Rememeber the motto which is popular in both the military and CRNA programs "Keep It Simple Stupid". Relax, and have a good time getting where your going!

Your right, I was confusing it with the degree completion programs. If you go that route are you still required to complete at least 24 months in the program?

re: lacey Well there you have it. The general feeling straight from the horses mouth so to speak. Note the quotation marks around nurses.

The post-masters certificates are for current CRNA's who do not hold a masters degree, so you would have to go through another masters program, there are a few PHd programs but I believe they are also for students who are already CRNA's. That being said, there is such a shortage of nurses now, that it should not be any problem to find a job in an ICU. Just apply. Good luck to you!

It depends on how small the local ICU is. If it is a really small unit, with only limited numbers of patients with swans/vents/ and all the things that go with those, then it will not provide you with the experience you need. If they have a high acuity population on a regular basis then it will be fine. Hope that helps.

On the GI bill, I am using it now and it pays 800 a month, going to 900 a month in October. But, that is active duty GI bill (I was in the army several years ago). The other thing is that nursing school and CRNA programs count as full time even if the credit hours are not full time due to the clinical hours, they call it cooperative education or something like that. I do agree that you should never believe a recruiter, and if you have an inclination to, then get it in writing!!

Admission criteria for all CRNA programs are established by the Council on Accreditation. How they are interprated varies from school to school. They will all require that you have knowledge of vasoactive drugs/inotropes/and invasive monitors, what they will accept as adequate experience in that is what varies. At any rate the following is the accrediting standard for admission to all CRNA programs. C13. The program enrolls only baccalaureate prepared students who meet admission criteria. Admission requirements include: a. Registration as a professional nurse in the United States, its territories or protectorates. b. At least one year of experience as a RN in an acute care setting (see Glossary). Glossary:Acute care experience - Work experience during which a an RN has developed as an independent decision-maker capable of using and interpreting advanced monitoring techniques based on knowledge of physiological and pharmacological principles Here is the website: http://www.aana.com/accreditation/standards/standard_iii.asp

When someone is called off for low census, don't they put them on-call in case of an increasing census? If that is not the case it should be, from then on call them in if you need more help. If the following shift or anyone else gives you grief about it, just say patient safety, that usually shuts them up.

Took care of a patient in ICU once who swore he/she was going to kill me. I know where you work/ I'll find where you live and "I will kill you *****". I have absolutely no doubt this person would have done just that if not for legal/psychiatric intervention. All the things wrong in this persons life, were in their mind my responsibility. The patients in the ER and on the psych floors, go to every other floor in the hospital too. THE LEAST AMOUNT OF INFORMATION POSSIBLE! My last name does not need to be on my name tag to encourage respect. I think the only people who would have a real interest in my last name are the ones with an agenda.

Valencia, if you mean work while you are in school NO!! Maybe every once in a while you could work a weekend, but for the most part you won't have time.

I have four children. and I am in school now. It just takes coordination, and effort on everyones part. Level of sacrifice is a personal thing, what seems like a lot to one person may not seem like much to another. Cllinicals, classes and homework I average around 60 hours a week.

You should apply, you have proven that you can do the course work. It is not ALL about the GPA in that respect. TAKE the GRE!! It is not nearly as bad as you might imagine, and not taking it limits you opportunities. Good Luck.

Great response Kevin!!

Here is the website: http://www.aana.com/crna/prof/scope.asp