brookesbuddy

Thank you! I just ordered the DVDs!

Where can I purchase the Gasparis DVDs? I tried searching Amazon.com with no luck... Thanks in advance!

Hi all, For those of you who've taken the CCRN exam: How difficult is the exam and what kind of prep would you recommend? I have the "Pass CCRN" book and I've been studying a little bit, but not a ton. I have about 2.5 years SICU experience. How much prep time would you recommend before taking the exam? And are there any areas you'd recommend concentrating on while studying? Thanks

I'm thinking I'd like to pursue a master's degree in healthcare administration. I've started researching some programs, and it's left me with more questions. I've realized there are both MSN in Leadership & Management degrees and also M.B.A. in Healthcare Administration degrees out there--how do I know which one to pursue? Does anybody have any insight into these two types of degrees as far as how career opportunities/job market/salaries would differ? Right now I have a B.S.N with about 3 years clinical experience, and meet qualifications to apply for both these programs. Anyone with any input, please help!

How much prep/studying would you recommend before taking the GRE? Or is it best to just be familiar with the style of the test and rely on your knowledge that already exists?

Okay, if the application deadline is January 15th, do you think I have time to take the GRE and meet the application deadline? There are testing dates available last week of November and early December. How much prep is involved in taking the GRE or would you recommend not worrying about it too much and just taking the test?

How long does it take to get results from the computerized GRE general test?

So, I know that caffeine inhibits adenosine's effect during an adenosine nuclear stress test and that patients should avoid caffeine for 12 hours prior to the test. But WHY? Anyone know the pharmacology/physiology behind this?

It will have a wide (>.12) QRS complex and will have the "bunny-ears" look to it's QRS. How to tell if it's a RBBB vs a LBBB? If you have access to a 12-lead, this is an easy way to tell: A RBBB's QRS will be upright in V1-V3, and a LBBB's QRS will be downward in V1-V3.

Haha! No offense taken, Greg :) I did also apply to MSA but was put on the alternate list. Talk to you Monday I hope!

I thought it was weird!! I think I'll give them a call on Monday just to check in out. But please do keep me posted on what you hear from them/what your letter says if you get one. Thanks Badger!

Okay, I just got a letter in the mail from St Mary's. It said they had over 190 applicants, had a hard time selecting the class, etc etc. I didn't get in or on the waiting list. But wait--what about THE INTERVIEWS??! I don't get it. The letter implied that they already selected the class (they gave avg GPAs, exp, etc of the selected individuals), but how could they have already interviewed everyone they wanted to and selected already? I mean the application deadline was only 20 days ago. It doesn't add up to me. Am I crazy or does this seem odd?

I haven't heard from them yet, either. Someone told me invites should be extended by the end of April. I read on the website that they interview in May and June so that should be fairly true. GL!

This is not an inter-facility transfer, I'm leaving to another hospital. So I'm thinking two weeks, does that sound fair? I have to talk with my manager in the morning when my shift is over, yikes!

Has anyone gotten accepted into CRNA school while working only casually in ICU? I've worked ICU for 2 years, but am thinking of switching to a casual basis and working FT elsewhere.

I just accepted a new job and am very excited about it! I'm currently working in a very busy SICU, and just accepted a position in a non-invasive cardiology lab, performing diagnostic procedures such as stress echos, atropine and dobutamine stress echos, nuclear studies, and MRI angios. The best part about it is that it's M-F days, no weekends/holidays I'm excited for the change and to learn another role in nursing. My question is this: How much notice should I give to my current manager? The new position wants me ASAP, but the SICU is very busy and usually short-staffed (also part of the reason for the job change). I do plan on staying there casually, but no scheduled hours. Would May 1st be an acceptable date or should I give more time?

Do NPs have to carry malpractice insurance? If so, is it typically provided by the employer or do you have to find your own policy?

I hope nobody takes offense to this, I'm just curious...what is the typical salary (or range) for NPs? Esp in MN or the midwest.

I'm looking for perpective into the daily professional lives of NPs. Any and all information welcome!! How is your work day spent/how much autonomy do you have/what area do you work in? What do you like the most about your job and the least about your job? If you could become an NP over again would you? What is the salary like in comparison to RN salary? I've been thinking recently about applying to an NP program. A little background info: I've worked in critical care for two years (RN) and was pretty set on becoming a nurse anesthetist (am on the waiting list at one school). I've been observing the NPs who work with our ICU team and it has really caught my interest as something I might enjoy as a career. So what to do??!! I'm really just looking for insight/advice into the roles/careers of NPs out there. Thanks so much!

The application deadline for St Mary's was April 1st, and I was told they conduct interviews in May and June. I'm waiting to hear if I got an interview or not, I'm guessing I should know by the end of the month. Still haven't heard anything from MSA...I'm not putting too much weight on the chance that I'll be able to get in there, but I do plan on trying again next year if I don't get in somewhere else before that. I'd say if you're all settled in AZ, then just stay there until you're ready to come back to MN. I wouldn't rush back here in hopes of MSA--from what I've heard a lot of people get put on the alternate list and not many get accepted in off of it. GL with everything though! Did you apply to St Mary's?

No, it shouldn't matter. When I interviewed, they didn't even ask what shift I worked (I work nights as well). I would imagine that the people on the interview panel have been around long enough/have enough experience to know that sh*t can and does hit the fan in the middle of the night. Plus, when pt's start to go bad during the night, there's often less people in-house to help which can make it even more intense at times. GL to you!

I've been working in SICU for about 2 years. I got on the alternate list at one CRNA school and have just submitted my app to another school. I am set on being a CRNA. I love SI, but honestly I'm on the verge of a burnout. I work off shifts, we've had some major staffing issues that haven't been resolved over a period of months (we are chronically short staffed), and staff morale has been very low lately. While I love the work, the environment is really bringing me down and affecting my attitude (I'm usually a very opimistic/flexible person, I'm actually known for this). There is an opening in our cardiac cath lab and I'm meeting with the NM there tomorrow am to discuss me possibly transferring to CCL. I have several reasons for considering this: 1.) The environment in SI as described above, 2.) I know people who've been applying to CRNA school for 3+ years (at more than one school) and have not been accepted (been put on the alternate list over and over and over) who seem to have all the right qualifications. These people have become burnt out ICU nurses with bad attitudes. I don't want this to happen to me. 3.) I feel like I'd like a taste of something different than ICU (I started this position as a new grad, it's all I know/have been exposed to) in the meantime until I'm accepted to CRNA school. There's potential for me to learn a ton in CCL, and the patients can still be critical. 4.) The CCL position would put me on a regular M-F schedule (with occasional call)....need I say more :) I guess I'd like feedback on what you all think about making the transfer over to cath lab. Would this be a horrible idea as far as ruining my chances at getting accepted into school? I'm torn because I know CRNA programs look for & expect ICU experience (and we have a great SI with tons of open hearts, neurosurg, general surg, & ortho), but at the same time I would love to try out the cath lab. I should also mention that I don't want to leave my current hospital because the benefits are amazing and just can't be match anywhere else in this area. Any and all advice is welcomed!!!

Hi all! I currently work in a busy SICU with lots of post CABs and other cardiothoracic surgeries (I've been there for about 2 years). While I have learned a ton and enjoy it, I think I need a change of pace. I'm thinking of transferring to our cath lab (have a meeting with the NM over there later this week). I do plan on spending a day observing in the CCL to get a feel for what it's like, but what are some other things about CCL work to take into consideration before accepting the position? What's a day in the life of CCL like? Is call that bad? Just looking for any and all information on the cath lab, Thanks!

WHAT?! Man, that sucks. What's the point of even having an alternate list if every single interviewee gets on it?! Well, thanks for the update, although I'm not too happy about the news.

Hey--anyone have any info/insight into this program and/or the interview process? Thanks!