ma kettle

Kaplan offers some course in some cities. There are Universities and Community Colleges that are now offering these prep courses for all different test. Contact local Universities for informaiton. Also maybe inquire with some students of graduate courses, most graduate disciplines require GREs. Including : Education, Social Workers and of course CRNA perspestives. Kaplan I might add was very pricey. Sandy

I surprised that if there are demands for CRNAs that more hospitals don't open more schools. There is money to be made on their part for each paying student. Also, you would think that the hospital then would be able to romance a perspective graduating students of their choice. I kinda agree with the comment above. When I graduated from school. They were hiring anyone with white shoes. Then about three years later, they were actually laying off and offering early retirements. Now again they claim they are short. But I feel like everything else there are pendulums. They swing. So I am hopeful that I will get into school and graduate in the time frame that allows for a good choice of jobs and pays. But I cannot help be a little sceptical.. Anyone else? PS. For all those heading off to school this fall and this summer, the anticipation must be exciting, like waiting for Santa Claus...lol Cheers all Sandy

Do you really believe that the majority are that stupid with public comments? Or do you think we are seeing a handful? I know that there a few MDs that really nasty people, They seem to walk around with a chip on their shoulder. However, I know of a few CRNAs too, sad to say. BUbba go for it!!!!!! sandy

NIce article! Encourages me. Sandy

I also think another formost trait. CONFIDENT IN SELF AND ABILITY> Sandy

I heard on news last night that these layoffs are not to effect people envolved in direct patient care. It sounds like those of use who work for them should brace themselves for another round of "WORK REDESIGN". You may have homework. :) what do you think. I do believe though, this area is in for some major changes. There are many hospitals in a 15-20 mile radius and I have been told the population of this area is decreasing. Sandy

As a new nurse fresh out of school. I was in a hurry to get my shift wrapped up. I had a male patient that was an CVA from while back. He was completely aphasic, or sp they claimed. We I trying to hurry, and I tripped over his foley cather, well for some one who was completely aphasic, he sure did yell " OUCH you Hurt my c.ck" . I was embarrased . Little TURP anyone. Sandy

I have another question, since stress seems to be the underlying component to this subject. I understand that CRNAs must be on their toes and that the top of their game. However, why is it that the programs are so stressful and so intense. I thought , that people learn more when not under stressed. Why are there not more part time programs that would allow for a larger pull of applicants. The University of Pittsburgh has a part time program. You do your course work first and then do the clinical and corrisponding classes with those clinicals. this takes three years. I wonder why more schools don't offer that for those " questionable students" why they don't have them do the Nurse research classes, The advance patho, and Pharm classes inadvanced. Then if you did well you would be given a precious placement to their program. It seems to make sence to me that if you have a student that is relaxed he will learn more, will not have relationship problems at home and may be able to finance their education a little more. That is great if you are single living with a parents and your expenses are taken care of. But lets face it, the general majority of nurses have spouses, families, and if not mortgages, car payments. Why does it have to be so stressful? Sandy

Are there certain types of experiences that are preferred by the schools acceptance committes? ie trauma verses open hearts. DO they like a variety of experiences? What are the things that these schools are looking for. Iknow they like high QPA and wonderful GRE scores. But are there other experiences and other things that they don't mention? Sandy

Kevin , thanks for your responses. The next step for me is getting acceptted. The competition has been tight with the few schools that I applied. ANd I have to admitt I am wondering if it more political, in a few cases. Thanks again.

Are the hours you work hard on family and/or spouce? I realize this is a strange question. It seems it would be hard to plan anything, ie kids extra activities. Or is the schedual such that you can predict that every 7th day you know you are on call 24 hours? Your explainations are helpful. The questions clear up for notion of misinformation. Thanks sandy

Whether you like or dislike unions, they will be setting a standard. Managment would rather pay peanuts for your work, dictate your time and overtimed worked and give you miniumal benefits. In years in past there was a glut of warm bodies. (nurses) But now there are still plenty of nurses, they are choosing to go into other fields ,where they, if nothing else they get respect. I think that nursing as a whole needs to band together an support each other. Some basic standards must be established for the acute care settings. By the why, most cost of living increases nation wide were around 6.0%. Most increases in pay last year for a nurses yearly income was 2% if you showed up to work and gave some effort. I like to see lawyers, bussiness executives and most college educated proffessions live to that same standard. Oh I forgot, most of them don't work holidays, weekends, and 24/7. These nurses need support. It may also effect your pay and nurse/patient ratio.

This is very nice to hear. I have yet to meet just one CRNA that is unhappy with his/her career. I hope that the current job satisfaction remains.