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I know that there are a few CRNA schools in CA, but it doesn't seem like there are many jobs looking at some web sites. Are CRNAs used a lot in CA? It seems like a lot of desirable places don't seem to be big on using CRNAs.......Whta's the deal?

Rndee I am officially on the alternate list......this now means I think you should go to Penn so I can have your spot......

why because i interviewed december 11th.....haven't heard anything

rndee, when did you interview at pitt and when did u find out you were accepted?

pitt is ranked higher and is way cheaper...plus it's probably cheaper to live in pittsburgh

I would expect a certain level of crap put on the students....i think there even is in the ICU when you are a new nurse....however this sounds a little over the top......is this the norm at all programs?

I'd like to hear how hazing is defined in this situation....anyone?

PA has more anesthesia programs than any other state....if you have a 4.0 get decent ICU experience and don't totally bomb the GRE you should get in easily

depends on the school....some programs are fine with NICU experience while others won't even consider it for admission

I used Barrons primarily and also the princeton review book a little......there are also practice tests on the ets website..... its a good idea to take a practice test and see where you are and then take one after you study to see how much you've improved I hit vocab really hard....studied 2 months for the verbal (lots of obscure words on the GRE.....must improve your vocab unless you are extremely well read)....1 month math.....prepped a few days for the analytical part(writing) Also I've been told by anesthetists that schools look more at verbal scores.....some believe a good score is an indication you will perform well on boards The GRE is a tough test.....however if you work at it......it's a good way to set yourself apart from the crowd.......my 3 months of study was good for a 1340

not at all....but im saying the needs of the community are a factor......if a program likes a certain type of candidate...young, old, certain experience, whatever...it's likely because a certain type of candiate hasnt done as well...... I'm all for people doing whatever they want at any age......don't be so offended............

This may sound mean...but is it really that bad that a school doesn't want to accept a 54 year old?.....when they finish they'll be 56....and if you consider the normal retirement age...that means they will only provide anesthesia services for 9 years.....19 if they work to 75..... If seats are so limited and there is a shortage of anesthesia providers....don't adcoms need to consider the needs of the community? A 30 year old applicant will be able to practice 30 years plus(assuming 65)........40 years if they work to 75

Last night at work I talked to a CRNA who had 18 years experience before school....she told me I would be at no disadvantage going with 2 year exp.

I was on another message board and noticed that there appears to be a lot of disdain expressed toward novice nurses (less than 5 years exp.) who are entering CRNA school.....there were lot of claims that there is no way to be adequately prepared for school and that they will struggle to ever be pseudo-competent without years and years in the ICU...... I wanted to hear from some SRNAs here and get a feel for what they think of the younger nurses who enter anesthesia school.....do they really struggle? Is it unwise to enter anesthesia school without 5 years of ICU time? I want to do anesthesia sooner rather than later...but I also want to be prepared for school.....any advice would be appreciated.....

If you mess up the first time your score still shows on your score report for 5 years i believe.... Study!....If you don't prepare you won't do well, unless you are naturally briliiant On the other hand if you are dedicated and study hard you can raise your score probably like 200 points I used Barrons book primarily and princeton reviews a little.....also get the practice test from the gre web site The test is terrible....you don't have time to do everything....however if you prep you can blow away the 1000 score that most schools want

lots of student anesthetists are in their 40s.....but you need to figure out if you like ICU nursing before you can be sure that you want to do anesthesia

Thanks for the reply......I'm kind of scared because they told me via email to get my CCRN but I didn't have time....My GREs are good, but they don't seem too put much weight on them....Thanks for the info though....maybe we'll end up being classmates

Lauryn RN If you don't mind sharing what are your stats? GPA...GRE? What kind of experience and do you have CCRN? I just applied to Nazareth last week....all my references aren't in yet...... curious about their interview process

I'm prejudice but I'd say try for open heart for your experience....SICU would also be great.......Other ICUs definitely work but surgical seems to be best because after all CRNAs take care of patients in surgery......

Don't waste your time with ER experience...go to an adult ICU......SICU or Open Heart is usually considered best......ER will limit your options for where you can apply

If your eally want to do it....why not go to an adult ICU......it would open up the option of going to many more schools.....

Having more experience doesn't make anesthesia easier.......what does a few extra years of the ICU teach you about anesthesia I believe years and years in the ICU is the most over rated thing in CRNA school Most anesthetist are agree that the only thing that teaches you to do anesthesia is learning anesthesia

Study really hard!!!! memorize word lists....memorize all the math rules and practice repeatedly...you can improve your score

Another reason not to tell is because you may need some education like PALS or IABP class....they may be disinclined to send you to a class if they know you won't be around for long

If you are just taking NCLEX.....I'd say keep your mouth shut for a while.....experienced nurses aren't always happy to hear someone who is not done with orientation is looking past their current position....build a rapport with them first No matter what you do it won't stay a secret forever...you'll need references....also on my unit nurses suspect any male that comes there is probably trying to go to anesthesia school......