FlyGuyRN

I just got my acceptance letter to University of Maryland School of Nursing's CRNA program. Finally!! Start fall of 2008.

University of Maryland at Baltimore school of nursing is changing it's CRNA program from Masters to a DNP program starting 9/07. The program goes from the current 28 months to 36 months full time.

Hello, I graduated from University of Maryland SON, in 2002. I'm now trying to get into their CRNA program. It would be great if someone just starting a program would be able to keep an online journal here online...just day to day details of life as a crna student. I know that those students have zero free time, but this could work as a support group for the student and prostpective student. thanks, Chris

Hi, I'm in the same boat. I graduated from UMAB with a 2.98 gpa. I met with the director of the CRNA program at UMAB to get advice for becoming more competitive for the program. He advised taking a "course work only" class that is in the CRNA program. Masters level pharmacology was his suggestion. Thats my plan. Hopefully an A will put me up to the 3.0 required for application.

Thats a tough one. I think there is enough "free money" out there from Pell Grants and scholarships that could cover a large portion of academic costs. I would borrow the rest from the govt. low interest loans, don't have to start paying until 6 months after you drop below full time. New grads are making pretty good money. If your disciplined enough you could pay back the loans fairly quickly. Also many hospitals will offer you some sort of tuition reimbursement programs if you agree to work for them for a certain period of time, usually 1,2, or three years. Others offer a "retention" bonus every six months depending on how much you work. I think my last one was about $450.00. Also, most hospitals offer a few thousand dollars sign on bonus. I recieved $3,000 for a one year commitment. I wish I had taken more advantage of all the "free money" offered for scholarships. Many of them are based on need, others grades, others require a short but intelligent essay. My point is there are many ways to pay for tuition. I think you should pick the place where you REALLY want to go, in your heart. You will have alot of fun and fond memories after you graduate from nursing school. As for the program, it doesn't matter as long as you learn, pass the NCLEX and can put the title RN after your name. I always advise people to get their AA degree simply because it's usually the fastest way to become an RN. Then you can decide on where you want to go for your BSN, Masters, or PhD. Lastly, I wish there was a spellcheck on this forum.

Don't know if this will help but... I used a cheap Littman during nursing school and shortly after I graduated. I thought it worked fine. I recieved a Master Classic as a gift. I couldn't believe the incredible difference in sound quality. That stethoscope was stolen (by a pt..at that). When I started to use my original Littman again I couldn't hear anything, I really mean nothing! It was like using a toy. After shopping around I decided to purchase the Master Cardiology. I absolutely love it. It is expensive but it's an investment. Just yesterday I had a pt that had never been told he had a heart murmur, I was the first one to hear it and tell him. I had a doc come into verify for me because I could hear the murmur over every valve, which apparently is common. For me it's validation that I have good assessment skills. My best advice is to get your name imprinted/engraved and never put it down because it will end up missing. I know that was a long one and I didn't address the ultrascope but I have no experience with that stethoscope. If your interested I found my stethoscope on allheart.com They have an "all black" edition that is very sharp. The entire thing is black..diaphram, tube, nech things, ear pieces etc. I just got home from work and I'm babbling. Hope you find some help in this mess, and sorry about my spelling.

I work in a crazy busy E.R. One night I pick up a chart, and walk out to the waiting room to call my next patient without really looking at anything more than the chief complaint- "lady partsl Bleeding." The name was written Gynahurtz, Myva. So here I am like a stooge yelling for MYVA,,,,, Myva Gynahurtz. There were atleast 3 other nurses, a couple techs and 1 police officer all rolling on the foor laughing. They got me good!