uabrn06

Thank you!! I'm glad to know there may be some clinical questions...that's a big help. If I get in my preference would be Birmingham for clinicals--have a good friend with a basement apartment I can have for little to no rent. Thanks again!

It can definitely be difficult at times...a lot of the families will stay out of the way and let you do your job. But there are those that over react when the IV pump beeps or there's a flashing number on the monitor, or they don't feel that you're giving their family member the attention they need. They don't always realize there are a lot of other pts on the unit much sicker than their person whose on room air and able to sit up and talk to us. But, it's a great unit as far as getting experience with really acute patients. So...for the time being I can handle it

Could anyone in CV tell me which BP is more accurate...arterial line or NIBP. I work in a neuro ICU and many of our really sick pts have arterial lines, but we generally go by the NIBP. I've asked some of the veteran nurses and they say that the art lines can be unreliable because they can be very positional. But if the RTF is accurate wouldn't the line be the better choice? Thanks!!

probably a silly question...does overtime count towards the 1750 hours required prior to taking the exam? I have been a RN since Feb this year, and working a lot of extra shifts. I would like to take the test the end of this year, if possible...just don't know if I'll be eligible. :)

probably a silly question...does overtime count towards the 1750 hours required prior to taking the exam? I have been a RN since Feb this year, and working a lot of extra shifts. I would like to take the test the end of this year, if possible...just don't know if I'll be eligible. :)

Congratulations!! I'll be applying to UAB for next year...any advice/tips about the interview?? Congrats again!!:)

I am applying to UAB's CRNA program for fall '08. I would appreciate any advice/insight from current or previous UAB students. I got my BSN from UAB, and really want to go back for CRNA. I'm mostly concerned with the interview...an advisor told me I have a competitive GPA and I scored well on the MAT; so I think the interview is going to be critical as to whether or not I'm accepted. What kind of questions do they ask and what answers are they looking for? What do they like to see in the essay? Thanks!!

How funny is that?? I've been here since since Feb. working nights...can't handle some of the, we'll call them "strong" personalities on the day shift--you probably remember exactly what I'm talking about.

Hello all, I have been accepted to an acute care NP/RNFA program at UAB, scheduled to begin classes this fall (a few weeks!). I chose this program because I've always wanted to work in an OR, and it sounds like fun to be able to assist during surgery and follow pts pre-/post-op. I know I'm way ahead of myself, but I've been doing job searches just to get an idea of what may be available to me upon graduating. I'm a little discouraged... partially because I don't see many listings describing what I should be capable of doing after completing this program (most are listed as PA jobs), and also I've been told by some former OR nurses in my unit that the RNFAs don't really get to do all that much--I do work in a teaching hospital with lots of residents, so this doesn't really surprise me. I am considering applying to CRNA school, which is what I originally wanted to do, long ago, when I first thought of becoming a nurse. I do enjoy working with/titrating drips--other than this I'm not sure what being a CRNA entails (other than placing lines, intubating, etc). I think I had talked myself out of going for this because there are not any CRNA programs close to my home (I'm married and it is not possible for us to move due to my husband's job, other things)...I live about 1.5 hrs away from UAB, which I've always thought may be too far of a commute for the intensity of the program. Nevertheless, lately I've decided that I would be willing to attempt the commute, or move by myself to do this if it's what I really want to do. So, after all that, my questions are these: 1. What could I expect to earn as a ACNP/RNFA? If I'm going to do this, I would like it to be financially worthwhile (meaning more that I am currently making working 4 nights/week) 2. Are there really that many surgeons who employ this type of APRN? 3. Do RNFAs go into private practice? How does that work? 4. Other that what I listed above, what do CRNAs do? Pre-post-op responsibilities? I will greatly appreciate any and all advice offered!

I can't say specifically, but I got my BSN from UAB and actually met some Samford SRNAs while observing in the OR...so, I would assume you will use many if not all of the hospitals in the Bham area; some of which include University Hospital, St Vincent's (I would say these two are the biggest hospitals, with UAB being a level I trauma); then there are many others: Carraway Methodist, Brookwood, Medical Center East, and I know there are more that I don't know the names of (not a Bham resident). Maybe google for Birmingham hospitals...that will give you a pretty good idea. :)

What gave me away? When did you leave EUH? We just opened a new 20 bed unit in Feb...very family centered care with family "suites" attached to the pt's room. I've just been through my first July of new residents...neurosurg is fine, but it's made me appreciate the neurology docs we had. Where are you transfering to - a new hospital or just a new unit?

I absolutely agree that the patients are more critical in teaching hospitals...we get patients flown in from the entire southeast (I'm in Atlanta). I don't know what it is, and I could be absolutely wrong with that assumption :). Going into an ICU, I had a 12 week orientation which consisted of EKG classes, a month long critical care class, neuro classes, and working with a preceptor on the unit. So they definitely gave us new grads a good foundation (I think) and maybe not the sickest pts for the first few weeks after orientation. :)

I also got a job in an ICU right out of school in a teaching hospital - which I think may be more willing to hire new grads for the ICU. I graduated from a school with a hospital, and they were also hiring new grads for acute/critical care. Other non-teaching facilities were not willing to hire me directly into the ICU without going through a long "internship" and making long commitments to them. Hope this helps!