JenniferCCRN

I have been unnable to reply to my PMs for some reason... but here is some information regarding the VCU interviews (remember that this all happened last year and things might have changed)... By the time I interviewed with them, I had already interviewed and been accepted to two other schools. For this reason, my confidence was high, and I thought that I would give it a shot at the #1 school in the nation. The interviews were more formal than what I had experienced at other schools. Here was my experience... I arrived in the morning about 15 minutes early, and was surprised that two others were already there. As everyone showed up, there was a total of 5 interviewees. They started us off by offering us coffee and muffins, then they showed us a short powerpoint presentation. The presentation consisted of VCU fun facts including their ranking and systematic education. Dr. Fallacaro, the program director, spoke with us for a few minutes and then we toured the simulation lab. I got so excited when I saw it. It was really high tech and cool. After this tour, we went back into our break room, and they called us out one at a time for the interview portion. The interviews were split up into four sections. Each section consisted of 1-2 faculty in a small room asking their set of questions. They were each interested in different aspects. For instance, one interview session was with 2 faculty asking questions about financial and social support systems. Another session asked questions regarding conflict management, etc. Some of the questions that I remember include the following; - why do you want to be a CRNA? - what did you do before being a nurse? - what does your spouse think of you returning to school? - Tell me of a conflict you had with an MD and how did you resolve it? - Tell me of a time when you made a mistake and what did you learn? - tell me of a time when you saved someone's life. - What would your nursing supervisor say about you? - What have you done to prepare yourself for school? - Why should we choose you over other candidates? - How do you plan to manage financially? They asked some pretty basic questions. No really tough clinical questions or medications stuff. I had a list of questions to ask them regarding their clinical sites and educational philosophies. I think it was a good idea to ask these questions because it showed them that I care about the quality of education I receive. We were instructed that the acceptance is based on a scoring system developed by Dr. Hartland, the director of education. All things are put together in a complex formula that calculates you chances of success in the program. These calculations include your GPA, GRE score, #years experience, CCRN, etc. Each section of the interviews also rates you on a scale of 1-10 and these numbers are also included in the calculation. Once your score is determined, you are compared with others within the applicant pool. It was explained to us that each interviewee will be informed of their acceptance or rejection within a couple of months, but if you are clearly in the top percentile, they will offer you a position sooner. Just so you have a reference, here is where I stood as an applicant... Nursing GPA: 3.7, GRE score 1300 with 6.0 AWA, CCRN, 1.5 years CVICU experience, shadowed CRNAs totalling 25 hours. I'm not sure how I scored during the interview process, but it must have been ok since I received a phone call the next day from Dr. Hartland offering me a position. Anyway, I'm sorry that this is so long. I would have loved for someone to have filled me in on all of this stuff before my interview. Jen

I am currently in CRNA school, in my first semester. I have a very young family consisting of me, my husband, three children and another one on the way (due in two months). Before school started, I explored financial options and took out the loans I needed. I did not sign any contracts. I have been able to easily get the money I needed for school. Don't worry about the finances, and my advise is DON'T sign any contracts.

I think that the really important thing is for you to pay attention to what is going on. It is always appropriete to ask "why" when you see something new. My first time shadowing was when I was still in nursing school... I wasn't even working yet. I knew very little about the OR, much less anesthesia. I barely knew how to run an IV. Anyway, it was a really good experience, and I don't think that they will see you as a dummy. Most of the time, you will be admired for putting forth the effort to learn and get familiar with the profession. Probably the most important thing is for you to find out if the profession is what you really want to do (not just because it is good money). Good luck, Jen

I am in the middle of my first semester of CRNA school, and am trying to juggle school, studies, clinicals, finances and family. It is a big job. I must say that I seriously spend well over 60 hours a week dedicated toward school. This is much more than I ever did as a nurse. What makes life even more difficult is that I am currently 7 months pregant with my fourth baby. Although life is difficult and this is a difficult transition for my whole family, the important thing is that we are all in this together. My program is mostly didactic right now, and we will gradually be increasing our clinical hours with each semester. I am actually looking forward to more clinicals and less didactic because I am tired of spending countless hours in the library.

Hi! Yes, I'm at VCU right now enjoying all the wonders of the first semester. It really is a good school, although it is very challenging. What makes school extra difficult for me is that I am 7 months pregnant right now. I'd be happy to fill you in on the interview process and what to expect. Please send a private message. What part of utah are you in? Are you applying anywhere else?

My mom had two babies during medical school and a third the day after graduation. It was hard for her and the kids, but we all did just fine and for the rest of our childhood, we all were blessed. I now have three small babies (ages 5, 4, and 2). I will be attending CRNA school this fall. My mom is a big inspiration to me. If she could do that, I know that I can do this. I think that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. Jennifer

I had a GPA of about 2.8 as a music major 10 years ago. This accounted for about 100 credit hours of poor academic performance. When I went back to school for nursing, my GPA was about 3.8. I worked really hard to make up for my past grades by getting my CCRN, good GRE scores, etc. I have subsequently been accepted to three different CRNA schools and none of them questioned my old grades. I think that I had worked hard to show my current academic abilities and that is what they cared about. Jen

Congratulations SirJazz! That is awesome- it sure sounds like you worked really hard and will be a great student. I look forward to meeting you in a few months!

Thanks Dignout! That is a great summation of the areas and will come in helpful when I fly out this spring to look for housing. It is nice to hear that you still like Richmond after living there for so many years. I'm looking forward to school starting. It will be nice to meet all of you in person. Jen

Adonai, I signed up for the medicinal chemistry course last week. I'm still waiting for my password before I can get started. They told me that it will take a couple of weeks to get it. I'll let you know how it goes. If the chem class goes well, I'll probably sign up for the physiology class later. If I don't like the setup, I'll end up taking a physiology class at my local college. Jen

Hi Adonai, I am so happy that you made it! We should definately keep in touch regarding family housing. I did talk to one guy who is a current student who moved from accross the country with his family. He bought a modest house in Henrico County and said that he loves it there. I checked out Craigslist.com under rentals and I found some 3 bedroom houses for rent between $1100- 1300. There are some houses that are cheaper, but I am a little worried about the neighborhoods. Let me know if you find anything out. Jennifer

Sirjazz, I'm sorry that you didn't make it in. I sent you a PM and I wish you the best in the future. Don't give up. Keep working hard and things will work out. You have a good attitude and that is exactly what you need.

Hi EMRNCRNA, I'll be with you at VCU in August 2008! I'll be moving across the country from Utah and it will be hard to relocate, especially since I'll be moving with my young family (one husband, and four kids ages 6 and under). Do you live in VA now? Jen

Interviewed at Wolford: Accepted- declined offer Interviewed at Excela: Accepted- declined offer Interviewed at Virginia Commonwealth University: Accepted- will start Fall 2008! Jen;)

I took the princeton review online. I did all the lessons and really worked hard on it for about 2 months. I got 1300 combined score and 6.0 AWA. I definately think it's worth it to take a review course. Don't sell yourself short on this one. Jennifer;)