K38s

ep71, Keep in mind that CRNA's have fought long and hard to maintain their level of practice. They have been attacked on just about every conceivable angle to have their practice restricted. So when AA's enter the picture under the guise of "anesthesia shortage relief" it is no wonder that this is met with some sceptisism by the CRNA community. Ask yourself this question. How do AA's help the anesthesia shortage in rural America (where the shortage really exsists) if no MDA is going to go there to supervise them? If they don't help the shortage what purpose do they serve?

Hmmmm. Doesn't Medicare reimburse CRNA and MDA at the same rate? I wonder how the ASA feels about Bobby making the claim that AA practice on the same level as Anesthesiologists?

I'm feelin your pain arkgolfer. I'm in my second semester as well. My advise......shoot the dog!!! Just kidding, good luck!

BS Psych Anything is possible if you are motivated and willing to sacrafice. Who knows why you got a 2.4 in your undergrad, and who cares? There are pleanty of people who do not put forth their best effort in their undergraduate studies, go back, patch up the holes and do fine. Bottom line, you have to really want it to go the distance. CRNA school is with out question the most difficult thing I have ever attempted. The stress of clinicals alone is enough to send anyone with less than iron resolve packing. Only you can know if you want it bad enough. If you do, start by taking your pre-reqs. for nursing school and OWN them. That should give you a slight taste of what is to come. If you take enough science/bio corses and nail them you will get in. Trauma Tom, Hartsbur and Mister Arnold have given some valuble advise. Good Luck figuring out what is the right fit for you. K38s

I had two years cvicu experience at a large teaching facility when I got accepted to a CRNA program. I know a bunch of people who got in after 2-3 years and a few people who got in after one year.

Hey traumacrna, Your numbers, for the most part, look better than mine did and I got accepted to Samuel Merrit last year. If the applicant pool is similar and you stick the interview, I'd say you stand a good chance of getting the nod. Good luck!

I worked with an NP who put a load of chest tubes in our thorasic patients. I know paramedics are trained to do needle thoracostomies and I believe flight nurses insert chest tubes as well. So, does anyone out there know if CRNA's are trained to manage the possible complications that can arise with line insertion?