pilateschick7

I begin my program in Jan 09 and have just completed 2 core courses. Stats and Theory for my program. During orientation one of the most often heard comments from current students (after DONT GET BEHIND) was that taking any core courses early would really help, as time is at a premium. It also really helped me get in the habit of studying after several years away from academia. hope this helps

I went to Union's Accelerated program for students with BS in another discipline. They also have a 14 month program for students with quite a few credits but lacking an official degree (B.S.). Feel free to PM me.

Has anyone had experience with the Live Scribe pen for your program? It has special paper and a digital recorder in the pen itself. It looks really useful. I just have no taken the plunge yet-rather pricey.

I completed an 11 month accelerated BSN as a second career, I realized that a Geology degree was not employable. I definitely was not able to work during my program other then externing. You can work as a nurse extern in a NICU prior to graduation. However, I would really recommend asking the Nurse Manager (at the NICU where your nephew was a patient) if you can shadow a day shift and a night shift proir to commiting a program. You will most likely be required to work night shift after graduation, this can me a really hard adjustment from a previous career in daylight hours. There is definite flexibility within the field of nursing, however 12 hour shifts can be really hard on your body. It is pretty rare to find an ICU doing 8 hour shifts anymore. Feel free to PM me

To take grad level courses at another university you inform the school that you want to take courses as "non-degree seeking" "to get your feet wet" this is pretty common at the Universities in my city. There are usually a couple spots available in core courses at the grad level such as theory and research, even if the university operates on a Cohort program. However, (credit wise) the patho almost never transfers into your CRNA program. theory and research might. Lightening your load is really smart. hope this helps

I totally understand your position. I applied prior to my "ideal window" to get an interview experience at my dream school and got in! Several friends in my unit recommended I take the opportunity because "life" has a tendency to get in the way...kids, sick parents, marriage. I begin my program this winter. You will qualify for Grad Plus and Alternative loans to help with your living expenses. You might want to make an excel spreadsheet to help you see the big picture. You will have more debt when you graduate however, your will have a much bigger shovel to pay the debt off (Dave Ramsey) The admissions committee would not have accepted you if they did not feel you were capable. Call the PD and ask if you can contact more students currently in the program to get their perspective. Hope this helps

Congratulations! Call your school's financial aid department, someone there should specialize in graduate programs. I would apply for the FAFSA now, you can do so online. You can begin applying for alternative loans 3 months prior to needing the money. You can apply earlier to see if (and how much) you can qualify for on your own. The interest rate might not be pretty without a cosigner. There are free sites online that will help you make a budget. Good Luck

I have heard good things about the Kaplan in class GRE prep course. It is pricy (aprox $1000) however they cover alot of standardized test taking skills. The Kaplan books worked well for me but I think the class would have been a better investment for my learning style. Have you thought about taking the CCRN? Hope this helps

I would look into cross-training and picking up a shift in the CV ICU one a week or as needed by the CV unit. (My background is neuro ICU also) Have you considered getting your CCRN? This will help you be a more well rounded applicant. I found that with some study time (focused on CV) You also might want to look into the CNRN. Hope this helps

I consitered taking a similar course thru Vanderbilt University in Nashville. I decided to take several core courses like theory and grad level stats this fall instead. The nursing department offers Advanced physiologic and pathophysiologic foundations of acute care. I spoke with the professor and he seemed very approachable. The course is held in high regard by a nearby CRNA program MTSA. The tuition is rather steep, however it could be a good option for you. The University of New England offers a online Biochem course however I don't know much about it. I think it is undergrad level. Good Luck, hope this helps

I would definitely go after the CCRN first. It seemed to hold more weight in my interviews then any coursework. The CCRN shows the "next level" of independent thought (or so I have been told) and shows that you test well and can self motivate towards a goal. I went to Barbra Pope's review seminar offered by a local AACN chapter and it was well worth it. You could talk with the program director where you are applying. Typically they will review your transcripts and help point you in the right direction. If they are not helpful I would be a little nervous about applying to the program. Unless they were incredibly busy with upcoming interviews they should have time to give you some feedback. You might want to look at Barry University's online Transitions to Anesthesia. It is totally online, graduate level and provides a review of chemistry and physics and other topics. Hope this helps..Good Luck

I would definitely look at an accelerated BSN for people with a previous BA or BS. Your MBA would make you a more competitive candidate. You would finish faster then at an AD, have a BSN and start gaining experience and a paycheck much sooner. I attended a program with 1 MBA 2 psych majors and lots of other backgrounds. You might find that this type of program is tailored to your learning style. The wait for AD programs is often a turn off. Good Luck

I really love Dansko clogs. They run 80-100 dollars but mine lasted me for 4 years. I own 3 pairs. Your posture is much better and they have a little heel so I get some height. I also invested in MBT's they are very pricey but even better for your posture and back. However, my husband thinks they are but ugly. PM me for an online store I used with good prices. (I dont think I can list it on all nurses.)

I would really look into getting an apartment for the first portion of your program. I cannot imagine trying to read all the required material with that kind of commute. You can get loans for the apartment. Good luck

I would definitely take the CCRN it really seems to help "complete the package" in the eyes of many programs. Pass CCRN has some simple charts to memorize regarding ventilator settings and alterations. This was a challenge for me because RT at my teaching hospital has a fit if we touch the vents. I went to a review by Barbra Pope that was invaluable. She gives her review at Trends in April every year. Have you shadowed yet? Often CRNA's will give their perspective on the interview portion while you are working with them. The applicant pool is different every year. Next year you will be even more prepared. Good Luck,

I am using Statistics Informed Decisions Using Data 2nd ED By Michael Sullivan. Thanks so much for the websites. I am literally about to pull my hair out.

I am currently taking an undergraduate statistics course in a 9wk format meeting 2 days a week. As a resident math phobic I am doing all the homework twice, studying like crazy and using cliff notes and statistics for the utterly confused. I still don't feel prepared. The grading scale is not helping my anxiety. 95-100 is an A. 85-95 is a B you get the picture, its not pretty. There is no math lab for free tutoring at my school. Does anyone know of a good free online resource for stats? I am website that came with my textbook. Thanks Girl in a math panic

CONGRATULATIONS! Has the shock worn off yet? I received a call prior to my letter a few weeks ago. Are you from the area? It would be nice to know someone prior to January. You can pm me if you don't want people in your Kool-aid. I met with the financial aid office and you are expected to get an alternative loan or pay out of pocket for the winter term. (the federal gov. won't recognize that term for aid purposes)

I attended an accelerated BSN for people with BS in another field. I would definitely shadow an RN for a couple of days (Both medsurg and ICU) and then a CRNA. Nursing school is not a cake walk and would really be a miserable detour if it is not a true fit for you. Your clinical experience would be an eye opener- google fecal management system. In some areas you have to jump many hoops just to get a position in an ICU. Also in a accelerated BSN you cannot work- loans, loans, loans. A coworker has stated that there is a certain stigma when an RN applies to medical school. At least in his case at local medical schools. Good luck with your decision

The cost of living is much lower in GA, you will love it. Traffic is not good on the expressway. Mercer University in Macon Ga. is a wonderful program with friendly staff. I took a review course there this summer. My sister lives in Rome Ga, a really nice area not a horrible commute to Atlanta. I don't know about salary.

Definitely go to your doctor or dentist. If you are as broke as I was in Nsg school try a local dental school. Students do cleanings and other dentist stuff at low prices with real dentists supervising and tell them your issue. The internet has a list of dental schools just like for nursing schools. hope this helps

When are emails and letters supposed to go out regarding decisions? Sort of missed that point. Thanks

I'm not in a program yet but I know its nice to get some support. I have been advised to definitely take the CCRN. This makes you a well rounded applicant. The test is not that bad (and I'm no CV nurse) Laura Vonfrolio has great tapes available. Look on Ebay. Also Barbra Pope from Philly is even better. She only has lectures you attend, no tapes. Barbra Pope has a deal at Trends in Philly every April where you take her 3 day review and sit for the test on day 4. (pencil and paper) My hospital will let you cross train in CV due to short staffing. They don't give you fresh hearts but you get swan exposure. See if your CV is friendly to this idea. I'm taking a grad level stats class this summer. Hope this helps You may want to take the GRE because 2 programs I spoke with stated that GPA's have become inflated and they need another deciding factor. I work 2-11 dog tired, hope this helps

I am having a difficult time determining what the anesthesia care team involves (at least at my hospital in Memphis). I have shadowed several CRNA's. I have never seen the anesthesiologist alter the plan of care for the patient or sign off on the plan officially. Could this be a behind the scenes portion that I have missed? I have been allowed to sit in on the pre-op anesthesia conference. I have looked online AANA and the Tennessee chapter for specifics without results. I have not directly approached the staff with this question as I really think I should know this! Thanks so much for any help...

During the interview I was informed letters would go out the first week in April.