Bugpie

MissChiatia, I would like to applaud you for sharing this with us. I still consider myself a "new" nurse (less than 4 years) but I am very mature in LIFE-experiences. I have been blessed with many who share my committment to compassionate patient care AND yet I have, and continue to be, haunted and taunted by those (younger and older with more and/or less experience and/or knowledge) who (I feel) feel threatened by my genuine spirit, strong work ethic and empathetic care for ALL of my patients. I refuse to compromise my standards. I try to care for those coming in behind me. I treasure those who continue to support and mentor my efforts despite what others "think" of me. Everyone needs to remember that if we don't take care of each other - who will? Blessings to all!

Thank you for sharing your insight. I feel I must agree - and I look forward to becoming a part of the process as a member of the ANA and my state NA. I do hope that others will join - I know many nurses whose wisdom and expertise are invaluable to me - taking leadership positions can only benefit all those who seek to participate in shaping the future of nursing. Have a blessed day!

OP, I agree when others suggest that you shadow - just to get some initial exposure. If MA school takes 1-2 years - I would suggest getting your CNA license and then a PT or PRN job, possibly in a local hospital. This will give you exposure, experience, and opportunities. Contact your local community colleges and inquire about an Associates in Nursing program (2-yr degree). While you wait to start clinicals (most have waiting lists) (qualify by testing if you can), you can work on general ed classes and sciences/labs. These alone are a big commitment of your time. You want to have everything done by the time you start clinicals - they are an even BIGGER committment of your time. But remember, each class broadens your knowledge and experience. Then, later, you can apply to a 4-yr university to get your last year in an RN-to-BSN program. Education for nurses never ends! Best wishes!

:Melody: :Melody: :Melody: That was music to my ears. Hope it becomes contagious! :)

Same here!

I'm using Saunders as my review guide. Hoping to take the test as soon as I get my ATT. Will let you know how things turn out!

:balloons: Congrats! Sounds awesome! I would be on cloud 9! :balloons: Can you fill us in on how things went? Or give us advice on being a good candidate in the future? Anything, something! Please! LA

I can relate to this. When I had my PPT after I delivered my last child, the CRNA recognized my anxiety when they wheeled me in the OR - I was totally overwhelmed and started crying - couldn't even speak - they thought that I was having second thoughts. She gave me some more Versed and I was out - no more fear. I remember being in PACU with all the monitors on and sitting straight up on the stretcher and hugging her neck. It's comforting to know that there are opportunities to follow-up with some of the patients afterwards. I have some patients that I will never forget. Thank you for your input and best wishes in all you do!

So true! It pains ME to see someone in agony. Working in PACU, I've seen all kinds of responses as you can imagine. Sleep works wonders too, especially with the children.

First - please forgive me if this is a naive question. Yes, I do plan to shadow in this area (and others). As a CRNA, when you finish a case - do you ever feel the same satisfaction of caring as you (possibly) did when you were in (ICU/other) bedside nursing? Do you feel you have adequate time to learn enough about the patient to make an impact on their needs and care? Or do you feel that due to OR schedules/billing issues that you are limited to providing a service and moving on to the next case? I LOVE to learn (and finally getting my chance later in life)! I find myself driven to pursue an advanced practice degree (if it's meant to be). I have completed 1/2 of my BSN. I work in PACU as a SNT. I love helping patients. But I also see how busy the CRNAs are and can't help but wonder about the source of their job satisfaction. Sometimes I'm afraid I'll wake up and find out that no matter what degree you pursue - there's never enough time to "care" for the patient and it's "only a job." Please share your experiences with me!

I hope your leadership becomes infectious! Cool, clear thinking should be addictive. Have a great day!

I just had to laugh when I read this! If you had kept going straight - you would have run over me! :chuckle I live half way between Pelion and Wagener - equidistance from Columbia, Lexington, Organgeburg, Aiken. Going to MTC right now. Could have gone to USC Cola or Aiken but I like Tech - just wish their waiting list was a bit shorter. I'm sorry to hear that you've been through some challenges with funding. Many of us have been there. Have you applied for a Federal Grant? Have you applied for scholarships with the hospitals? Remember - where there's a will - there's a way. Glad to finally be a part of the group! I applied to Palmetto Health for a part-time weekend job as a Nurse Tech/Unit Secretary. My husband was offered a teaching job and had to take a pay cut, so we could really use the extra income (we have four children). Pray that they call me for an interview! Angie

I'm sure that the OP agrees when I say that those were very encouraging replies. Thank you! We newbies really do look to the seasoned SRNAs/CRNAs for wisdom and encouragement. I have completed "half" of my BSN - all of the non-nursing courses and hope to begin clinicals in January (on a long waiting list). After I finish my ADN - I plan to apply for the RN-BSN program (different school). If it's in the Lord's plans, then I should be able to apply for the Master's program in about 4 years. Sounds like a long way off - but I went back to school when my third child was 7 months old and she's 4 now - so time flies! Bless wishes! Laura

Take heart! Don't give up! If you know how to improve your results - could you take it again? At the SOM near where I live - this is what is listed in their admission requirements: 3. Satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Exam General Test taken within five years of applying. The average GRE score for admitted students was 476 verbal and 545 quantitative for the class of 2006 and 475 verbal and 607 quantitative for the class of 2005. Maybe speak with a mentor - they may have some advice.

I can't repeat what my husband says about ours :imbar !