JadamR15

That is to say, do hospitals typically use more than one travel agency? I ask because I'm currently with one company, but am thinking about putting in paperwork with other companies, just to open myself for better options. I also ask because I'm looking in a particular city, and I'm consistently seeing 1-2 ICU jobs in the city - listed by different companies. I'm starting to think they are actually the same two jobs, and it's not worth it to sign up with other companies. Thoughts? Thanks ahead of time!!

here's my 2 cents: i found the racc program very helpful and a great program - and this is coming from someone who nearly failed out, but righted my ship and ended up with a respectable gpa, and a's for the last two semesters. you'll study like never before, but you learn a great deal from the profs as well - who are actually quite skilled at lecturing. i lost many classmates too - but that was mainly because the students were not used to challenging material. most students who failed out of the rn program were students who barely passed a&p i and ii - not academic stalwarts. also, being right out of hs, many students are immature and expect to keep up the 'party' lifestyle during rn education - which just isn't feasible in any rn program. i still maintain a few relationships with the profs there nearly 10 years later. overall a good experience.

"GuestRN" - you sound bitter. I found the RACC program very helpful and a great program - and this is coming from someone who nearly failed out, but righted my ship and ended up with a respectable GPA, and A's for the last two semesters. You'll study like never before, but you learn a great deal from the profs as well - who are actually quite skilled at lecturing. I lost many classmates too - but that was mainly because the students were not used to challenging material. Most students who failed out of the RN program were students who barely passed A&P I and II - not academic stalwarts. Also, being right out of HS, many students are immature and expect to keep up the 'party' lifestyle during RN education - which just isn't feasible in any RN program. I still maintain a few relationships with the profs there nearly 10 years later. Overall a good experience.

yes, check out mercyships and mexico medical missions Probably not, given the lack of profs for CRNA's Very bright - as education for nurses continues to get better, and as medicine services continue to get more expensive, chances are that APN services like CRNA's will become used more often and they're powers expanded. PM me if you'd like some other sources.

Minority: Hey, I'm half spanish too. No, don't play the race card. All merit. When you're putting someone to sleep and managing their medical complications while in surgery, they won't care much about your skin color :). Learn as much as you can in a high-quality ICU, and take as much science as you can in your undergrad. My 'white' friends think that somehow I've received more cash or something for being PR -- ha!

All - I agree with the above posts. I was in a similar position as you, and I took a MICU, rather than a SICU position. I hindsight, I should have done the SICU. If you can, keep looking for a surgical ICU. If not - take Sleeper's advice - most of your experience is what you make of it, anyway. One note - in my hospital, the CCU is barely 'Critical Care'. Very few really sick patients (and then they get transfered to the ICU, anyway...). And, some Nurse Managers have a habit of overstating acuity. Just a heads up.

Yeah, the above address will work. I did it myself. The BKAT is not supposed to be used for employment, but it is...just call the office, ask what to send to get a copy of the test, and send it.

715..do you mean 71.5%? Yeah..I found the book by Dennison to be very reader un-friendly. Did you pass your exam after her review? I suppose feeling temporarily retarted is OK if you got the credential, eh? :)

Yeah, it's 70% to pass. Thanks man -

If you used the PASS CCRN! CD exam question to practice for your CCRN exam, what scores were you getting? I'm getting 65 - 75%, and I'm worried...Thanks!

If you've used the PASS CCRN! CD to study for your CCRN prior to applying to CRNA school, what scores were you getting on the practice exam? I'm consistently getting 65 - 75%, and I'm worried. Thanks!

Yes, my facility is also feeling the pain of the economy, mainly from a lack of elective procedures, which you know, tend to be lucrative for hospitals and anesthesia dept's alike. What do you think about these Doctorate programs that stress leadership, management, and education. Think it's worth the 30 grand? And to answer your previous question, I love the clinical portion of my job (ICURN now), but believe there's something to be said for quality administration. Thus, I was drawn to DNAP programs that offered training in that area. Whattdya think?

"while there are management positions available in hospitals, they may be the first to go in the eventual healthcare reform" Come now, you must explain that statment!!

Hello! The CAMC (http://www.camcinstitute.org/anesthesia/description.htm) program look quite attractive. Any grads or current students out there who know anything about the program? I live almost 7 hours away from the college, so any help would be appreciated!

Hey, thanks for the heads up on this! This is exactly what I've been looking for!