sydn35

I actually started the review course last nite but all we did was take a diagnostic test. Really need to brush up on the quantitative, but I already knew that and hopefully the classroom instruction will help. I'll keep you posted.

Hi traumaguy8, sounds like you have a lot of work to do before applying to school. I know exactly how that feels because I do to. I am not only working towards getting my critical care experience but I also am taking a GRE prep course and plan on taking a graduate Biology course in the spring since I've been out of school so long. I noticed you are from Alabama. Do you plan on applying to any schools there? Also, where did your friend get in with only 7 mos experience? That for me is encouraging because if someone with only 7 mos total experience can get in then maybe there is hope for me. What area is he working in? Well, good luck with everything and I would love to keep in touch and hear about your progress. I plan to apply for the 2012 class. What about you?

Thanks so much for your response!! It is also encouraging to know that other people view PACU as critical care, because a lot of people do not. In our PACU it is very busy and we not only have ICU hold overs sometimes but we also have patients on vents, we initiate/titrate various drips, manage airways, extubate etc. We also have to go to ICU to recover patients that go directly back to ICU after surgery. Hopefully in addition to all my other experience I will have a fighting chance to get in.

Babs0512, You stated that some PACU nurses have gone to anesthesia school? Did these nurses have ICU experience as well or only PACU? I ask because I am applying to anesthesia school next year but I do not have ICU experience.

Congrats:yeah:to all of you who were accepted to the University of South Carolina. I hope to apply there next year and was just curious about how the interview process went? Do they ask alot of clinical/hemodynamic questions?

LackeyRN, Yes, I am referring to the classroom course. It is 9 weeks every Wed from 6-830 pm. I know alot of people feel that it is not worth the money but you have to do what works best for you and I feel classroom instruction would be most beneficial. I am pleased to know that someone else is taking the course. I hope it helps you!!. Keep me posted. sydn35

I plan on taking the same course in September and would love to know how it goes for you after you complete the course and take the exam. I have been out of school for a long time as well and just feel that I need the classroom instruction and structure to help me succeed. Good luck and keep me posted!!

I noticed you stated that you did not have ICU experience and was curious what your work experience was and were you accepted.

Congrats to all of you who received interviews!! I hope to apply to USC-Columbia next year for the 2012 class and have talked to some students currently in the program. From what I understand the interview process involves approximately 8 people, and most questions are personality related. I think they really try to get a feel for who you are as an individual and I was told that they dont ask clinical questions at all but I'm not sure how accurate that is. If you have any science grades lower than a B they will ask about that. I think they also ask about family support, financial stability etc. And of course why you want to be a CRNA. Hope this helps and hopefully someone who has actually interviewed can verify or add to this.

Thanks for the reply. By NICU I mean Neonatal.

Just wondering if there were any current SRNA or graduates from anesthesia schools who had only PACU, ED, or NICU experience. I have been looking at different schools across the US and some accept experience in those areas. If you are one of those people how is it going and do you feel that you were not prepared for the program as opposed to someone who worked ICU?