rncam

I would try everything possible to make it happen. Student loans, private loans, parent loans,whatever it takes. It will be a sacrifice but within two and a half years it can be the answer to your financial difficulties.

It is best to determine the schools you are interested in and then contact them. I was in a NICU and transferred to and Adult ICU to become more competitve.

I don't think you should say anything. Your plans may change down the road. Some ICU staffers really resent putting the time in to orienting ne ICU nurses knowing they are planning to leave. I kept my long term plans to myself until it was a done deal.

I had over a year of NICU but changed to adult ICU and was accepted within 6 months after changing.

They asked heavy clinical questions, drugs, receptors, vents. family questions-support etc, ethical questions. Written test had gases, swans, etc. They interviewed about 55 people for 28 to 30 spots. There were 3 people in the interview- PD, Assist PD, and one other faculty member. They also had current students there in another room to answer any questions prior to your interview. They interviewed applicants one day a week over several weeks. There was not a tour. Got there visited with about 8 students, took the test, I was second in line, interviewed, spoke briefly to the students again and then left.

Don't tell. Not everyone will be excited for you and can make things difficult. I did not have a reference from my clinical manager, used CRNA's and professors, I start in Jan 09.

Go don't wait. You will be on even ground with all the other students. you may not ever get the opportunity again. It's like having kids there is never a perfect time. GO FOR IT!

Wow, I can relate X 100! Patience.........I have been a nurse for 15 years.....4 kids, lots of obstacles, 3 interviews and now I have been accepted to a program to start in January. Sometimes things don't happen in the time frame that we expect them to. Be persistent and continue to pursue your dream. The process to getting there is incredibly challenging and takes time.

Did you get interviews and did you get in any of the schools?

How did the interviews go? Did you get an offer from Western Carolina? How did the interviews compare?

Where did you interview?

Never heard of one

I work at an Eye surgery center, with all CRNA's> They do not get paid hourly. They bill for the case just like the MD. There are 5 in their practice and they cover several surgery centers. They do general and conscious sedation. They do use propofol, versed, fentanyl, whatever they deem is appropriate for the patient. Hope this helps.

Do you know anyone that has interviewed there? What the interview is like, questions, etc? I know on e CRNA that graduated from there but it has been quite a few years ago.

Congratulations on graduating! The GRE is good for five years from the time you take it. As far as when to take the GRE, if you have to get your ICU experience then you don't have to rush. I took the Kaplan review course and it was well worth it, a little pricey but I would definitely advise going that route. Most schools require a minimun of 1000, but the higher our score the better. Most schools want current ICU experience and it has been my experience from the schools where I am applying that PACU, OR, ER, does not count. Flight nursing usually requires several years of ICU experience or ER experience because you are the critical care nurse on board. You also need to shadow a CRNA several times. It is good if you can get to know a few and then get one to write a recommendation for you. They like to know that you have actually seen what a CRNA does. Get your ACLS and PALS prior to applying and that will be one less thing to do. Work on putting together a really good resume.