CVICU05

Yes I got in 2009 and graduate this December. The school definitely meets my expectations. Our graduates avg. over 900 cases (550 cases is the required amount) by graduation so we get great experience while in school. As for cons- every school has them and I can't think of one that stands out from other schools. The first year is hard, but we are an integrated program and start clinical the second week. Some programs have front loaded programs meaning they do one full year of didactic before stepping foot in the clinical site. I looked specifically for integrated programs when applying just because I'm a visual learner and it has worked out great for me. The interview is hard- mostly clinical questions, pharmacology, ICU questions that pertain to your specialty. Hope this helps

Is there anyone else out there that applied to Gooding Institute of Nurse Anesthesia in Panama City? Anyone out there know much about the program? I applied and waiting to hear if I got an interview letter or not. Any info. or responses would be appreciated!

I sent you my email address JP 2011

How can some people be accepted when others have not interviewed yet? My interview is not until next week. I wish I knew how their process worked....

How many are they interviewing and how soon will they let people know if they got in or not?

I got my letter too!!! Nov. 21st! I wonder how many they are interviewing...

I'm still waiting as well....

I am interviewing at Raleigh on Dec. 10th!

Okay, so I have been using the PASS CCRN! book to start studying and it is so much info. it tends to bogg me down. Do most of you that have taken it already find it more helpful to just do question after question on the DVD and Laura Gasparis books or do you suggest going through the PASS CCRN book page by page? I don't want to waste my time and I take it Nov. 12th Help!!!

I work in the CVICU at Piedmont and love it! We are also starting our heart transplant program in 2009 so it will be a great place for experience. St. Joes and Emory are great places for this particular area as well.

KidsICU, I think your question is a very valid one.

yes that is expected, but the things you have listed is basic critical care knowledge; calculating A-a gradients and memorizing pressor receptors is something every solid critical care nurse should know already. Don't be surprised if they ask you a question and you have no idea what they are talking about.

I have asked the same question to people who have actually had many of these interviews where the interviewer asks really tough questions and from what I have been told, they do that sometimes just to see how you handle it. They sometimes ask questions one would never know unless you have taken anesthesia courses and the best thing to say is "I don't know the answer to that question, but I will make sure to look that up or find out the answer while in your program." The worst thing to do is try to make it up or guess! If you are going to make up answers in an interview to impress them, what would you be inclined to do in a clinical situation when dealing with a real patient? They don't expect you to know everything before you have taken an anesthesia class. Good luck!

Super Sleeper, Have you heard how many applicants there were this year? Maybe you could find out...

I would start shadowing a crna because many times schools want a reference from a crna. The tricky part is finding one, so you might have to ask around the hospital you are planning on working. Also, I would be very selective about who you tell in your ICU what your "true future plans" are. Many times, older nurses are resentful towards young nurses that come in to an ICU with one goal: to get your year in and leave to go back to school. Some schools also want references from a Doctor you work closely with, co-worker, former nursing school instructor, and sometimes a charge nurse. All schools have different requirements.

I live in atlanta and one of my friends here got his acceptance letter to USC as well! Congrats everyone!

Yes I have heard of it; it is a seventh day adventist based program and they do incorporate a few religious classes in the cirriculum. I thought about applying there but I decided against it because I read that if you receive an acceptance letter you must pay a non-refundable $3,500 deposit to hold your spot, which goes towards your first semester's tuition. Personally, there are a couple of other programs that would be in a more convenient location for me so I decided not to apply there.

I have been a nise for two years and I recelty applied to UTC in Chattanooga; the deadline was August 1st. Does anyone have any insight into how many people they usually interview and when the interview dates are? If anyone knows any scoop about UTC, please post some info.! I've heard the inteviews are pretty gruelling!

Thanks for all the advice and help everyone!!! Wish me luck

Are the Laura Gasparis DVDs re-usable after you they are watched? They are expensive DVDs. The price is $150!

My gpa is a 3.08 but my grades in my undergrad chem classes were B+ and an A. I have the minimum gpa but at least the CCRN would show my current knowledge. Unfortunately, my first 2 nursing school semesters was what lead to my lower gpa but I can't go back and re-take those classes. How much would a 3 hour chem class bring up gpa anyway? I just feel stuck! What do I do?

I want to be a CRNA as well but after having a few years of experience under my belt, I have realized there are many RNs who are interested but they don't always follow through. Applying to CRNA school is much more work than it seems and cost is often an issue as well. I have gotten to where I don't believe people are serious about the profession unless they physically submit applications or at least shadow a CRNA to see what the job is really like. Just a thought:p

I am applying to several CRNA programs right now and have a borderline GPA. Some schools say take CCRN and some say take Organic Chemistry. What does everyone else think gives you an applicant a better chance?