LadyCRNA

I did not use the other practice exams that you mentioned.... The only other practice exams I took were from a Barash Review book and Anesthesia: A comprehensive review by Hall & Chantigian (I used these books mostly for board prep exams we took during our last semester of course work. I am serious when I say, if you go through all of the Valley material; Sweat Book & the Memory Master & understand the concepts AND Morgan & Mikhail (key concepts - all highlighted areas) you will do great! Valley was & is an excellent way to stay organized and focused. I cannot comment on the other material because I did not use it. The actual exam was NOT verbatim from any practice books - it was very similar in content. Which reaffirms my point.... there are only so many ways to ask the same question... so if you know the material and understand it, you will do fine. Nothing is asked with straight answers..... you have to understand concepts to put it all together. For example - they don't just ask, "What pulmonary function decreases in the geriatric patient?" and give a direct answer..... the answer would be more complex such as all of the values (volumes) that equal a capacity. That is just an example of why and how to know your concepts. I hope this helps...... Nagelhout was another book I used for review (although many of the answers were incorrect) it gave a good way to break down catagories and things to focus on. Does that help? Let me know if you have any other questions. Good Luck!

Start with looking up the drug (you don't state the drug so I'm naturally thinking Xanax since that is the most commonly prescribed). Xanax is primarily eliminated via kidneys & diabetics w/ Hypertension commonly develop renal problems. Given that information, you should be able to figure out the rest (ie., labs that best indicate renal function/GFR). Another concept for you to understand is volume of distribution & you can look that up in any pharm book. Good Luck !

I was fortunate to be a "distance" student & the group I trained with was EXCEPTIONAL! My "home base" was in the Detroit area & I had to travel there every semester (plus much more) and when I would return to the "mother ship" I despised almost every second of it.... the mentality of the CRNA's and doctors/ologist were very much like the scenerios described above. I could elaborate but no need - we've all been there and know what it's like (and there will always be CRNA's who justify and claim their "pimping" is NOT hazing to calm their pea brains and own insecurities). I would suggest looking for a group who is looking to hire & perhaps "sponsor" you during your education/training. Of course, you will be obligated to return some years of service BUT if it is the right group - you won't mind signing a contract. They have a vested interest in your education and want you to learn & you get awesome hands on experience! Good Luck to you! Remember, there will always be some form of humiliation during any training.

I have spent the past 3 weeks waiting for my exam results (Certifcation Exam for CRNA's) completely anxiety ridden because I took ALL 170 questions - and certain I failed. I GOOGLEd any and all keywords that would lead me to information that would prove me wrong - that I had not failed & the statistics for "going the distance" and passing . Each time I searched, I would get this site! Much of the information was from 2006 & 2007..... some from 2008. Well...... the waiting is over and I PASSED! So, I figured it was my obligation to help others by sharing some real & updated information:typing. First - the CCNA has changed some aspects of the certification exam. For example; EVERYONE takes a minimum of 100 questions and a maximum of 170 (30 random "pre test" questions still exist - these are questions being tested for future testing) and the way the test are scored/weighted have changed as well. All of this information is in the handbook from the CCNA. So, when you read blogs that say, I only took 90 questions etc... those are old and do not pertain to current testing parameters. Second - FIVE of my classmates took all 170 questions and we all passsed!!! So, I have to believe that the current statistics that estimate approximately 69% of the people who get all questions pass and the remainder fail....is slightly skewed (just my opinion). Several of my classmates answered quetions in the 140, 130 and 115 range and all passed. So the message here? DON'T LISTEN TO THE GUESSES/BLOGS THAT STATE PEOPLE WHO RECEIVED A CERTAIN NUMBER DIDN'T PASS. ALWAYS BET ON YOURSELF!!! Third - I took Valley Review in March of 2007 (graduated in December 2008 & took exam on December 24, 2008) and believe that Valley Review is an EXCELLENT course & is a SUPERB way to keep your studying ORGANIZED and complete. VALLEY is NOT meant to give you answers that will be on the exam RATHER the content of questions that you might encounter and how to give the best educated answer! The course was long BUT the instuctors are EXPERIENCED and know what they are doing. Use VALLEY to do just what is it meant to do... REVIEW the material you should already know. There were many topics that I did not have rock solid in my brain & Valley material helped me to re teach myself several important concepts that were on the exam I STRONLY SUGGEST PURCHASING THE MATERIAL NOW & USE IT TO STUDY FOR YOUR EXAMS THROUGHOUT ANESTHESIA SCHOOL! It should NOT take the place of other text books RATHER supplement the material (especially those concepts you don't understand). Valley material is clear & concise (no I do not work for Valley or get paid by them - I would have been lost without their material and am very grateful they do what they do)! PS - Morgan & Mikhail is a must for board review! Almost anything in "Key Concepts" and in bold were in some shape or form on the exam!!!! Good Luck to all of you making your way through school - it's a long haul! I would be happy to answer any questions or offer support just as people have done for me. Hang in there, study hard BUT take breaks along the way, enjoy this time & and remember to alwasy represent our profession positively