jfishie78

Hey guys, Don't worry so much about being registered and having everything ready for the summer. I remember feeling that way too last year and frustrated right around this time that it wasn't done. You'll get all the information you need to register soon, and as for text books, I don't want to give you any wrong information on which ones to buy, but I do remember it was last minute as well (like the week before school or maybe even the week classes started). Get your financial aid squared away first because that may take the longest to process, apply for your parking permit (which can be mailed to you), and get a laptop if you don't already have one-you'll be connected at the hip to it your first year! And please enjoy the rest of your summer-it's the last free one you'll have!!!

I don't have enough posts on this site to PM people back, so I'll answer some of your questions so everyone can read them too. I'm not sure if your schedules will be the same as mine was because the program is being revamped, but we had a pretty good schedule the first semester. Tuesdays and Thursdays were one class each day from 4-6 or 7pm. Mondays were our long days from 10-6 straight. Wednesdays we had a morning class from 10-12 and an afternoon class from 4-6pm. Fridays we had off, and the 3 day weekends were spent catching up on all the work we had to do! The classes we took were pathophysiology, research, an APN role class, pharmacology, and an anesthesia class focusing primarily on the chemistry and physics of anesthesia as well as learning about the machine. You guys will be reading and teaching yourself the majority of what you'll learn, so you need to be self-disciplined and find yourself some allies in your class that will help pull you through the difficult concepts. I don't think I would've made it through without the help of my 3 close friends I made who are in the program! A lot of the classes you've taken as undergrads and might seem like an easy review, but you really need to stay on top of what's going on as the semester moves very fast! I was out of school for 5 years and it took me about 2 weeks to get into "school mode" again. Just let me know before the semester starts what books you guys need to buy, if they're the same then I have no problem letting you guys use them. In the meantime, don't stress about it now-believe me, enjoy yourself!! A lot of what you need to know you won't find out until right before classes start. I remember wanting to start the program right when I found out I got accepted, but once you're in the middle of your first semester stressed and tired you'll wish you had more time for yourself. Right now get your finances together, apply for financial aid, and have fun! See you soon:)

Hey guys! I'm Julie and I'm a first year UB student in the program. I've tried to post a few times unsuccessfully and so I'm hoping this one will! First of all congratulations on getting into the program-not an easy feat by far! There are a few must-haves to get before starting the program: first is a reliable laptop, a good printer, and lots of printer ink and paper as you will be printing out all your own power point lectures for each class! The first semester was a lot of work, mostly done outside of class. I think I spent around $450-500 on used books. You will have a general orientation to the school and how to use the blackboard internet site a few days before class starts, the anesthesia orientation will be done during class time. I tried working during the semester per-diem and that didn't last long. A few of my classmates are working one day a week or so, it all depends on how much stress you'd like to put yourself under! Other than that, enjoy the time you have left-take a small vacation, see family and friends, try to pay off bills and save money if you can because all those things are very hard to do once the semester is underway! If you have any questions please feel free to PM me, otherwise I'll see you all in the fall! It's a very exciting time for you guys and I'm sure you'll love UB:)

Lindsey, Amherst is nice and close to the school. I currently live by the zoo and the delaware park in the city which is really nice and about a 5 minute drive to campus. It really all depends on where you want to live, elmwood village and allentown is nice and the "trendy" part of Buffalo. Rent can be really cheap and a lot of places offer heat with the rent so living alone is totally do-able. Let me know what you find and I can find out if that is a good or bad neighborhood, especially in the city. I personally wouldn't want to have a roommate after living alone all that time and possibly dealing with any drama when you are going to be so busy. Try looking on craigslist-there are a ton of places posted. And yes, you definitely want a car while here, unless you want to walk or wait for the bus in 8 feet of snow and subzero temps that Buffalo is famous for! Are you planning on working per-diem at all up here? I think I might try working a few weekends here and there but I'm not really sure. I don't know what to expect with this program or how challenging it will be. Keep me posted!

Mike, I'd be happy to help answer any questions you guys may have. In general, they look closely at undergrad GPA and especially your grades in core science classes. Also, having the CCRN certification helps greatly. I'm terrible at standardized tests and opted not to take the GRE's but if her GPA is low that may help. Before the interview get your face and name out there, attend open houses the school hosts and get to the anesthesia department to talk with the instructors. Tell her to apply as early as she can as well so she can get an early interview. The interview itself is 45-60 minutes in length and you review core critical care concepts. I don't know if they asked everyone the same questions or if they tailor it to your own experience. I've worked in trauma, cardiothoracic, neuro, medical, and surgical ICU's so I was hammered with questions about hemodynamics (know your SVO2 monitoring), ABG and rhythm strip analysis. If your girlfiend has only worked in one type of unit they may ask her questions regarding pts she would be familiar with only, but definitely be ready for anything. I've worked in critical care for 5 years and I felt pretty prepared for the interview. Ask intelligent questions and arrive to the interview in a killer power suit with your lucky pear necklace and bracelet from Tiffany's (well that's what I did but maybe she doesn't like pearls, in that case then whatever she feels confident in ) Smile and be herself! They're really nice there so don't be intimidated. Good luck to your both:up:

Lindsey, I was beginning to think I was the only one out there! Congratulations to you as well, there was definitely some fierce competition this year! Yes I'm still in complete shock and a little nervous at what I've gotten myself into Are you familiar with the Buffalo area at all? I moved here a year ago and have been working as a travel nurse until school starts. Buffalo's a fun little city, especially since the weather's getting nicer and it's very easy to navigate. Let me know what your plans are! It's awesome to hear from you:D

Gkanwa, I was notified about 3 weeks after I received the waiting list letter by mail that I was invited into the program and it was the longest 3 weeks ever! So I know how you must feel. That's awesome that at least you have a back-up plan by being accepted into another program, you have to do what's best for you. Good luck in your decision!

Gkanwa, I was also put on the wait list before being invited and I know people who were called 2 weeks before the program started to begin classes so you never know. Good luck and keep me posted!

Hi my name is Julie. I'm beginning UB's CRNA program in the Fall of 09. Anyone else out there?