medic7577

No worries Mike...I hope I didn't come across as defensive my post, just being humble and giving credit where credit is due. You are right though, I wouldn't take anything for my military and pre-hospital experience. But, there is definitely much great stuff to learn in a good ICU that you just don't get anywhere else...I just enjoyed the other stuff way better. I am one of those who also believes in good ER experience too. But, I ain't trying to start another debate on the issue. Seems like you got your act together too (except for the GRE...haha! - sorry, couldn't resist), you got some jam up experience tho. Good Luck! later, griff

I have been fortunate in my career to be in the right place at the right times with the right people there to guide, teach, reprimand, put their foot in my ass, and mentor me along the way. And, I am determined SOB too! later, griff

Use the search function and google for some other nurse anesthesia websites. There is lots of info out there. You have to do your due diligence and research it. It will take time; everyone's situation is unique - grades, experience, personality, interviewing skills, GRE score, etc. If you take the time to digest the info, you can make better decisions regarding your particular situation. The other question you have to answer for yourself is, "why do you want to be a CRNA?" You figure that out and thru your own research, you will be on your way. later, griff

Heed the advice you received from the anesthesia programs - especially if that is where you plan to apply (which I assumed). I actually have thought that PACU experience was something I would have enjoyed too. Never came close to it other than transporting a few straight out of surgery to another facility (helicopter EMS), but it seemed like it would have been great experience. Good luck in your journey, take your time - it's a marathon, not a race. later, griff

I guess I was lucky too. The ICU I worked in...everybody supported me (even the manager). There were 3 of us looking to anesthesia school (unfortunately I was the only one that got accepted) and 3 others actually going to NP school (mostly online). Additionally, there was one getting her MSN to become an educator (at which she will be wonderful) and many others in flux...plans on furthering their education in some way. I actually worked more in the ER, and they were more than happy for me, manager too (sad to see me go - not for my skills...ha!, but for having to work in a new member or being short for awhile - I understood that). I also was working flight EMS (part-time at that point - it was/is my 1st true passion) and they were really happy for me. There is a stigma with being accepted (or just wanting to go to anesthesia school) no doubt in many places/units. Some are jealous, some feel that maybe you just used them (the ICU) as a stepping stone (which you did), some don't like the turnover (training new folks), and some just don't want to believe that somebody else may be smarter than them or have more drive and determination than they do - whichever is the case. It really doesn't matter. If this is what you want to do...go for it. Don't worry about what they say or think. Yes, you may get crappy assignments, but who cares? Keep your eye on the prize. I worked ER full-time before starting school (I loved it - most of the time). When we were having a really bad night in the ER - multiple psych pts or an overflow of frequent fliers - I would just think about starting anesthesia school. The ends justifies the means - maybe not the best analogy, but all I can come up with at the moment. As my former 1st Sergeant used to say - "Drive on soldier, drive on!" Good Luck! later, griff

I have been informed not to place links in my posts. Kinda wondering how all these other folks seem be able to do it. ?????

They do have the autonomy - it's called independent practice, and no, the surgeon is not liable for the CRNAs actions...the CRNA is. There are plenty of places in America where CRNAs are practicing independently and autonomously. CRNAs can practice independently in all 50 states. That's part of the beauty of the profession, one can choose what type of practice environment they want to work in - independent, supervised, medically directed, and/or ACT. Obviously there are many variations on the theme, but the choice is there. I don't think it's unfair that an anesthesiologists makes an average of 2-3 times what a CRNA makes. Society rewards physicians for their long term commitment to education. CRNAs are reimbursed the level that society deems appropriate and based on the complexity and potential dangers of anesthesia. It's a fair wage no doubt. Go shadow an someone performing anesthesia and attempt to appreciate the the complexity and potential dangers and how that gets managed with (most of the time) multiple co-morbidities. Anesthesia looks easy because the nurses and physicians (and AA's) are really good at what they are doing, but there is not much easy about it. To add to that, anesthesia school is no "cake-walk" either...just sayin'. I also don't think any CRNAs are out looking for any particular "prestige" and I am not sure of these "other benefits" that you mentioned. The primary concern is that nurse anesthetists want to be able to practice to their defined scope of practice without having their practice rights restricted, and there just happens to be some physicians that find that threatening. One last thing, nurses didn't start anesthesia (can't remember who posted that, or something to that extent). Nurses were selected and trained to provide anesthesia (back in the late 1800's) because there was no money (reimbursement) in it (unless the surgeon was feeling generous) and other physicians did not care about learning a specialty that they could not get paid for. When anesthesia became eligible for reimbursement, physicians again took interest - they invented a "new" term called anesthesiology. And, yes, they did much to advance the science and technology of anesthesia that we enjoy today. Do they have more medical training - yes. Is all of it applicable to delivering anesthesia - lots of debate (on both sides about that one). There is no doubt that anesthesiologists have excellent training, knowledge, and skills which can (and are) invaluable in many circumstances, but don't underestimate the knowlege and expertise of CRNAs either. And, yes, I am aware that everyone has come across a bad CRNA, they are out there - same goes for anesthesiologists (and every other specialty, profession, field, etc.) Bottom line - CRNAs have a defined scope of practice, and they just want to be allowed to practice within that scope how they choose - everyone else does. When another group attempts to restrict that practice, CRNAs fight back. The defense of nurse anesthesia over the past century has helped pave the way for advanced practice nursing that we see today. We stand on the shoulders of giants...please remember that. later, griff

Well, I was just trying to help 1980 out by putting them in touch with someone that I know for sure is in that program since he/she had not gotten a response as of yet. 1980, the link in my above post is not the link that I put in my original response...it was changed somehow, but since I apparently cannot put links in my posts, google nurse anesthesia and hopefully you can find the link I was referring to in the original version of my initial post, you'll know it when you see it. There you can get in touch with a current SRNA at Samford and hopefully get the information you are seeking. Good Luck! griff

I just re-read your post and realized that you have already applied and interviewed. Missed that last night in my haste...sorry. You should be able to find a program that will accept your experience, although some do state that applicants must have full-time ICU exp (1 year). But, worst case scenario (it seems) is that you have to work ICU full time for a while...it will be worth it if anesthesia is what you want to do. later, griff

If you check out http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org, you'll should be able to make some contacts and find out more info. I do know that there is at least one student there. Sounds like an excellent program. later, griff EDITED: Please don't include web site links. Thanks. traumarus

Hey Jacob, I come from just about the same background as yourself...13 years EMS: 10 flight (last 5 as RN/EMT-P). I started out as a medic in '98 and just progressed up thru flight and RN. It is hard to give up EMS! I have been there, I know it's tough. I got accepted while working full time flight and ER and part-time ICU. It sucked working those hours sometimes (100/wk), but I paid off all my debt and didn't have to give up the valuable experience. No doubt, I learned a ton in ICU. Stuff that I never considered before, but I don't think I'll ever replace the love of EMS...just can't hardly match it anywhere else. Go ahead and apply. Your experience will show on the app and to the adcom. Mine did, (military exp too). I am sure you have already researched plenty of schools. Some will accept ER exp, but I think you've got (or will have) enough ICU exp. If you get accepted, you will at first be amazed at the difference in experience b/t yourself and your classmates, but remember, they are all smart or they wouldn't be there (depending of the program, of course), but it will eventually even out to a point. But, your practical/clinical skills and experience will come in handy, trust me. I think you would make a strong candidate as long as you are dedicated to becoming a nurse-anesthetist. It ain't easy, you don't realize what you don't know right now. It is amazing the things I have learned and reflected back to my days on the helo or rig and thought, "damn, I wish I would have known that back then!". Good Luck! later, griff

I used that website also (number2.com). Also used GRE for Dummies, Complete Idiot's Guide to the GRE, and a Kaplan review book. As mentioned before, focus on your weakest area. You can make larger improvements in your math score more quickly. Study that stuff and have it down cold (the way the review books show you). The verbal is the most difficult to improve you score in (memorizing words just takes lots of time). You may be better served learning a few tricks for dealing with the verbal questions that trying to memorize tons of vocabulary (it helped me get a 1280). Good luck!

That will all depend on you as a person and clinician, as well as your school and how well it prepares you. Also, it will depend on the makeup of the practice you enter (whether or not there is someone there to mentor you - whether CRNA or MDA). I know its not a very good answer, but it is the answer I was given by a very well respected and very pro CRNA anesthesiologist about 4 days ago when I asked the same question. Good Luck!! griff

Ummm...you circle yes. They are going to do a pretty good background check on you anyway, so they will most likely find out. The point is, there is no reason to lie. You have already been accepted, why even entertain the thought of screwing that up. And, as another poster stated, they will see it as if you are willing to lie now, what else will you or have you already lied about???? I understand how you feel. I got a DUI many years ago and have had to put it on every app since (nursing school, anesthesia school, and job apps). Makes you feel like crap to have to do it, but you have to own up to your mistakes and be accountable. You will be fine. Circle yes and get on with it! later, griff