Businessman

What exactly happened at Valley review ?

SN mommy, You should definitely dig into this very deeply. We are changing breathing circuits after each patient to avoid spreading the "triggers" for MH. That being said, every single CRNA will be exposed at least once to agents that are considered triggers - b/c your first priority is the patient, and you will let that anesthetic on inadvertently ... On the bright side, you can work as a CRNA in Endo where they rarely use agents that trigger MH. But to get there, you have to go through the OR, where you will encounter them ...

Oldsalt, With experience, all your concerns will be addressed. If you're looking for a "perfect formula" that will tell you what MAC should be used on a pt based on his age, ASA, history, etc, ... there is none. That's why CRNA training is so intense and the pay is so high, b/c YOU are the one making the right decision about MAC. :monkeydance: It's a high wire act. "It takes ability to reach the top, but it takes character to stay there."

http://www.nchinc.com/faq-structure.htm#ccorp This is a good link to give you the lowdown on the main differences between various legal entities. Rule of thumb: you'll need to make 20-25% more as an 1099, to break even. Also, ask yourself: are you detail-oriented? Will you be able to do the accounting yourself? Keep up with the new changes in accounting every year? The main advantage of 1099 is to deduct as much as possible: car, gas, dinners, other purchases as well. If you answered yes to all the questions, than go with 1099. You'll make a lot more money. :monkeydance:

Some schools may not require it, but the boards requirements are the same. The more you know, the better prepared you'll be. The basis of any pathophys book is biochemistry. I am a Wolford student, and some of my classmates cried their hearts out after the first Chem test ... Even thought getting in is easier in some places, staying in is just as hard... :) Businessman

I'll try to simplify the concepts: Always use the int'l units of measure (kg and liters). If you're using mL, then you should be using grams. Q: How many miligrams of Lido are found in 40 mL of a 1% solution? A: 0.4 grams 1% solution => 1 gram of Lido for every 100 mL of solution. Q: A pt has an order for 200 mL of a 2% Lido solution. How many mgs of lido are contained in this order? A: 4000 mgs. 2% solution => 2 gms for each 100 mL => 4 gms for 200 mL. The problems asks for mgs. 4 gms = 4000 mgs. Q: You have 2 mL of Epi 1:10,000. How many miligrams of Epi are contained in this solution? A: 0.2 mgs. 1:10000 = there's 1 gram of epi for each 10,000 mL of solution. In 2 mL you'll have 2/10,000 grams, or 0.0002 grams. The problem asks for miligrams, so you multiply the grams by 1,000. Good luck. Any more questions, give me a holler. I'm an ex-engineer... Look on the web for more problems. I say I have to make no mistakes with such problems, at 2:00 am, after 5 beers... that's how important I think it is. A digit mistake means serious complications with my patient.

Just be yourself. The interviewing committee is very friendly. No outrageous clinical questions. Good luck

From a professional point of view, you should be fine, as the school prepares you to work on your own in most situations. When it comes to choosing a place to work, other criteria might have some weight: - culture of the group - hours of work (coverage) - types of cases (mostly OB, mostly peds, mostly hearts, etc) Working along MDA's can be a very different experience, depending on the MDA's: if they want to be at intubation and extubation 100% of time, it shows a desire to control the CRNA's most of the time. Other MDA's will just tell you to go in and call them if you need help with something ... Good luck

Maybe in Canada the physicians' lobby is too strong. It's a pity, as all Canadians are overpaying because of it...

I am fortunate to have saved some money, but if you count on GI bill entirely, be prepared for delays. Start looking at private education loans (there was a thread with a ton of info). They will be with higher interest, but better to get started now than later. Good luck

In health care, as in many other fields, the market drives change. NHS will go towards CRNA's, simply because they are a cheaper alternative to anesthesiologists. The long track record of the US CRNA's will have opened the path for UK CRNA's, even if initially the role would resemble that of an AA. I can only hope that more European countries will embrace this concept.

You're right - USC does not have a anesthesiology residency program. I was thinking of MUSC in Charleston ... In my case, though, having applied to 4 other schools and having seen all 4 open and communicative, makes USC look not interested. If I were a dir. of adm., I would be fighting for the best candidates ...

USC was one of the schools I've applied to, but I'm very dissapointed by them so far. I've called twice to make sure they've received all the materials, and the lady on the other end was very bored and uncaring. (maybe it's b/c I'm from PA). The other 4 schools I've applied had a totally enthusiastic and helpful attitude. I have 4 interviews offered, all before the application deadline. The fact that the hospital has an Anesthesiology residency did not push it to the top of my list, either. Good luck

As one who has a business degree, I can tell you that things are not that clear cut. 1099 positions are for people who better know how to maximize the tax deductions, without raising flags with the IRS. After talking to a CPA who does tax returns for small business owners, you have to take into consideration the cost of living in your area. Also, how much is worth to you the lack of call. Proximity to family/friends is another issue. Do you like the group that offered this position? All these intangibles matter. For me, money is not the only deciding factor. If all you care is net income at the end of the year, talk first with a CPA, and you'll have a number.

Dismissing a program outright for being slow in communication, it's a bit of a knee-jerk reaction. This time of the year it's graduation time for BS and MSN. Ask "Vinnysca" about the program - he's a student there. If I were in your shoes, I'd assume that I'm not their first choice - they're waiting to see if the ones offered a spot accept or not. If there are spots left, you'll be offered one, sometime... If you need a faster answer, focus on the other schools. Good luck