rubin777

Just want to get something of my chest. We are our own worst enemies (As in RNs). Why do we constantly put/hold our own down. Why cant we just help out all those eager students out. I have read every reply from this post and am sick of all the negativity. Why can't everyone just take a deep breath and be nice. Furthermore, one can succeed with only one year experience. If you have 1 year at the start of the program then thats enough. Some of my best classmates have one year and are amazing. I just turned 25 yrs and only had 1 year at start. I currently have a 4.0 GPA and am doing well in clinicals. Oh ya and I am not a braniac either. I only had a 3.0 undergrad. I just work really hard and come to class/hospitals excited and eager to learn, just like I did when I started in the ICU. By the way John Nagelhout(the yoda of nurse anesthesia) only had 1 year of exp. when he started and it was a lot harder back then, didn't have all the adv. in healthcare and tech we do today. Please dont be a "hater". lets encourage those who want to succeed and be adv. practice RNs, they are the future of our profession.

I am currently a first year SRNA in the KPSA program. I moved to Pasadena when the program started earlier this August with my wife. I personally think its worth living in Pasadena. Its a great place to live with lots of fun stuff to do. I currently live right across the street from the school and I believe its worth every penny, especially your first semester. You will be in the lecture hall all day five days a week. But its your choice. After the first semester it really doesn't matter because you will drive all over southern california. For example, my first rotation is currently in san diego , I am there three days a week and the school funds the hotel and free food at the cafeteria at the hospital(not a bad deal). If you need any help please feel free to contact me. Try www.craigslist.com. Plus if you're single there is a "KPSA HOUSE" were some of the class stays(about 5) and people are always moving in and out. the letter should be arriving at the end of feb. or early march.

hey guys- I am 24 and applied when I was 23. my friend in the program applied when he was 22 and started when he was 23. we are both the youngest, with the average age in the 30s. I believe the age of most crnas is in the 30s mainly because of mature nature of ICU/ER nursing and the maturity it takes to start crna school. most of my friends who are my age still haven't graduated from college. also, most RNs are female and a lot end up having children and decided to attend crna school after a couple of years of taking care of their kids. just my thoughts.

Hey guys. Currently attending Kaisers program. Everything is going great. Currently in my second semester. Clinicals have been awesome but frusturating at the same time. However, this truely is one of the best decisons I have ever made. My favorite meal and beverage after a hard test is Amstel and Papa Jonhs pizza! Best of luck.

Ken- Sounds like you have some good choices. If your goal is to go straight into critical care, go for it. I personally think its better to go directly into critical care. If you completed 1 year at the level III and then transfered to the level I then you would be that much ahead of the game. But it all depends on what you want. As soon as you start critical care you can start applying to programs. You just need to have 1 year of critical care experience to apply before the programs starts at most schools. Just applying helps you get your "foot in the door", even if you don't get in the first try. Getting familiar with the application process and interviewing is an experience all in it self. If your goal is to become a CRNA go for it. Furthermore, the 3 year contract is peanuts. If you get into CRNA school earlier than anticipated and have to pay some extra cash to break the contract it's well worth it. Just my thoughts.

Brandon-I'll be starting this August and currently live in Huntington Beach. I love it here but after a couple of drives to Pasadena I decided to move there this July before school starts up. It was such a difficult drive the my wife is even switching hospitals to help save some time during the days. The total driving time to and from if living in Huntington Beach each day prob. totals 2 1/2 hours. Just some thoughts. If you need help finding some place to live don't hesitate to email me, I've driven to pasadena and went apart. hunting there already. M.R.

Guys I'm not studying 8 hours a day or even close. I just like to open up the books for a while here and there, you know when you're on the toilet or your shift is running a little slow... I do have a life and plan on taking full advantage of my 4 months of freedom before school starts. Just wanted to know stuff to brush up on. But thanks for the input and good luck to all.

Thanks for the tip.

Hey guys, I'll be starting school this next August and have been doing a little studying on the side. I have been reading Lange and Stoeling & Miller. I was wondering if these are the basics for CRNA school and if so what chapters would one recommend to concentrate on the next couple of months leading up to school. If other books would benefit me more please list each. I appreciate any responses. Thanks in advance.

Thought I would share my stats. 7 months experience in CCU, small community hospital. Overall GPA 3.1, Nursing GPA 3.0. No advanced classes. Just standard nursing school sciences (Chem 1, A&P 1,2, Bio 1). Have numerous Cs and even failed O&B Lecture and took it over and received a B, the F was still on records. As for the GRE, was not a need at the school I applied to. I applied to 1 school and got in. I have been reading this site for over 3 years and this is the first time I have posted and will not be the last. Just wanted to say that I have read a lot of emails over these past years about peoples grades and whether or not a memeber thinks they will "get in or not". Every applicant has something to bring to the school they apply to. The difference is finding that special part of yourself and sharing that area with the school you apply to. If every person had 5 years exp., 3.8 GPA and perfect GRE scores then it would basically be a random pick of SRNAs. I believe it's the personality that matters not so much the grades. I am just an average 24 year old guy who happens to love nursing and more importantly life. I wanted each and every person who reviewed my application to unerstand that. The schools like students who are going to fit it and work their A$$ off in the OR and in the lecture room. Schools want fun and interesting students to teach not boring people. Furthermore, I would hope that each school just wants you to be you and nothing more. Well I just wanted to share my thoughts. Thanks for reading and good luck to all current and soon to be SRNAs.

hey guys-first time long time. i will be graduating in 2 mnths and will be getting in a icu or ccu. i have experience as a nurse extern in a level 1 sticu, but don't know 1/4 of what the rn know. I was wondering what your thoughts are of me getting in any crna school. gpa is 3.06 / gre 900. i recieved a f for maternity.mother baby class but redid it and recieved a b. i played college soccer up to my junor year and was a bit of a jock. i refocused my priorities but feel i shot myself in the foot already. is it possible to apply with standings such as these and get in a school 1-2 years after icu/ccu experience? thanks guys. mike rubin777 is online now Forward Message Reply With Quote

hey guys-first time long time. i will be graduating in 2 mnths and will be getting in a icu or ccu. i have experience as a nurse extern in a level 1 sticu, but don't know 1/4 of what the rn know. I was wondering what your thoughts are of me getting in any crna school. gpa is 3.06 / gre 900. i recieved a f for maternity.mother baby class but redid it and recieved a b. i played college soccer up to my junor year and was a bit of a jock. i refocused my priorities but feel i shot myself in the foot already. is it possible to apply with standings such as these and get in a school 1-2 years after icu/ccu experience? thanks guys. mike rubin777 is online now Forward Message Reply With Quote