mnurse13

Jessica, I wouldn't worry too much about it. It sounds like your stats are fine and if you've been studying for the CCRN, then you should do well on the ICU/nursing part of the test. If you want to study, maybe go to your library and see if there is a general review book. But really, don't stress about it.

the class wasn't hard, but of course it takes some time. It's much better to take it in head start, because it lightens your load for that semester.

yes, you may register for research. I strongly suggest taking your chemistry pre-req over the summer, so that you can take the head start chem in the fall. (any chemistry will do, just take it at your local community college). It is very difficult to take chemistry in the spring with all your other classes. It's doable, but exhausting. And not everyone passes chemistry as it is. Good Luck!

canchaser - that sounds so nice, I hope your med/spa is a success! wtbcrna - the advice was wonderful, thank you! I am still laughing about the tape. It is so true! I cannot wait to try it on a jr trainee! Can I come train w/ you??? IceGuy - you seem to want to know what kind of effort you need to put into school to be successful. Here is my typical day: 4:30 - wake -up (I live 45min from my hospital, sucks) 5:45 - in the OR, prepping my room 6:30-6:45 - in pre-op, evaluating my patient 7:15 - whenever the cases are done, usually around 1700-1730 - in the OR. Drive home - listen to lecture that I recorded, try not to drive off the road (jk) 1800 - eat dinner, kiss my family 1900 - 2200 - study 2200 - bed This is every day, I take Friday nights off for family time. I study 12-14 hours/day on Sat and Sun.

Hi, I always did well in school, graduated w/ honors, did great on the GRE without really trying, etc. Everyone told me that CRNA was sooo hard. I thought, "OK, I can do hard." I am finishing my first year and I alternate between wishing I would flunk out so that I never have to go back to clinical to just minor depression. I have nearly all A's, I get good clinical feedback. It is just exhausting. Clinicals are harder than didatic. You are constantly being quized, like someone else said. You have a patient who is paralyzed and anestitized and dependent on you, because the surgeon sure does not give a crap about hemodynamics as long as the patient is still and not bleeding (because, oh yes, that is your fault). You get blamed for everything, I could go on. Like the previous post, one preceptor tells you to ALWAYS do it this way, then the next day, you get what is WRONG with you, NEVER do it that way. I am too far into debt to quit now, I only pray that when I graduate I find a job w/ decent cohorts. I am also 33 and have a family. Although my younger class mates are varying on clinical depression w/ me, I think the course load is a little easier to bear for them. I wonder all the time why I did not choose to do advance practice dermatology. Working at a med spa doing laser abrasion sounds pretty sweet right now. (And I should be studying for pharm right now, but I don't even care any more, so I spend 20 minutes typing this out for you) So in summary - CRNA class work is fine. I'm getting A's. Clinical is a whole different story!

Hi ShandsburnCRNA, I tried to PM you. Any advice for me? I'm starting semester 3 and feeling a bit overwhelmed. My grades and clinical feedback are fine, but would appreciate any helpful tips.

hi all, I'm in the program now, at Tampa. Don't worry about the campus, you will never be there. It's not really a campus, just some classrooms in a little office strip, near TPA. Just go to class, than home. And when It comes time for clinical, it's hospital, class, home. But mostly hospital. Remember, this program is heavy clinical. No, really, just pick a spot to live where you like, the hospitals are all spread out, so a central location in Tampa would be fine. Good Luck!!!!

I'm sure! Thanks.

thanks, I was thinking about looking into that

Hi, I just received my book list for CRNA school starting Jan. (yeah!) There are about 15 texts required for the program, and then 20 or so more recommended. I was just wondering if any students or grads out there had a favorite text. Basic Principles of Anesthesia and Pharmacology had the most choices. Of course, funds are limited. Thanks!

the head start program is just to lighten your load during the program. It also gets you used the computer and distance thing.

I think (not for sure) that they stagger the classes, not all of them go on at the same time.

No, I haven't registered yet. Trying to keep the money in my bank account as long as possible. I'm just going to take chem. I heard that if you take prof aspects during the program, they condense it into two weeks and it's not as painful as taking it over a whole semester. Plus, I'm still working full time and overtime....

not yet, still waiting..... Did you register for fall classes yet?

same, just the fasfa. I'll look more into the grants and loans, etc. during our "break". I was thinking about getting a pathophys book and start reviewing that. Good luck tomorrow! I just printed our article to critique.