InTheBlood

Dallas, in general, isn't very CRNA-friendly with the exception of Parkland. However, you'll work your butt off at PMH. Methodist can be brutal for new grads, not too sure about Baylor.

The lesser-known group in Austin....not currently hiring CRNAs though. http://www.aagonline.com/

I had the same problem with Wesleyan taking so long, but as soon as I found out I got in at TCU I ended that. Someone mentioned the staff that was the core of the TWU program for so long is now at TCU. The fact that TCU is a new program is a little misleading because there's so much experience leading the program. I'll tell you one thing, possibly the single best asset the TCU program has is the Assistant to the Director. She's nothing short of amazing and really, really takes care of the students. She makes our lives SO much easier. Anyway, just my $.02.

Sounds like you're in a tough spot, but you can do it. Here's some advice, take it for what it's worth. Try to downsize as much as you can and be prepared to be extremely tight during school. You can take out huge amounts of $$$ for school, I took out about $60,000 for the first 2 semesters! My theory is you do what you have to because this is truly a life-changing opportunity. If you have to go into debt $150,000 or more, so what. You just do it, and after you're making the big bucks you can pay off your debt. Also, make it a point to visit your ex in your new Lexus/Mercedez/Hummer/Escalade/Corvette/etc. after you're out of school and on top of things and let him know what he's missing. :chuckle Another tip for you that I think is a great deal: check into the graduate housing on campus. These spots fill up pretty fast, but they're a great, great deal. The cost is very good (can't remember the exact #s) and I think all utilities (including cable) are included. Plus, you're literally 1 block away from your new home--the Bass bldg. These apartments are only a couple of years old and very nice. Also, they're wired for wireless internet, which means if you have a laptop, then you can get connected anywhere in the apartment without being physically connected to a phone jack. It's very cool; FYI the Bass bldg. is also capable of wireless internet. I wish you all the luck; you'll be fine. Actually getting accepted is half the battle, hang in there. PM me if you have any questions.

This is an interesting topic. You know I conducted a little informal poll in my unit, and I'm not sure of the reliability. It seems that females GENERALLY dislike sputum/suctioning/etc. more than males and that males GENERALLY dislike cleaning s..t more than females do. Just an interesting tidbit from within my unit. Nothing really bothers me anymore. I'm famous for saying, "I would wipe someone's *** with one hand while eating a sandwich with the other".:rotfl:

ZERO extra where I work!!!!

The men generally have more soreness in their backs!

The men generally have more soreness in their backs!

I currently live in Grand Prairie, but will move a little closer (to an apt.) this month. Getting excited.

I actually called the computer help desk and they told me that the building is Wi-Fi compatible. You just have to register your MAC # from your device with TCU. There's a whole web page that explains in detail. Look under the Information Commons link from the TCU home page for more info. I'll be getting a Palm Tungsten C very soon. See you in August.

I must admit the money is one of the primary reasons for me going the CRNA route. In fact, I said that in my interview. There are a LOT of people I know with the same rationale for becoming CRNAs. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to improve your/your family's lifestyle. I think some people like to sit up on their high horse and bark at & criticize other people. Don't let it bother you Andrea. You do what's best for you; just make sure that a career in nurse anesthesia is something you'll enjoy for the rest of your life. It's widely said that if you're miserable at work, no amount of money makes it worthwhile (not that I TOTALLY agree with that). All that said, almost everyone I know loves being a CRNA. If this is what you want to do, FULL STEAM AHEAD. Start working hard now. Don't let the negativity bring you down. The only way to find things out is to ask questions, keep doing so...

I work in Dallas at a large hospital. I'm PRN and get $30/hr. You don't get any benefits as PRN, I'm on my wife's insurance. If your husband is going back to school, not sure if this is an option for you. You could buy your own insurance. That's what I would do if my wife was going back to school. I made over $100k last year, but I did work a lot of overtime. Also work nights, so the night differential helps. Many new grads find themselves working nights whether they want to or not.

Just my 2 cents. You CAN make a lot of money being a nurse. I made $107K last year, but I did work quite a bit.....probably averaged somewhere around 52-54 hours/week. I'm PRN, and I work nights so my night diff. helps some. That said, I'm starting CRNA school in August so that I can make much more money and not work as much and less physically demanding. It's very easy to get burned out working as much as I have the last 2 years since I got out of nursing school. I still think nursing is a great field to get into. Just be careful not to work too hard.

See you soon Maggie and other TCU goers!!!!

I'm going to buy a Palm, but was looking for some info. I know in my interview they mentioned that the Annie Richardson Bass Building was now "wireless". Does this mean that Wi-Fi is supported. I'm thinking of the Tungsten C, which has Wi-Fi capabilities. I thought it would be cool to be able to get online through my PDA at any time during class, during breaks, etc. Just not sure how the whole Wi-Fi thing works or even if this is what they meant when they said "wireless". Also looking at the T3, but it doesn't have Wi-Fi (has Bluetooth instead). I'm new to PDAs and any info. is greatly appreciated.