PutToSleep!

I would love to have a casual get together before we all get down to the nitty gritty. I'm coming from Wisconsin so my transition will not be as far as some of you but like everyone, I'm looking forward to it and getting started! Can't wait to meet everyone!! :)

I'm in too!!!! Woohoo! :) So excited! Can't wait to meet everyone. Congrats to those in and don't give up to those who made the alternate list!

I don't think you have to stay at any place for a year. Why not look for another job if your so disatisfied? It wouldn't hurt to try. Remember attitude is everything. Try to stay positive and people will see you are doing your best even though you maybe new. Don't play the poor me card or I think it can put a target on your back. Find a mentor on your unit, someone you trust and who is someone that you can confide in and will support you. Thats the best advice I can think of with not knowing specifics about your situation and why you were written up. Hang in there. We have all been there. Things do get easier with experience. Promise :)

I trip in crocs too! LOL. I really learned to pick up my feet or they get me everytime! I have never tried the danskos but have been thinking about it. I know the people I work with that wear them swear by them saying they are the best shoes out there. Now that i have trained myself to walk in my crocs (which I think are comfy) I have a hard time switching. I like that the crocs have holes and keep my feet cool. I feel like Danskos would cause sweaty hot feet. Or am I wrong?

The test was challenging. Either I knew it or didn't. They didn't ask me about current topics but your interview could be different than mine. From what I understand there are different students and faculty that participate at different times. My interview consisted of 2 people besides me and the one before me conisted of 6 people. Good luck tomorrow!! Do stress too much! :) I'm looking forward to hearing how it goes!

Is anyone from the Pittsburg/Greensburg/Latrobe area?? Any others from out of state? My husband and I will be moving from Wisconsin and am wondering if anyone has any suggestions on areas to live and good places to find jobs in the Automotive industry? I have more anxiety about the move, finding a place to live and more specifically finding him a job! I'm thinking the Greensburg area? Any advice would be greatly appreciated and I'm sure others from out of state will appreciate it too!

Rave, The questions during the interview are layed back and getting to know you such as tell me about yourself, tell me how you prepared for school, strengths, weaknesses... and so on. You won't have any clinical questions during the interview because that is saved for the exam. Sorry I won't say any questions from the test in order to be fair to everyone. The interview is not bad so remember just to relax and be yoursef! Know why you want to be a CRNA! :) Good luck, it's right around the corner!!

Thanks LNeonurse! I did retake my general chemistry and A&P this past summer and received As. That was the only thing they did mention in regards to my grades/transcript and said that was "really good and would help a lot" (with school). So I definitely recommend it to me more competitive and make sure you get an A! Good luck!

Congrats RealNurse419!! Good luck in your interview!

Beam8: Thanks! If I remember right they said that traveling to clinical rotations is up to 3 hrs away (I think). As I understood it your not required to stay (unless on call) they do give you free room/board at the facility while your there for the week or whatever the case may be. I know other prgrams I looked into also required traveling up to 3+ hours away as well so they are not out of the oridinary. As far as the CCRN significance, I am CCRN certified and I'm sure it helps make you more competative. If your application is good and you interview well I don't think they would deny you just because you don't have it. Good Luck! I wish there were some current students on here because they could answer questions way better than I can. I'm only making an educated guess based on the hour I was there and info from the web, lol :) daillpnut: Thank you! As far as what they favor most.... I have no idea. The interview was mostly about getting to know me. No comments on my grades, certs, GPA or how many years I was experienced. I know they had all that information so I'm sure they do take that into consideration with the process. Sorry I don't feel like I'm much help but hope the little bit I know is useful. :) Good luck and get your application in early! You can always add your transcript to it when your done with your class. I don't think you would interview before your done anyway and you can always talk about it in the interview if you do. Your transcript will reflect that your taking it until you submit the updated one with the grade. This way you can get your interview scheduled. It is very competetive with over 300 applicants and limited spots to 35. :uhoh21: Hope this helps!! . Keep us updated and I wish you the best!

The interview itself is relaxed and they don't drill you. Just get to know you stuff. Practice answering your questions out loud because saying your answers is a lot harder than just thinking about what you want to say. That seemed to really help me. You take the exam in a private area so at least you can relax without anyone watching or critiquing you. It's not impossible but is meant to challenge you a little. They don't expect you to be perfect so try not to worry about it too much! I know in my first interview my stomach was in my throat, lol. Just remember to relax, be confident and go in with a positive attitude and you'll do great!! Make sure to keep us posted how it goes! :)

So my interview at Excela went fantastic and I was accepted to start the program in August 2012!! :w00t: I still can't believe it and cannot wait! The assistant director and students I met were so nice and welcoming. I have nothing but good things to say about my interview experience and the people I met. Good luck you guys and just go in there with a positive attitude, tell them why you really want it and you'll do great! I have been waiting for this for years and so glad all the hard work has finally paid off! Hope to meet some future classmates soon!!

Josephj, it sounds like you have great ICU experience and that alone I think will make you stand out. My interview is coming up quick next week. Starting to get more nervous the closer I get. I have interviewed at two other schools so I have somewhat of an idea how its going to go. Still always nerve-wracking! Just need to get in and stay off the waitlists!! Excela seems like a great school so I'm excited to check it out in person.

Hello! I too, am also excited/nervous for my excela interview! When are your interviews? Is this your first? Good luck and just do the best you can!

Balt what number are you?? I'm just curious how many people they put on the list... I'm number 8...