Kate11

INTJ - All the way!!!

Thanks for the info Karen, will pass it on to future Nursing Students. Do you know if there is such a site for CRNA boards?

I think guys make great nurses, and I definitely enjoy working with them. Hang in there things will get better - be true to yourself and the other issues will be resolved in time. After you graduate you will hardly remember your fellow nursing students, I graduated in 95, and just found my graduation book and to tell you the truth I had few names I recognized. Study, work hard and move foward. BEST WISHES!!!

I have a friend he is an MDA wears hearing devices for both ears, has no problem with his hearing impairment. As for hearing those subtle lung sounds I would think you could obtain a hearing device that would connect to the precordial stethoscope used during anesthesia. Monitors also are there for determing adequate ventilation ie ETCO2, TV etc. If the hearing loss isn't too severe I don't think there would be a problem. Good Luck

My program is around 31,000. Books about another 1200.00. Other expenses, driving 50 miles each way to my clinical sites really add up on expenses. I took the most for Stafford 9,250 each semster, plus borrowed another 30,000 each year to pay living expenses. This seems to be working for my situation. Plus I also work in between exams and breaks - DO NOT RECOMMEND working unless you have a casual position that allows you to schedule yourself when you schedule permits. Good Luck!

14 days off plus 8 conference days per year - can move days around, stay over extra hours for a day off with taking vacation. No holidays - if you want a holiday off need to take vacation day.

I have to agree with smilingRu, lpner please spend some time - and more then a few hours with a CRNA - then state your opinions. If it is a position you seem to be interested in then by all means please start your path to the pursuit. RN degree (diploma or Assoc) then onto your BSN - work a year or two in a critical care unit - take your certifications CCRN etc - GRE's, apply to the graduate programs, interview, gain acceptance. Then quit working for 28 months - borrow thousands of dollars to finance your education - wake at 3:00am each day, drive hours and hours a week - while trying to study for extremely difficult exams. With success you will graduate and then pass your boards, yes you will still be a Nurse - but you will also have a better understanding of the responsibilty that comes with being a CRNA. GOOD LUCK:p

I graduated from Pitt with my BSN, not all that impressive with this experience. I also worked at Presby to get my necessary ICU experience for a CRNA program, this definitely prepared me for my journey. Some of the most remarkable people I have met work within the UPMC system. However I can say it was grueling. I actually didn't apply to their CRNA program - for the main fact I thought I would do better with a smaller program - just my style of learning. I can say any program is going to be tough - concentrating on clinicals - exams - family etc. Give your decision some time, spend a few days in each city, PITT has some great benefits as does Georgetown. Best of luck with your decision!!

Supply - demand? I am having a difficult time understanding how this could be true. I am a student but the majority of sites where I am doing clinicals do have positions available. Also the age's of the CRNA's seem to be somewhat varied, meaning either older perhaps ready to retire - or young just starting their families. I do live in an area that does offer several programs, yet in my particular program only approx 5 of us are locals who plan to remain in the area. I personally have not consider a stipend - I decided to wait and see what I enjoy. I hope I made a good decision!!!

Some programs have an alternate for each position they fill. I also had been selected as an alternate for two different programs - I understand your stress. I did not get into the programs at that time, but I did re-interview and made both programs the following year. In my situation it actually worked in my favor to wait the year, saved more money, gained more experience etc. The entire acceptance process is consuming, ie applying for loans etc, I think this would have been even more difficulty had I been selected from the alternate list. GOOD LUCK !!!

The program you are accepted into is THE BEST !!!!:rotfl: