DSAC

Completely agree. It is all in what you want, and what you are comfortable with.

Everyone has there opinion on this, and that is why the question is being asked. I just want you to look at it like this. There are thousands of nurses that were borderline nursing students, however, they are unbelievable nurses. Do you think that these people should not be able to go to anesthesia school? The majority of anesthesia schools offer interviews based on grades and scores. They will not even look at your application if you do not have a 3.5 and a 1100 on the GRE. I can name 3 of my friends off the top of my head that are borderline applicants (3.0/1000), but incredible nurses. I guarantee that these people would make incredible CRNAs also. The point I am trying to make is that these people really want to be CRNAs, so they must apply to several schools to get an opportunity to get in. Judging someone by how many schools they apply to is just plain wrong. As has been said on this forum many times, "which is the best program in the country?" "the one you get accepted to" Yes, I am sure some programs are better than others, but every school still has to meet the minimum criteria for graduation , set forth by the AANA. Should people give up on a lifelong dream, because they could not get into a certain program? I can tell you, that is cutting your dreams short, and not even giving yourself a chance. You know, I fit into this category also. I was accepted to TWU with a cumulative GPA of 2.9, 3.0 science, and a 990 on the GRE. My experience consists of 8 years as an anesthesia tech, RN--3 years ER, 3 years CTICU, and a year of PACU on a part-time bases. I knew I wanted to be a CRNA at the age of 18 when I started working as an anesthesia tech. I retook science classes last summer to improve my science GPA just so I could get a look. I am not going to give excuses why my GPA was low in school, because that is what they would be, excuses. I could have done better and should have done better, but I didn't and I had to overcome that to get into school. Did I care what school I got into? Yes. My goal was to get into school though, because I have wanted for so long. Does that mean I do not care about the type of education I get? Not at all. I promise you, I care more than most, and plan on graduating in the top of my class. I may not be as smart as most, but I do have the drive to be the best I can. I am definitely more mature now than I was during college, and more focused. One thing is for sure, I am also extremely nervous knowing that if I mess up, it could be over. Getting accepted is not the hard part, graduating is. I have a friend that was in the military with me, and is going to TWU also. His grades resemble mine. I know he is an exceptional nurse. He actually trained me to the ICU and CTICU. He, like me, has wanted this along time. As a matter of fact, we both separated from the military just to attend school. I never applied to the military anesthesia school, but he did a couple of times. He did not get in because it can be tougher to get into those schools if you do not have the GPA and GRE ( you have to be accepted by the AFIT board first, then the school itself, and you do not even get a real interview). I came across a couple of nurses that were actually in anesthesia school, but failed out in clinicals. This was not because they were not smart, it was because they could not grasp the concepts in clinicals. They were accepted into the program based on their grades and GRE. I like both of them as people, but they were not good nurses either. As far schools not liking the fact that you apply to multiple places, that maybe true at some, but TWU asked how many I applied to. I told them I applied to 12 schools, they were impressed and said. " You must really want it." I told them that it is was all I ever wanted to do. You are right about the cost of applying to multiple schools, it is expensive. I could use that money right about now, but I was saving up just for that purpose. I would not change a thing. TWU was my first choice of school, but if they would not have offered, I would have attended another school (if offered). That does not mean I do not care about my education, it means that I care about my life's dreams. If I had a friend ask me to fill out 8-12 applications I would not have a problem with it. Most applications take about 10-15 minutes to fill out. I had 1 co-work/ friend, 1 nurse manager, 1 CRNA, 1 MD, and 1 Nursing instructor, that filled out my references. They had no problem filling them out for me. Of course, it was over a 8 month period that I had them done. They were happy to do it, and they were even more excited when I was accepted. This message is not a flame in anyway. I just don't think it is right to judge people, and say they do not care about the quality of their education because they apply to muliple programs. Everyone will be sacraficing alot to go to school, and to achieve their lifelong goals.

I would tend to say you are partially correct with your analysis on most schools and there acceptance procedures. Schools are looking for nurses that will be successful in their program, and pass the certification exam. With that said, there are a few schools that actually look at the individual, other than just grades and scores alone. I have seen and talked with people that were incredible canidates as far as grades and scores went, but did not even get an interview. They lost out to others with lower grades and scores, but more experience and better references. I will tell you that your "booksmart" nurses are not always your best nurses. Believe it or not, personality, attitude, and willingness to learn are what tend to make your better nurses. With all of that said, do the best you can in school, to increase your chances. I can tell you that, I did alright in school, but not as good as I could have or should have. I feel that my experience and desire to do whatever it takes to get in school is what separated me from others with better grades. I retook a couple of classes and applied to multiple schools. All it takes is one school willing to look at you as an individual and not statistic. I can promise you that you increase those chances by applying to more schools. The question is are you willing to do what it takes to get in. I was in the military when I got accepted to school. I had to schedule leave for each interview, along with make a couple of day trips. I would wake up at 2 am, drive to New Orleans, get on a plane at 5-6 am, rent a car, go to my interview, and reverse the process. I made a 3 trips in 3 weeks, and had 3-4 more lined up for the next few weeks. It all depends on what you are willing to do to accomplish your goal. I was willing to do whatever it took, and for that I was rewarded. Now comes the hardwork graduating. As for shyness. According to your profile, you have not graduated Nursing School yet. When you graduate and begin working as a RN, you will develop relationships with both nurses and physicians. You will not be as shy with people, you can't afford to be. It is not that difficult to ask friends, managers, and physicians/ CRNAs for references. I promise you if you are too shy to ask for a reference from people you work with, then you will have difficulty with 4-6 people testing your personality, knowledge, and critical thinking skills. I went to 3 interviews, and with each one there were 4-6 people sitting across from me, grilling me with questions. Very intimidating.

I recommend the shotgun approach. It worked for me. I start at TWU next week. I applied to about twelve schools, and interviewed at 3. I was an alternate at one and accepted to one. I was accepted the day of my interview, which happened to be my first choice anyway. I cancelled 4 interviews after that day. I researched almost every program listed on the AANA website and received packages from most. I narrowed the list down to the twelve programs, I thought I had the best chance at. I placed phone calls to all of them and spoke with the program director of most. Although, I had my preferences of schools that I wanted to attend, I felt that I would have a better chance of acceptance the more I interviewed. I can tell you that every school I interviewed at asked me how many schools I applied to and why. In the end, the important thing is that you meet the goal you set out for, and get into school. For me, it was worth the money. Good luck in whatever you decide. Damon

For the people that start this Fall, where did you get your books for school. Did you order them online, and if so where did you order them from. I appreciate any info. Thanks.

Who is this??? This is Tanous. Let me know. I received a message from Goose the other day. He is a member of this board, and may be able to help you. He is in school right now. Shoot me back a message. Damon

Does anyone know of any hospitals or groups that are offering sponsorship while you are in CRNA school, in exchange for work contracts afterwards? I have looked at all the pros and cons, but would like to see what is out there. I am looking for something in the East Texas and Louisiana regions. If anyone has any information I would appreciate it. Thanks Damon

Has anyone attended or know anyone that has attended the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center clinical site? This is my primary clinical assignment for phase 2 of the TWU program. I do not know much about it, other than it is in Lubbock, Texas. I would appreciate any information about the hours, caseload, and types of cases (general vs. regional). Thanks for any information. Damon

I too received notice of my phase 2 clinical site. Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas. It was my 10th choice. LOL!!!!! I am still pretty excited about it. Anyone know anything about that clinical site. I will be in the dorms also.

I applied to several schools but TWU was my first choice ( southern boy). Still had several applications going out when I was accepted, however, I took advantage of the first offer, which ended up being my first choice. These are the ones I can remember: New Britain--interviewed--alternate--withdrew Rhode Island--interviewed--not accepted TWU--interviewed--accepted--will attend this August CAMC--applied--not accepted KUMC--applied--offered interview--declined interview Midwestern--applied--offered interview--declined interview Case Western--applied--offered interview--declined interview St. Mary's--applied-not accepted Youngstown State--applied-- withdrew application

Let me give a little more information about my situation. I was accepted to TWU and will be living in Fort Worth, TX. My wife and I were in Fort Worth last week, looking for a place to live. As I said before, we were not going there with the intention of buying, however the more we thought about it, the more it made sense. We found a newly built house in an up and coming community (new neighborhood development). There are only a few houses presently built, but more presently being built. There are 3-4 new subdivisions being built in the area, so I have to believe that the house will appreciate. My main concern has to do with being able to receive supplemental loans while in school. My wife's income and my GI Bill will be enough to get by, but leaving no room for anything. Thoughts and comments are appreciated. Thanks.

I have been accepted to school, and was in the town I will be living. My wife and I were looking at houses to rent, and decided we would rather buy a house, considering rent and a mortgage are the same cost. Besides, to me it only makes sense to come out with something instead of throwing that money away. My wife will be the main source of income for us, along with the Montgomery GI Bill and of course loans. Has anyone done this? Is it a good idea or a bad idea? The way I see it, I will have this cost one way or another. Will having a mortgage affect my ability to get student loans? I have known several residents that buy houses while attending medical school, and having very little income except student loans. Any information or advice will be much appreciated.

John Information on the area would be great. We plan on moving to Fort Worth in May. I will be looking for a house to rent. Can you tell me where some good areas around TWU are? I hoping for a decent commute. I would definitely appreciate it. Thanks. Damon

Nothing yet. They said not till April, so just waiting to hear. I hope to get Fort Worth for family reasons. I don't want have to move my wife and kids each year for the next 3 years. It would be too hard to find teaching jobs for my wife, and I prefer not to make my kids go to several different schools. How about you, any family to be concerned with. Good luck to you. Damon

I also was accepted to TWU, back in November. Congrats!

It is not that they would not let me in. In the Air Force, you have to be in for 2 years before you apply. When my 2 year mark came up, I decided I did not want to go through the military. Last year there were 24 slots for school, this year there is only 7, and next year there are only 4 slots. Not exactly sure what is going on, but it is going to be much tougher to get in. There will also be more frequent and longer deployments in the future. I have been deployed enought that I know I did not want to put myself or my family through longer and more frequent deployments. If I had applied to school, I would still be getting out. The military is not for me. I enjoy the people I work with, it is just not something I want to do with the rest of my life. I am ready to settle down into one place. I want to build a house and finsh raising my kids. The military is short on CRNAs, but they are still cutting the slots for anesthesia school. I am not sure why. Damon

I am currently in the military, Air Force, separating in the next 2 weeks. I have been accepted to Texas Wesleyan University for this Fall. I spent 4 years in, with the intention of going to school through the Air Force. In that 4 years I have been deployed twice, once in Operation Enduring Freedom, and once during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I decided 18 months ago that the military was not for me. Had I not decided to separate, I would be in the desert again, right now. No complaints, just not for me and my family. I have a tremendous amount of respect for those that make a career out of the military. I will tell you that most CRNAs in the military, do not stay in the military. Financially, it is not worth it, unless you have several years of service. If you decide go through the military for anesthesia, you will get an exceptional education, however, as soon as you finish school you will be deployed. There are many positives and many negatives that you must consider before making that decision. Make sure you have a good understanding of military life before you make that decision. If you just want to join the military to get into school, then the military is probably not for you. It takes a great sacrafice from both you and your family. I am not trying to deter anyone from joining, just trying to give you all the information. Good luck to you. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. Damon

I am currently taking a Biochemistry class online from Berkley University. It is called Biochemistry X105. There are 11 lessons and comprehesive final. Not that bad of a class. I am about to take the final in the next couple of weeks. Damon

Any advice on school and places to live would be greatly appreciated. Not sure about my clinical assignment yet, but I am trying to stay in Fort Worth. If that happens I will be trying to rent a house. I have a family so, that would be my best option. Could you tell me where the good areas to live are? Thanks. Damon

I got accepted to TWU back in November. PM me and we can compare notes. Damon

I think that you will receive this advice from several people on this forum. If at all possible, do not limit yourself to one school. Your chances are much better if you can apply to several. One reason is , if you interview at several places, you will gain valuable experience for you next interview. That first one, you can be quite nervous. Like anything, the more you do it the better you get at it. Another reason to interview at several places is because, the schools like to know that you are dedicated to getting into school. I was asked how many I applied to in all of my interviews. When I would tell them that I applied to 12 schools, they would say, " you really want to get in don't you ". I actuallly stopped interviewing after my 3rd one, because I was accepted to my first choice. At that point I had 3 more interviews scheduled, but cancelled them. By reading this forum, you will realize that most people that are interviewing, are interviewing at several places. Alot of these people are your competition, however, everytime some gets accepted somewhere, that increases your chances somewhere else. Although alot of the people here are you competition, everyone is very courteous and willing to give advice. So, apply to as many places as you can and good luck to you.

I was accepted to TWU back in November. Not sure where I am going to live though. I will be heading down in April to try and find a place. The area around the school is pretty rough, but I hear there are some really nice areas around Fort Worth. The cost of living doesn't seem to be too bad either. Well, good luck to you. Damon

The program at Xavier was shut down 4 years ago, there was a fall out between Xavier and Charity. Long time coming. LSU picked up the program the next year. Now it is a LSU/Charity partnership.

I was accepted to Texas Wesleyan with a combined 990/3.5 and my GPA was not that great either. There is hope.

If you want to be a CRNA after nursing school, I suggest becoming an anesthesia tech. You will learn more that will pertain to your future career as a nurse and as a CRNA, especially if you want to. As an OR Tech, you will learn good anatomy and possibly some disease processes, but you will not learn nursing skills or meds. I strongly suggest being an anesthesia tech. I am not knocking OR Tech, because that can be a fun job. As an anesthesia tech, you may learn how to; start IVs insert NGTs maybe intubate patients learn the machines learn the drugs learn to prepare for procedures learn ABGs learn some monitoring techniques