egul105

I was a flight nurse for several years, and an ER nurse before that in a busy trauma center. I too, never thought I would become a CRNA, and thought the same as you; that it was boring, not a challenge etc. But I was trying to find something to transition into, because I was tired of the flight politics, and I went to NP school and was bored out of my mind. Several flight nurses I worked with went the CRNA route and loved it so I thought I would go for it. I am so glad I did! I absolutely LOVE my job, best decision I ever made! CRNA school is the hardest thing I have ever done, and a definite challenge! Yes most of the time it's smooth sailing, but I work at a busy county trauma center and most of our patients are pretty sick. Things can go wrong in a heartbeat, and just that, and knowing it's all on me, is enough! Plus the skills I get to practice are fun (central lines, epidurals, regionals, etc) Excellent career choice! You go for it if that's what you want to do! Good luck to you! Deb

Vinny, I am so sorry for your news. You don't know me but I've been rooting for you in the background! I am in my first year, which I am repeating from the very beginning, because I made an 81 in a class. It is painful to feel like you have not achieved a particular goal, especially when you have worked so hard. Although our circumstances are different, (you retaking the boards and me retaking two semesters worth of classes), I think both of us in the end are winners for getting our you know what's up off the floor, dusting it off, and going after it again. You WILL pass, and we all appreciate that you were not afraid to share your experiences with us. Who knows how many people you have helped by doing that! Take care and best wishes, Deb

okay guys, i know everyone is trying to help, but i'm new to the usar and this whole conversation has me completely confused. could someone explain to me what this whole 'new law' thing means? i spoke with a major in the naad (nameless for a reason) and was told that this new law took affect july 1st and i was commissioned on june 28th, so it had nothing to do with me. she apologized that i hadn't received the stipend and promised that it had been signed that day and sent to san antonio. that makes me think that somewhere or somehow my paperwork never quite made it to where it was supposed to be when it should have. at this point, i don't care as long as i get paid, but i'm still confused.

thanks for the info. i thought it sounded odd too, and he's made several mistakes from the time i first applied. plus, i was sworn in back in june, and even if a new law had been passed, i don't see how it would affect me. i am going to call the naad office on monday and speak with the major that is handling my strap. i kept the email he sent me about the reason i didn't get the check ( and there's also a comment in there from him about me sounding like i needed a hug in response to my inquiry about the check). i just want to get paid. i'm currently technically flunking out of school because i'm continuing having to work and if i flunk, i will already owe $12000 in tuition and have to start over again next year.

I recently was sworn into the USAR as 1Lt. I am in the STRAP program for CRNAs and was supposed to get my first stipend payment this week. Well, I didn't. My recruiter contacted the payroll office and was told that it was because of the Senate hearings and that a new law had been passed that requires the Senate to approve all commissions and it had caused a backup and delay. Supposedly I didn't fall into that category because the law just took affect, but they are behind processing payroll now and I now 'allegedley' won't get my first check for another two weeks. Does anyone have any insight into this?

Right there with ya sisters! I had to get up at 7am this morning after being so tired last night after all those tests that I couldn't get to sleep. I had to stock the pantry myself and now it's back to studying.....

Are we still meeting Sat? If so, any contact numbers, or how will we know who we are? lol.

That would be great!

I would love to but I'm working my very last shift on Friday until 9, so, depending on how late you guys stay out.. unless you want to do it on Sat instead? Deb

I have been a nurse for 14 years with about half of it as a flight nurse and the other half ICU, and Trauma ED. Undergrad GPA was about 3.76 and I had some graduate level courses with a combined GPA of 3.6. All the usual certs, including CCRN, CFRN, and NREMT-P. I've seen many people post that they got in with many less years experience, so I think much of it depends on your fit with the program you apply at.

thanks, but I already went through MEPS. I actually was sworn in as 1LT this past Tuesday. It wasn't a fun experience, but it wasn't that bad. What I can say is that it was a little humbling seeing all the 18 and 19 years old girls about to cry because they had to get a breast exam, yet they were about to enter basic. But at least I now know I'm officially a girl! lol1 (if you're a girl and been to MEPS you know what I mean by that)

If you are not interested in active duty, the Army also has a stipend program for CRNA students called the STRAP program. You are paid a $1500 monthly stipend while in school and up to $50000 loan reimbursement upon graduation. You owe them 8 years of reserve time (starts while you are in school so you would only have 5-6 yrs left when you graduate). I was just sworn in as a 1Lt. yesterday, and I'm almost more excited about that than school! If you are going to TWU or TCU, PM me and I will get you the recruiter's name.

Wow. that's almost all I can say to this. I studied and worked really hard to get into school, and will be starting at TCU this fall. I lost a fiance over my decision (which in retrospect I know is a blessing), and am currently sweating over the financial and mental stress I will be facing come this fall. I have to agree with everyone else here. For you to put CRNA at the end of your sign on is both insulting and unprofessional. I look forward the day that I can use that title, but it will be one that was earned. You may think that it is not a big deal, but I can see, without even being in school yet, that it is a huge big deal to those that have sacrificed two to three years of their lives to be able to put that title behind their name.

Hey, Sorry I don't,. I live in the Dallas area and even though I told them I would love to live in Austin, they wouldn't budge, so I never asked for more info. I don't think I saved her email but I'll look and if I did , just PM me and I'll forward it to you if I can find it. But they do have a web site, as that's how I initially contacted them.. where are you going to go to school?

Just FYI,I checked into Capitol's stipend program a few weeks ago and they will only give stipends to students who are residents of Austin. I guess they are afraid if you moved down there that you would get homesick and move back home.

I was wondering if someone could tell me what to expect during the my MEPS next week. I'm 36, and my recruiter told me it would be 'ugly'.

I am seriously considering joining the AF reserve in order to supplement my income while in school, and possibly reimburse some of my tuition fees. Is there anyone out there who has done this that can tell me what their experience has been? You can PM me if you'd like. I want to make the right decision and I am really interested in this, but I want to make sure I know what I'm getting into.

I feel your pain too. My boyfriend and I were living together and planning on getting married. I got accepted at TCU and thought I had it all mapped out and that I only had to worry about tuition. He broke up with me 3 weeks ago and basically kicked me out of the house. Now I'm also living on my own, don't have any furniture, and very afraid I won't be able to go to school due to the money constraints. I'm trying to be positive about it - at least I won't have to worry about a relationship, but it's hard

I too, did not hear from them until January. My first choice was TCU and I was interviewed and accepted within 2 weeks of turning in my application so I am not going to interview at TWU. Both programs have excellent reputations but I was very impressed with the staff at TCU. To those accepted at TCU, if you live in the Dallas area already, please private message me, it would be great to meet some fellow students ahead of time.

That's good to know, thank you!

That's good to know, thank you!

Hey all! I was wondering if those of you who have started school could give me some advice on financing. I know what my options are in general and am thinking I would rather try to get a loan. Can some of you tell me where you went for loans and when you started looking? I start at TCU in the fall. Thanks!

Thanks you guys, I appreciate it, and all you have said makes sense. I have a flight nursing background mainly and I'm used to the group interview question so I'm not as nervous about that. But even though I have ICU I'm a little rusty on it, and have been reviewing mainly the hemodynamics. This forum is great but in a way it's also 'nerve inducing' because everyone writes about the questions they were asked and they have all been different! lol I agree with not saying 'like', bad habit of mine too! Wish me luck, my interview is Tuesday!

Hey, does anyone know if it's true that TCU interviews you according to what your background is? I had been told that they will ask you clinical questions according to what your specialty is (eg. cardiac gets lots of hemodynamic questions). I'm driving myself crazy trying to get ready for my interview!

I have my interview in 2 weeks. Same place. Tell me I don't need a beta blocker! lol