ArnieRNRRT

CRNA2007 I see that you already have several requests....but, if its not too much troulbe could i get on the list to receive a copy of your drug cards. I am in my 11th month of a front loaded program and appreciate any assist... by the way your in box is full...i tried to send you a PM with my email addy thanks arnie

Scott, I hope this isn't too late to help you out but check out this web site it has an awsome tutorial for learnig about hemodynamics/swan info....this site has power point presentations along with very well done lecutes, pre/post test and best of all its free. It may take a week or so to work through all the modules but I believe it would certainly be worth it. Once you register it takes you to the page with all the modules. http://www.pacep.org this is a wonderful site for anyone wanting to sharpen swan/hemodynamic/cardiac knowledge. Good luck Arnie

Hello, I to am RRT/RN and currently in my first semester of CRNA program. As Yanka said, I also love being an RT. I love manageing the vents and airway. For me I was an RRT first and the desire to become a CRNA was the driving force to earn the RN. CRNA is an awsome combination of both professions. Since I am only in my first semester of anesthesia school I have not noted huge benefits to being both RRT/RN....but it certainly hasn't hurt. I do not know in your situation if I would seek out the RRT for the sole purpose of CRNA school. The time and effort it will take may not out weight the benefit you reap from your hard work. You will learn what you need to know about respiratory physiology/airway management/vent management etc...in your CRNA program. In my opinion you would serve yourself best by seeking the CCRN, and gaining as much clinical nursing experience as possible, getting high GRE scores, and becoming a 'stand out' person on your critical care unit. I don't mean to take away the importance of a good respiratory backround...I just think you can get what you need, related to RT, at work and in your program. Arnie,SRNA

If you are not first a NURSE than you can not become a NURSE Anesthetist. This is simply not possible. Perhaps this RT student is planning on returing to school to earn a nursing degree. Just as an FYI, in some hospitals the RT staff perform the cardiac measurements via the Swan-Ganz. Granted they probably do not adjust the gtts. In my RT program we covered hemodynamics much more indepth than in my ADN nursing program. That said, I totally understand that most RN's learn the in's and out's of critical care in the work setting, in intense critical care courses, and from very experienced preceptors who have years of knowledge/experience. Even if all RT programs teach hemodynamics intensly, practicing this is much more the exception than the rule. Long and short of it is that the RN's manageing the pt care should be in control of the hemodynamic monitoring and vasoactive gtt adjustment based on the info gained. Any RT who wants to become a CRNA must first become an RN....no two ways about it. Arnie, SRNA

Jaymz/JenSICU, For me the decision was very simple....I have always dreamed of becoming a CRNA.....but moving my family has never been a option. I cannot leave my family for 28 - 30 months and attend school. So when I discovered the MSU program I found some hope of making my dream come true. This coupled with the fact that they actually accepted me were my deciding factors. I realize the program is new and no stat's exist related to pass rates but, the program director is not new. He is a respected educator and practitioner. I have spoken to a couple current students and feel very satisfied that this program will provide a quality education. I do have some reservations about the entire process (not working, going into a huge debt) but anything worth having never comes easily. I did not apply to any other programs, as I cannot relocate and am unwilling to leave my family for the lenght of time it would take to complete a more traditional program. I wish you both the best of luck in finding a program that is right for you...and who knows if it turns out to be MSU...maybe we will be classmates someday.. TAke care Arnie

ivypetals, Congrat's..........I'll be right with you at Mountain State. Can't wait to begin. Do you have any info about the A/P exam we have to take before the start of class?? Arnie

Hello MagikRN, We must be neighbors........I also live in the Cumberland area...and am a former WMHS RN........Also, Keyser is my hometown.....Small world, HUh??!! Arnie

dan haifa, I have take the following information about holistic nursing from the American Holistic Nurses Association web site....This site has a lot of useful info for interested nurses. Many holistic nurses practice 'complementary and alternative medicine" specifically such things as aromatherapy, acupuncture, message therapy, touch therapy, to name a few...I will also include the web site the the national center for complementary and alternative medicine...this site give more specific info about techniques that might be incorporated in to practice by a holistic practitioner. http://nccam.nih.gov/ http://www.ahna.org/home/home.html What is Holistic Nursing? Holistic nursing embraces all nursing which has as its goal the enhancement of healing the whole person from birth to death. Holistic nursing recognizes that there are two views regarding holism: that holism involves identifying the interrelationships of the bio-psycho-social-spiritual dimensions of the person, recognizing that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts; and that holism involves understanding the individual as a unitary whole in mutual process with the environment. Holistic nursing responds to both views, believing that the goals of nursing can be achieved within either framework. The holistic nurse is an instrument of healing and a facilitator in the healing process. Holistic nurses honor the individual's subjective experience about health, health beliefs, and values. To become therapeutic partners with individuals, families, and communities, holistic nursing practice draws on nursing knowledge, theories, research, expertise, intuition, and creativity. Holistic nursing practice encourages peer review of professional practice in various clinical settings and integrates knowledge of current professional standards, laws, and regulations governing nursing practice. Practicing holistic nursing requires nurses to integrate self-care, self-responsibility, spirituality, and reflection in their lives. This may lead the nurse to greater awareness of the interconnectedness with self, others, nature, and God/Life-Force/Absolute/Transcendent. This awareness may further enhance the nurses' understanding of all individuals and their relationships to the human and global community, and permits nurses to use this awareness to facilitate the healing process. I hope this helps you understand the practice of holistic nursing.. Arnie

Greetings, I am taking a Holistic Nursing course to complete my RN - BSN program. I am assigned to write a paper based on an interview with a Holistic practitioner...preferably an RN. I live in a rather rural area and not a lot of holistic pracatitioners exist in my area. I though I would ask if anyone here would be interested in aswering a few questions to help me. I am required to have some type of contact info for the person I interview...so if you are considering assisting me please know that I will need your name and email addy. If anyone is kind enough and has the time to spare please email me.. I could PM you a list of questions and you than could return the answers to me via PM Thank You Arnie

Rayman, I'm headed to Mountain State University in Beckley, WV. I can't wait, wish I could fast forward the next 9 months or so... Arnie

Greetings everyone, I am not starting my program until Jan 2007 but, I was wondering what the right time frame is for starting the application process for private loans?? I assume the financial institution will require some type of documentation to prove you are indeed enrolled....Is acceptance letter good enough? or will they want to see more detailed course registration forms?? I will not feel totally at ease until I have all the loans secured and can be sure tht my family can eat next year...LOL. Thanks for any advice Arnie

The Oxyhemoglobin Dissociation curve........Here is a pretty kewl interactive web site that may help. http://www.ventworld.com/resources/oxydisso/dissoc.html Just scroll down a bit and click on the link to the interactive tool.... Hope this is helpful. Arnie

Not sure if this is what you are looking for but this is a good site that someone else previously posted here on allnurses. I find it a useful site http://www.icufaqs.org/ Hope it helps!! Arnie

Money...........Money................Money.........Urghhh What is a graduate student to do.....I have come to a cross road....My program is going to cost approx 65 grand.......I will also need some money for living expenses....my guess is also around 24 -25 grand/year.....(30 month program). grand total = at least 120/grand.....What do i do...I mean I know loans are available but this amount seems huge!!! and even if I would be willing to borrow this much.....would it even be possible? I have been accepted in the class starting Jan 2007 at Mountain State University in WV. Now I am trying to make some tough life decisions to better position myself for this challenge. I have to opportunity change jobs now....to a med/surg ICU at a level one trauma center....GREAT EXPERIENCE...but I will make less than I currently make and I will have to commute about an hour and half...so you see....when it comes time next fall to quit working and start school...what if i don't have enough funds??? Than I am stuck working out of town....and have given up a job that I currently like...I am rambeling...so sorry..But I feel like I am gonna snap if i can't get this thing figured out.....Some one please help.....I am sure others have been in a similar situation..I just really want to find a way to make this work.....In regards to asking an anesthesia group for sponsorship.....how exactly does one go about this.....just call up the hosptial and ask for the chief crna or mda? I really want to make this a reality.....and it is getting close to becoming just that......now how do i pay???!!! Thanks for any advice Arnie

Greetings, University of Delaware has a program that might be interesting to you http://www.udel.edu/DSP/degreeprograms.htm They offer an RN-MSN an also have a CNS tack....I think they even offer it online.. I am finishing my RN-BSN with U.D. and I love them...quality education..affordable...and realistic expectations of the students Check out the link....I think you have to scroll down a bit to get the info you are intested in.. Hope this is useful Arnie

Try this web site........Its free and I have found it pretty helpful http://www.number2.com/ If you create an account you can keep track of previously studied material......Hope it helps Arnie

Greetings All!!! First I want to tell everyone how much I enjoy reading all the postings. I check this board everyday and sometimes more than once a day. I can't get enough!!! I am hoping to apply to CRNA school next year. I am currently completing my RN-BSN program with the University of Delaware. I recieved an invitation to join the national honor society for nursing. I assume that this could only be a benefit in the application process?? Is anyone a member and if so did it help at all (or even mentioned) during your application process? Thanks for any response Arnie

nilepoc, I have a Tundra just like yours and I LOVE it!!! But, I will have to sell it next year if I get accepted to anesthesia school. At least I will have the pleasure of knowing I will be able to get an even newer one at graduation!!!!!

Hello, Like you I am also an RRT and also an RN. I am currently competing my BSN program with about a year to go. Than I hope to start applying to the Anesthesia programs. Seems like CRNA is the logical way to combine both the RRT and RN experiences into an awsome career. BTW, since finding this web board I can not get enough!! I read the post everyday and can't wait to get home from work to see what new and interesting topics are being discussed. As far as your question ' I think' the programs that offer a masters degree in nurse anesthesia or in health care admin would be the best bet if you don't have a BSN but do have a BS in a related field. If you search the AANA web site http://www.aana.com/ you can find out a lot of good info about all the different anesthesia programs. Good Luck and maybe someday as I will come across a fellow RRT in anesthesia school!! Arnie

I am currently a student in the RN-BSN online program at Universtiy of Delaware. They require an oncampus weekend at the begining of your program and also at the end....Other than that no traveling. The price is reasonable also...304/credit hour, if you can enroll as a worksite participant. This requires someone from your hospitals education dept. to be willing to precept some of the exams...I love this program and would do it again in a heartbeat....I am about halfway complete....Good Luck..

Graduated 1990 Allegany Community College - Cumberland,MD (Respiratory Therapist) 1996 - Nursing - Allegany Community College. Last graduating class and before the name change to Allegany College of Md. Currently RN-BSN program University of Delaware Future hopefuly Mountain State University, Beckly WV - Nurse Anesthetist Program...(fingers crossed)

SRNA2be.....CONGRATULATIONS!!!!.You must be very excited...It seems as though our situations are very similar indeed. I will be finishing my BSN next December....and will need to take the GRE sometime soon also.....You mention tht you completed the Physics/Bio-Chem online.....what school did you do this with? I am completing my BSN with University of Delaware...Dr. Ellis advised me that a more traditional course for the Physics/Chem would be best.......But for me time is a factor and most of my spare time will be spent finishing the BSN requirements.....I did take a Chem course as well as a Physics course in Respiratory Therapy program about 15 years ago...Hopefully at least on of these courses will be acceptable to Mt. State and I won't have to repeat both. How was your interview at Mt.State, any pointers? I am so happy to make contact with an actual student at Mt. State...I am sure you will soon be very busy....but it sure sounds like you are motivated and prepared for the commitment.....I think I am getting addicted to this forum....I just finished a 13 hour shift and could not wait to get home and start viewing the postings here.....Good Luck to you!!! With some luck I may be in your shoes this time next year!! Arnie

Greetings Nursing/Health Care people!! I have been reading the CRNA forum for a few days now....To tell the truth I can't pull myself away. I am hopeing to enter CRNA school in the next few years. I am an RN and also a Respiratory Therapist. I am interested in a new program that has just opened in Beckley WV. The school is called Mountain State University and they have a brand new program that is just opening this spring. I have been searching the web and the AANA site for all the info I can get about the profession of nurse anesthesia. Becoming a CRNA is so interesting to me and seems like the logical way that I can build upon both of my previous undergrad programs (nursing and Resp therapy). I would love any info that any current SRNA's or CRNA's have to offer. I do have a family (wife/daughter) and I am curious as to how other nurses with families accompolish this goal....I am not nieve as I do realize that I will be making a huge investment (monetary/time/life style change) to attend an anesthesia program. How do you support your families during the schooling? How do you handle the seperation from the family?? One thing that attracts me to the School I mentions is that it is the only program in the Country that allows the student to work from home/combined with oncampus requirements to complete the course work. They say that clinicals can be arranged as close to home as possible. Sounds like a more flexible option for nurses like me who can't abandon the family for 27months. I am just curious as to the opinion of SRNA's and CRNA's on this type of training. Anything that anyone can offer to me as far as advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Arnie