BSN14John

sydn35, I phrased that wrong, by the time I start school, I will have 1.5 years of ICU experience with 1.5 years in trauma step down also. In my interview which was in March, I barely had a year of ICU experience so it was pointed out with the others that was my only liability. Going to Newman University in Wichita KS. I could suggest to some that applying to programs that many would not even consider because of geographics may be a good idea. Many folks from California or the east coast or Florida would not consider Springfield MO, Wichita KS, North Dakota etc. Out of 18 in my class, only 4 are from out of state, all others are from KS. Those towns have cheap cost of living is also why I looked at them considering I have a wife and two kids. Just a thought and Colorado has no set program yet. Hope this helps. jw ps-for the money I would maybe skip a Kaplan course and the Dummies books are always helpful.

Serengeti, I did not take a course, just bought the textbook for around $50.00 which has a CD and gives you access to test questions online. Many people I talked with said don't waste the money on a course, the same techniques are outlined in the book. Knowing the definitions of words and remedial math are covered (ie area of a circle,etc) and these were asked on the test. Disciplined study and testing yourself will build your confidence and take away anxiety. I feel Kaplan is good about measuring progress with pretest/posttest evaluation. Hope this helps and good luck. jw

Special31, I have endorsed Kaplan in previous posts. I had not taken a standardized test in 20years so I was nervous about the GRE. Took the diagnostic and scored like in the 900's cold turkey. Took a month to study (about 20 hours per week) and took the GRE and scored in the 1200's. Although I don't think the GRE has any bearing on success in CRNA school, when I did interview it was pointed out by the director of the program that I had a very good GRE score and this made me competitive. ( I lackd ICU experience) Any hole in your application gives them reason to put you in the other pile so the more "assets" and qualifications you have, the better chance of an interview, then it is a matter of how you show your commitment and drive. TOne interviewer actually mentioned that she liked my GRE score; I told the panel I had not taken a test like that in years and I bought a book and studied hard and improved my score. One of the panel members actually said "well that shows some dedication". DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO GET IN

Beedog, What is the cut off for age for the scholarship? I looked at the Air Force and they said 38 was the cut off. I am 42 so I did not qualify. Let me know if you have this information. Thanks, jw

jlcole45, Fourty two and starting in two months with wife(who is supportive and two small children) and I feel ready. Debt will happen but you will make great money afterward. I have questioned it too but realize I would rather jump in and take the plunge rather than regret I didn't do it. Hey, I regret not going to nursing school years ago so I don't want a replay of this 20 years from now. Good luck and do it. JW

I agree with many above. The Kaplan GRE book I found helpful and they have a list of common words and I saw many of them on the exam. I scored around 1200 I think and the bookds helped me. As stated above, knowing words is important, if you know a word it makes the comparison much easier. Math is nothing complicated just practice practice. At the end, take a practice exam and this will give you a great idea on how your are doing. Take a couple of days off beforehand and relax. I am not usually great at those type of tests.

San073, Great comments from the others. I was one of those who started a little late I thought. Had another degree and worked in that field for 15 years then realized I was not happy and went to an accelerated BSN program. I will be one of those 40 somethings starting CRNA school and could not be more ready. Hey, I know I will have to work harder probably than most the "youngsters" but I will and have seen many posts of people who did the same. At my interview I think they liked that as was a little older because I told them I was very focused and would not be doing this at "my age" moving my family etc. I may be the oldest in my class but someone has to be. The comments from others hit it on the head, you will be retired before you are burnt out. I looked at the writing on the wall and knew I should go the CRNA route. I am excited and nervous; will be going to Newman University this fall so go for it and take it one step at a time. Good luck and just do it. jw

I agree with CufflerJJ, 2-4 hours a day for 6 weeks and be consistent and you should have the confidence to do well. Take as many practice questions and tests as possible. Kaplan's vocabulary words were very helpful in may case.

I used Kaplan and I usually am not good on standardized tests and scored 1280. Their bookds are very straight forward. I studied pretty hard for the exam.

I live in Colorado Springs and they are rarely used here. They are used at Ft. Carson Military Base (in Colo Spgs) and in Pueblo which is 35 miles from here. I am going to school this fall so do not know if I will be back. Maybe it is time for a group to try and get started here when I get back----who know. The commute from Colo Spgs to Pueblo is 40 minutes of interstate so I may come back for that gig if possible. Go to Gaswork.com and Colorado has only a few opportunities. jw

I think the horse has been burried. Good luck to all of you; I am a 1st alternate with two years experience and happen to be a pretty good nurse I think with A LOT to learn too. The learning curve awaits.

3.75 Nursing and Science---I am consistent I guess. 3.2 Finance 15 years ago I think a solid grade point of 3.25 and above with good GRE and recommendations and a good attitude goes a long way. There are some who work their tale off and get 4.0 and others who it comes easy too. I worked hard but also lived life. Could I have gotten a 4.0---sure, but at what cost to family and sanity. I look at CRNA school as a lifetime opportunity and I will do what it takes to stay in. jw

Ok, Had the interview at Newman this past weekend. All I can say it was strange and it looks like a good facility and the students who greet you say they like the program-----but what are they supposed to say. Anyway, the interview committee seem preoccupied at times which probably is not good or maybe they are testing you. I try not to read into those things. Anyone out there interview in the past couple of weeks feel the same. We will see the outcome soon. jw

I am 45 and figure I would hate to be 51 and have not tried. My point is if you plan to work until you are in your mid 60's you could do it part time and have it "supplement your social security". I have two interviews and hope to start next fall. Go for it.

COtraumarn and nursemellissa1, Thanks for the inputs. Really gives me a feel for the interview. Appreciate you taking the time to post. bsn14John

BodyGuard, The disconnect with your wife must be at the interview because she has the credentials. That is the only way to explain it. I am sorry it is so frustrating but you have to believe it WILL happen. I have an interview with a school in January and I am prepping for the interview big time. Hang in there, she is going to get in. BSN14John

Any other inputs from anyone? Thanks, jw

ICUDOUCME, Thanks a bunch, I will make a mental note that the patients I discuss I will know many details about them. How long was the interview? Where did you end up going? Thanks again. John

Bryan, I found the Kaplan Premier Program book to be real helpful. It has words in the back that are used frequently and I saw some of them on the exam. They also have math equations frequently used. Has many practice tests, cd and access to the web site to practice. For $35.00, it is well worth it. I studied probably about 20 hours for the GRE and scored 550 verbal and 630 math, so not a great score but decent. I may retake for scholarship possibilities also. I think if you studied 60-80hours total you would really do well. Just a thought. John

wanttobeacrna, Did you go to school there? Just got an interview letter and want to know how the process goes. Thanks for any input, John

All, Just received an interview letter from Newman University for their CRNA program. Interview scheduled for January 27th, 2008. Anyone experience the wrath. I am excited/nervous about the opportunity. If anyone has an input, it is extremely appreciated. John

On the web site there is a name of a contact person, can't think of her name.. She told me about 30-40 apply and they take 6-8 in August and in January. The 14k is for out of state for the whole program. They will send you a packet with all of the information. I think I am going to apply for fall of next year also. I just got a letter to interview at Newman University in Wichita today also, so I am feeling good and scared right now. John

kwalrn, I have looked into the program and it is a small program(6-8 students) with a class starting in August and one in January. Tuition is very low, 14K for out of state. They pay for your families' health insurance while you go and after 6 months, they do a loan program where you get 1500 a month and can pay it back by working after you graduate. One clinical site, St. John's is a 900 bed level I hospital. 30 month program. I may move my family out there to get to know some people. The nurse recruiter at St. John's stated to me this is a good idea. Cost of living is cheap. Good luck, my drawback is ICU experience My stats are: GPA 3.7, GRE 1180, they told me that was very competitive. Hope this helps, John

All, Thanks for the inputs. Beedog13(Brian) thanks for the wise words. I am willing to relocate anywhere, wife works for government which is easily transferable and we have "some savings" but will do whatever to get the job done. My wife knows when I finish that she can stop working full-time--------that is her motive. Anyone else please keep sending your notes. It is appreciated. If I don't get in, I will keep trying. Thanks again, John

Great numbers nurselizk; going up against folks like yourself I may be at the bottom of the barrel. Will take your advice regarding direct contact. Where are you starting in January? Good luck and thanks for the reply.